The Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary on January 9 and 10, 2026, with captivating presentations, hands-on workshops, and a taste of Virginia’s finest wines and spirits. Twenty-five years ago, the Virginia Fly & Wine began outside on the banks of the South River in Waynesboro; today, the festival is housed completely indoors at the Meadow Event Park on the state fairgrounds in Doswell, just a few miles north of Richmond.
The 2026 Virginia Fly & Wine features an impressive roster of renowned speakers and authors, including Tom Rosenbauer, Bruce Chard, Josh Miller, Beau Beasley, Wanda Taylor, Wes Hodges, Ian & Charity Rutter and Gary Dubiel; and innovative fly tyers like Allen Rupp, Steve Maldonado, Bart Lombardo, Bob Lindquist, and Jim Bensinger among others. Attendees learn directly from the experts through engaging seminars, demonstrations, and Q&A sessions. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newcomer to the quiet sport, these presentations offer invaluable insights into the techniques, gear, conservation, and art of fly fishing.
Returning in 2026 is the Virginia Fly & Wine’s Beyond the Cast Women’s Fly Fishing Symposium, an empowering show-within-a-show designed to foster community and skill-building among female anglers. Led by industry leaders, the symposium offers workshops tailored specifically to women’s needs and interests. Beyond the Cast takes place concurrently with the larger festival on Friday, January 10, but gets its own show space: the beautiful Meadow Hall Mansion, on the festival ground. Classes cover topics like fishing for steelhead, interacting with wildlife, advance tactics for trout, and saltwater fly fishing techniques. Because of increased demand, seating for 50 students will be available at this year’s symposium.
Festival-goers enjoy tastings from 10 distinguished Virginia wineries, each offering a variety of locally produced wines that showcase the region’s unique terroir. Four unique, acclaimed Virginia distilleries will also be on hand, providing samples of and information about their craft spirits. This blend of fly fishing and fine beverages sets the Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival apart as a true celebration of local culture and hospitality.
VIP ticket holders are invited to the Virginia Fly & Wine’s exclusive VIP Festival After-Party at Meadow Hall Mansion. This special event offers attendees the chance to mingle with industry speakers and authors, exhibitors, and fellow anglers in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Enjoy delicious food and drinks and live entertainment while sharing stories and forging lasting connections with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
2026 Virginia Fly & Wine sponsors include Harman’s Cabins, Miss Mayfly, Norvise, Wes Hodges Fly Fishing, Trailhead Creative, Trout Unlimited, and Shenk Capital Management.
Whether you come to experience expert instruction, sample flavorful wines and spirits, or connect with like-minded outdoor lovers, the 25th Annual Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival is for you. Don’t miss it! For tickets or more information, visit www.vaflyfishingfestival.com
