Overview: The fifth annual Two Up Wine Down returns to Charlottesville, Va., for a three-day weekend dedicated to Virginia wine, food, and culture. Held from November 5 through November 7, 2026, the event features multiple venues including Barboursville Vineyards and The Doyle Hotel. Proceeds support educational initiatives and culinary foundations.
The Full Story
The celebration begins Thursday, November 5, with Ridge to Root: Honoring the Shared Legacies of Edna Lewis and Barboursville Vineyards at Barboursville Vineyards. This dinner marks 50 years since the publication of Lewis’ *The Taste of Country Cooking* and the founding of Barboursville Vineyards in 1976. Chef Leah Branch prepares a family-style meal inspired by Lewis’ food traditions, with storytelling by food historian Deb Freeman. The gathering is limited to 65 guests.
Friday, November 6 features Tanya Holland hosting “California Soul Meets Virginia Wine” at The Doyle Hotel’s Lobby Bar from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Holland, a former Top Chef contestant and University of Virginia alumna, will host a tasting featuring three Virginia wine producers. Canapés are inspired by her third cookbook, *Tanya Holland’s California Soul: A Culinary Journey West*. Copies are available for purchase through Commerce Street Books.
Saturday, November 7 hosts the Two Up Wine Down Festival on the lawn at Jefferson School City Center from 2 to 5 p.m. Presented by The Veraison Project and Oenoverse, wine professionals serve as curators sharing selected Virginia wines. DJ Nobé provides music, with food available from vendors including Chimm, Pearl Island and Vegan Comfort Soul Food. The celebration continues with The Afters afterparty at ETHOS Wine + Tea from 7 to 10 p.m., hosted by Alexya Brown and Tiffany Nguyen.
Brand & Industry History
Barboursville Vineyards was founded in 1976, the same year Edna Lewis published *The Taste of Country Cooking*. Tanya Holland returned to Charlottesville after founding Oakland’s Brown Sugar Kitchen and teaching at UVA. Through that work, she connected with culinary historians regarding Black cooks and creators helping shape the area’s food scene.
What This Means
Proceeds from the festival support Oeno Camp, a program providing emerging wine professionals with education, mentorship and connections in Virginia’s wine industry. The event also benefits the Edna Lewis Foundation’s programming and scholarships supporting Black foodways in culinary arts, agriculture, food studies and storytelling.
Consumer Takeaway
Attendees must be at least 21 to drink; designated driver and non-tasting ticket options are available. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. The festival is held rain or shine, and guests may bring blankets and chairs. Tickets and event links are available via Eventbrite and the official website.
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