Richmond distiller showcases Virginia-made spirits on international stage

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A Richmond distiller travelled to Paris to showcase Virginia-made products at a prestigious international wine and spirits event.

Between Monday, Feb. 9 and Wednesday, Feb. 11, five Virginia-based distilleries will participate in the VinExpo 2026 in Paris, according to a Monday afternoon press release from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).

Among them is Richmond's own Reservoir Distillery. Located at 1800A Summit Ave., this local distillery specializes in whiskey and prides itself on being the third of its kind outside of Kentucky to distill bourbon post-prohibition.

The other four Virginia-based distillers that traveled to Paris include:

• Laird & Company, 3638 Laird Ln. in Albemarle County
• Virginia Distilling Co., 299 Eades Ln. in Nelson County
• Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, 120 W. Main St. in Loudoun County
• Ironclad Distillery Co., 124 23rd St. in Newport News

These distillers, alongside six others from North Carolina, will have their products showcased at VinExpo 2026 as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) pavilion.

“Virginia’s craft distillers represent the innovation, heritage and quality that define our Commonwealth’s agricultural sector,” said Katie Frazier, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, in the release. “Participating in VinExpo Paris puts these producers on a global stage and aligns strongly with our Administration’s priorities to expand market and trade opportunities for Virginia products.”

Additionally, the Virginia Spirits Board held a "Virginia Cocktail Games: Paris Edition" at the Hôtel de Talleyrand in central Paris on Monday, pairing Virginia distillers with Parisian bartenders to see who can create the best exclusive cocktail. These drinks were meant to pay homage to the historic relationship between France and Virginia.

"The winning Parisian bartender will be awarded the opportunity to travel to Virginia and explore the history, culture and hospitality of Virginia’s distilling community," VDACS said in the release.

At this time, said winning bartender has not yet been announced.