301-27-047 - VA Wine & Spirits Promotion at Vinexpo Wine Paris 2027

The Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is requesting bids for public relations and marketing services to promote Virginia-produced wine and spirits in European markets at Vinexpo Wine Paris 2027, with sealed bids due October 23, 2026 by 2:00 PM EST. The selected firm must be headquartered in or maintain an established office within the European Union with full-time employees available to support execution—a decision-flipping geographic and operational requirement.

Minimum qualifications include at least five years of professional experience in public relations and marketing for wine and spirits clients; completion of two promotional projects within the European Union in the past two years (one media-focused, one consumer/industry-focused); secured earned media coverage for wine and spirits clients in trade and consumer publications within the past two years; demonstrated experience with business-to-business buyer matchmaking in European markets; and prior public relations support for exporters of Virginia products.

Primary deliverables span February 15–17, 2027 at the Paris venue: arranging a minimum of six one-on-one buyer meetings per participating Virginia company, organizing a trade and media reception, coordinating two masterclasses showcasing Virginia wine and spirits, securing meaningful media coverage at trade and consumer levels, conducting buyer matchmaking with European importers and distributors, and providing post-show follow-up documentation. Vendors must submit management and professional service fees only; direct event-related expenses such as venue rental, equipment, and catering are excluded from proposals. The Virginia Department will identify participating companies, coordinate booth design and logistics, provide branding materials, and staff on-site support.

The contract period runs from November 2026 through April 2027. The award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Questions are due October 9, 2026 by 5:00 PM EST. A public bid opening is scheduled for October 26, 2026 at 9:30 AM EST via Microsoft Teams. All vendors must register in eVA and submit authorization to transact business documentation, W-9, small business subcontracting plan, vendor references, and pricing schedule.