There is something special about gathering around a table and knowing that every dish has a story. The ingredients reflect the land. The menu carries the perspective of the chef. The people seated beside you share an appreciation for where food comes from and who makes it possible.
This August, Root to Table invites guests to experience that connection at Salute to Women in Culinary and Agriculture, a pair of events honoring the women whose talent, leadership, and care continue to shape Virginia’s food and farming communities.
Held in recognition of 2026 as the Year of the Female Farmer, the celebrations will take place in Waterford on August 23 and Richmond on August 30. Each event will bring together female farmers, chefs, food and beverage artisans, and makers for a culinary experience rooted in place, purpose, and community.
More Than a Memorable Meal
The setting, menu, and hospitality all play a part, but the experience is defined by the stories shared throughout the event. Guests gain a deeper appreciation for the farms that nourish the region, the makers who turn local ingredients into distinctive products, and the chefs who bring everything together with creativity and intention.
It is a high-end culinary experience without formality for its own sake. The atmosphere is welcoming, the food is thoughtful, and the focus remains on genuine connection.
Celebrating Women Who Move the Region Forward
Women have long played an essential role in agriculture and food, often while receiving too little recognition for their leadership and innovation. Salute to Women in Culinary and Agriculture places their work at the center of the table.
The events will spotlight women across the regional food system, from those tending the land and growing the ingredients to those crafting beverages, developing products, and leading kitchens. Together, their work reflects both the strength of Virginia’s culinary heritage and the possibilities ahead.
By gathering these voices in one place, Root to Table offers guests an opportunity to celebrate individual talent while seeing the larger community those women are helping to build.
What Guests Can Expect
Guests can expect seasonal dishes inspired by local ingredients, thoughtfully selected beverage pairings, and the chance to learn more about the women behind the meal. Just as importantly, they can expect the welcoming spirit that defines Root to Table: shared tables, meaningful conversation, and a sense of discovery with every course.
Whether you are deeply familiar with Virginia’s food community or simply looking for a memorable way to experience it, these gatherings offer a closer look at the people and places that make the region remarkable.
Join Us in Waterford or Richmond
Root to Table will present two opportunities to take part in Salute to Women in Culinary and Agriculture:
Waterford, Virginia
Hope Flower Farm & Winery
August 23, 2026
View the Waterford event
Richmond, Virginia
Celeste Farms
August 30, 2026
View the Richmond event
Each event offers its own expression of place while sharing the same purpose: to honor the women advancing regional food and agriculture and to bring people together through a meaningful culinary experience.
Choose your location and reserve your place at the table today!
