The craft beer scene throughout Virginia is booming and currently at more than 200 breweries with more setting down roots throughout the state.
Several award-winning breweries have set up shop in Virginia, joining a family of acclaimed and decorated brewing veterans. While delicious lagers, stouts, IPAs, and ales are attracting tourists far and wide, many visitors also come for the overall experience. With good times, delicious food and family fun accompanying what’s on tap, it’s easy to see why Virginia is for Craft Beer Lovers.
Know before you go! Please wear a mask or face covering when indoors, practice appropriate social distancing, and observe Virginia’s current safety guidelines when you travel. Check with individual businesses before visiting for any updated hours or specific safety requirements. For more information on safe travel in Virginia, visit virginia.org/coronavirus.
To celebrate Virginia Craft Beer Month this August, here are five ways to enjoy Virginia’s finest craft brews.
1. HOP ON A CRAFT BEER TRAIL
Want to make a day of it? Find a craft beer trail in your area to visit several breweries all within a few miles of each other. Check these out for a drink along with beautiful scenery and delicious, locally-sourced meals.
- The Nelson 151 Trail provides a convenient way to sample Nelson County's many wineries and breweries, all along scenic Rt. 151. The trail features seven wineries, and three breweries/restaurants along a beautiful stretch of scenic byway, with Blue Ridge Mountain views, and easy access to and from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Venture along the Richmond Beer Trail to discover all of the diverse craft beers from more than 30 breweries.
- Explore the vibrant micro and craft brewing scene found throughout Southwest Virginia on the Southwest Virginia Mountain Brew Trail.
- Along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, you can taste some of the best craft beer while relaxing and enjoying the beautiful farms and mountains in the Shenandoah Valley.
- Make your way along the LoCo Ale Trail featuring delicious craft breweries in Northern Virginia's Loudoun County.
2. DINE WHILE YOU IMBIBE
Restaurants all across Virginia are proudly offering the homegrown brew on tap or by the bottle and “tap takeovers” are occurring statewide this month. Click here to find your next spot.
3. HAVE A BEER WITH YOUR DOG
Celebrate Virginia Craft Beer Month with the pups for your next brewery visit. Many breweries allow vaccinated, friendly, and leashed dogs on their patio or other designated areas. Dogs must kept on a leash or within a pet carrier and under the control of their owner at all times. Visit pet-friendly brewery locations listed here.
4. ENJOY LIVE MUSIC WITH YOUR BREW
Craft beer and live music go hand in hand and many of Virginia’s popular craft breweries are also known for being excellent live music destinations. Enjoy a nice craft beer while listening to some of the best music around Virginia with proper distancing from others. Most breweries offer live music every weekend from a variety of genres including bluegrass, rock, funk, and metal. Click here to discover your next favorite beer and music hangout.
5. TRY SOMETHING NEW
New breweries are popping up nearly every day in Virginia. Here are some that have opened recently.
- 3rd Street Brewery has opened a second location in Lynchburg at the old Ford Motor Co. building in Downtown.
- Unionville Brewing Company is an Agri-brewery located on a 25-acre farm in Orange County and offers high-quality traditional German and Belgium beers. UBC will also be serving spiked seasonal teas, lemonades and specialty beer cocktails using only the freshest ingredients.
- Cave Hill Farms Brewery, Rockingham County’s first official farm brewery
- Iron Pipe Aleworks, in Orange, located in the Historic Silk Mill Building.
