Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put Virginia on the Map
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains just northeast of Roanoke, the town of Floyd has emerged as a beacon for craft beverage lovers, thanks in large part to the fun and rustic atmosphere of the Floyd Country Store. While it’s primarily a music venue, the store’s taproom showcases an impressive array of local craft beers and ciders, drawing visitors eager to sample Virginia’s burgeoning brewing scene in a setting that embraces Appalachian heritage. The laid-back vibe paired with live bluegrass sessions gives you a true taste of mountain culture, making spring and summer evenings especially vibrant when the porch fills with music and laughter.
A short drive from Richmond, the brewery scene thrives in the Scott’s Addition neighborhood, an industrial district reimagined as the capital’s craft beer hub. Veering into Ardent Craft Ales, you encounter an ever-rotating lineup of experimental brews that emphasize balance and subtle flavors, a hallmark that sets it apart from the hop-heavy profiles often dominating the market. Its urban warehouse taproom invites visitors to linger over a flight while the nearby urban trails of the Brown’s Island River Park offer a refreshing stroll along the James River after tasting through the local creations. Early fall is ideal here, when the mild weather pairs perfectly with outdoor seating and the city’s fall foliage.
Down in the heart of Virginia’s wine country, the Monticello Wine Trail near Charlottesville reveals a lush landscape dotted with vineyards producing some of the East Coast’s finest vintages. Jefferson Vineyards, located just a few miles from the University of Virginia campus, stands out for honoring Thomas Jefferson’s original winemaking vision. Walking through their historic cellar and tasting room, visitors can savor Viognier and Cabernet Franc grown on the very slopes Jefferson once dreamed would rival European estates. Visiting in late summer during harvest season offers a sensory immersion, with vibrant vineyard colors and the buzz of winemaking activity.
Further south, near the historic town of Abingdon, you’ll find the Virginia Highlands Festival and a growing number of distilleries capturing the flavor of the region’s Appalachian heritage. One standout is the Ironroot Republic Distillery, just on the outskirts of town, where visitors can tour their rustic facility and sample small-batch bourbons and whiskeys. Their flagship rye whiskey, crafted from locally sourced grains, echoes the pioneering spirit of Southwest Virginia’s early settlers. Fall visits here are particularly atmospheric, as the surrounding mountains showcase brilliant foliage and the crisp air enhances the tasting experience.
On Virginia’s Eastern Shore, just across the Chesapeake Bay from Norfolk, the artisan distilleries embrace the coastal environment. Blue Ruin Spirits in Cape Charles crafts unique gins and vodkas infused with local botanicals. Spending a day here combines a tasting with the town’s charming historic district, where Victorian architecture lines streets leading to the waterfront. The maritime climate imbues the spirits with a distinct brininess and freshness. Spring, when the shore blooms with wildflowers and migratory birds, offers an especially picturesque backdrop.
In the foothills of the Shenandoah Valley, near Staunton, the Valley Brewing Company exemplifies the region’s dedicated craft beer culture. Their taproom, housed in an old brewery building downtown, offers a welcoming space to sample everything from smooth pale ales to robust stouts. What sets this brewery apart is its commitment to reflecting the valley’s agricultural roots through seasonal brews incorporating local grains and hops. Pairing a tasting here with a walk along the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway’s Shenandoah National Park entrance, especially during the vibrant fall foliage season, makes for a complete sensory journey.
Just outside of Williamsburg, the Williamsburg Winery provides a polished yet authentic experience where history and viticulture intertwine. Established on land once cultivated by the Virginia Company, the winery invites visitors to tour its vineyards and cellars before sampling award-winning blends in a grand tasting room. Its signature Viognier and Bordeaux-style reds showcase the region’s unique terroir influenced by coastal breezes. Early autumn offers the most picturesque visit, as the vines turn warm hues and the cooler air makes outdoor seating a treat.
Whether in the rolling Piedmont near Leesburg or deep in the Appalachian highlands, Virginia’s craft beverage scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Each stop tells a story, connecting visitors to the state’s rich agricultural traditions and innovative spirit. Sampling a smoky bourbon by a mountain firepit or a crisp wine overlooking centuries-old vineyards, travelers discover that Virginia pours more than drinks—it pours history, culture, and a distinctly local flavor into every glass.