Summer is the perfect time to craft a road trip adventure! And, we’ve put together a useful road map to assist with your adventures. In our cover story, Jeff highlights a few new and recently opened breweries across the Commonwealth. By no means is this a complete list. There’s so much to see and do from breweries to beer trails and beer bars to bottle shops to camping and outdoor activities, get out there and do it this summer and share your photos with us on social media by tagging Virginia Craft Beer Magazine.
Also, in this issue, we’ll highlight the Virginia breweries who received medals at the World Beer Cup and other national awards ceremonies. Jeff chats with World Beer Cup Gold Medals Winners Bill Butcher of Port City Brewing (Alexandria) and Randy Thomas owner of Caiseal (Hampton) and gets their insights on the recognition and strategy for making awardwinning beer.
In addition, our Northern Virginia writers introduce us to a fun, familyowned establishment, Crafted Beer & Wine Bistro and Glass Studio in Ashburn. In celebration of Pride month, we’ll tell you about a new brew tour in Hampton Roads where beer lovers can purchase a “passport” to receive discounts at participating breweries through November – all to raise funds for the Hampton Roads Pride’s scholarship program. And, as always, we’ll include our Events Calendar and Brewery Guide to further assist with summer explorations!
Cheers!
Jennifer
St. George Brewing Company
Discover your perfect pour with our wide selection! 20+ TAPS
Hungry Dragon
Mon: 5-8 PM
Tues-Fri 4:30-7:30 PM
Saturday: 12-7:30 PM
Live Music
Live Music every Friday & once a month on Saturday!
Will You Marry Me?
By Leisa Rebold
Will Sawyer, who was voted Hampton Roads’ Coolest Brewer at Veer Magazine’s Golden Tap Beer awards in December 2023, proposed to his girlfriend, Courtney, who also works in the beer industry, in a unique and heartfelt way. Proving not only is he the coolest brewer but also a very cool romantic.
Inspired by the old-fashioned Chick-O-Stick candy his sweetheart loves. Will, with Courtney’s help, created and brewed a special English Brown Ale incorporating carefully chosen grains to subtly bring out the peanut butter and toasted coconut notes that are reminiscent of the candy. Without Courtney knowing, Will planned a surprise proposal party at The Garage Brewery in Chesapeake where he is the Head Brewer, and has worked since it opened.
Family and friends hid in the brew house and then all casually strolled out as he began to ask for his beloved’s hand in marriage. Unbeknownst to Courtney, he named the beer “Will You Marry Me.” Courtney was very surprised and touched by the gesture.
She said yes.
The English Brown Ale is currently on tap.
Big Ugly, Big Award
Big Ugly Brewing has won Best Taproom in Veer Magazine’s Golden Tap Awards on numerous occasions. Now, the Chesapeake brewery has been recognized on a global level. Craft Beer Marketing Awards presented Big Ugly with its 2024 Best On-Premise Branding/Coolest Taproom Award.
World Beer Cup Scores
Independent craft breweries from Virginia took home big-time awards at the 2024 World Beer Cup in Las Vegas. Here’s how our home-state beer makers placed.
Virginia Green Travel recently announced its 2024 Star Awards winners for environmentally conscious businesses connected to the tourism industry.
Old Bust Head Brewery in Warrenton garnered Green Brewery of the Year honors.
COVA Brewing and Elation Brewing each were presented Green Travel Leader Award plaques. And in the People Choice Award category, Old Bust Head Brewery tied Natural Bridge State Park for first place.
Will & Courtney at The Garage Brewery
An easy drinking Belgian Wit that isn’t afraid to let your palate know it’s a craft beer. The addition of Orange peel, Coriander and Chamomile add subtle and unique notes to the body and flavor without delivering a robust bite.
World Class Wit
By Jeff Maisey
Winning awards is nothing new for Alexandria-based Port City Brewing Company.
The brewery’s name is synonymous with excellence and consistency in brewing.
Still, it is impressive to say the least to observe another piece of hardware going their way — a gold medal in 2024 World Beer Cup Beer awards for Optimal Wit in the BelgianStyle Wit category.
Bill Butcher, founder of Port City Brewing Company, shared his thoughts on this latest accomplishment.
How many World Beer Cup medals has Port City won overall?
We now have 5 World Beer Cup medals: 2018 Porter, Silver; 2022 Downright Pilsner, Silver; 2023 Colossal 2, Bronze; 2023 Optimal Wit, Bronze; 2024 Optimal Wit, Gold.
They hang in our Tasting Room next to our 14 Great American Beer Festival medals.
How many world and national-level awards has Optimal Wit won?
Optimal Wit has won two World Beer Cup awards: 2023 Bronze and 2024 Gold.
It has also won 4 Great American Beer Festival medals: two Gold (2013 and 2021); Silver, 2018; Bronze, 2015.
What was the first thing that came to your mind when hearing the news this year?
The first thing that came to mind was a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for being able to lead a team that is brewing worldclass quality beer and presenting it in the market in a worldclass quality manner. The only thing that could have made that moment better would have been to have the whole team with me on stage.
What does it mean to your brew team to have a best beer in the world?
Our brewing team takes a lot of pride in their craft. They look out for each other and hold each other to very high standards. An award like this is a very satisfying team win, and it validates the painstaking attention to detail that our brewers embrace. It also gives all a great reason to get together and celebrate!
What makes Optimal Wit such a consistently successful competition beer?
Optimal Wit, along with the other medal winners over the years, are the flagships of our portfolio. These are the beers that we brew, package, sell and drink every day, week in and week out. We know the recipes, the brew sheets, and the potential challenges of brewing these beers. Our entire team has their hands on these beers each step of the way. It is this consistency and fastidious attention to detail that helps our team brew with consistently great results. We take a lot of pride in keeping our flagships at the highest quality levels every day.
Has it been a popular seller in the taproom and packaged distribution?
Optimal Wit is our best-selling beer and has been since the day we opened. We sell it in bottles, cans and kegs up and down the East Coast. It makes up about 40% of our production during the year. It is a delicious, refreshing and complex beer that is very food friendly. It continues to grow and delight our customers and we love to see that!
How do you plan to promote it over the next year?
We will continue to highlight the Optimal Wit as a food friendly, delicious beer to be enjoyed year-round. We also will highlight the fact that Optimal Wit is brewed with 100% Virginia grown wheat from Virginia’s Northern Neck. We want people to know that when they crack open an Optimal Wit, they are supporting local Virginia agriculture, as well as enjoying the best example of Belgian Witbier in the world!
Bill Butcher (pictured far left) and Team Port City at a recent World Beer Cup ceremony.
The World’s Best Belgian-Style Quad
By Jeff Maisey
Namur The Merrier claimed top spot in the Belgian-Style Quadruple category at the 2024 World Beer Cup.
Yep, the best Belgian hails from Hampton, Virginia folks.
At 11% ABV, it’s a big beer, one that deserves to be savored slowly.
Head brewer Todd Emr has garnered numerous awards both as a master distiller and head brewer. Emr doesn’t have to get overly creative to impress — he loves the traditionals.
All Caiseal products are sold on draft at The Vanguard Brewpub. They are best enjoyed while listening to live music, which the venue is also well known as. After a show, the best-selling brands are available in cans to take home.
We caught up with Randy Thomas, president and founder of The Vanguard Brewpub and Distillery, which produces award-winning spirits and craft beer under the brand Caiseal, to get his impressions.
Was this Caiseal’s first World Beer Cup medal? Yes.
What was the first thing that came to your mind when hearing the news?
Surprise and concern. I was working and lost track of time
awards ceremony. When he told me we won a gold medal, I was elated. That is quite an accomplishment.
What does it mean to you and head brewer Todd Emr to have a best beer in the world?
I think most brewers feel they make some of the best beer in the world, so in the back of our minds we are always hopeful. To win a World Beer Cup medal at any level is a lifetime accomplishment, but Gold is extremely rewarding. It is incredible.
What makes Namur The Merrier such a unique beer?
I don’t think it is necessarily unique —- it is just exceptionally good. We mostly stick to classic beer styles and focus on making them the best we can. Namur The Merrier is the perfect example of well-made beer.
Has it been a popular seller in the taproom and packaged distribution?
Namur The Merrier has been a good seller for us, so we started canning it and made it a core beer. It has done well for us in both the taproom and in distribution.
How do you plan to promote it over the next year? We have made the usual announcements on our social media pages and are producing printed ads for our staff and sales
MUG SHOTS
Elevation 27 Beer Fest, virginia Beach
The Gnarly Hops Block Party & Brew Fest,
Pride Brew Tour
By Jeff Maisey
New for 2024, Hampton Roads Pride is adding some additional cheer with its Brew Tour.
The tour of local breweries launched May 25 in full party mode at Elation Brewing in Norfolk from 2 PM to 6 PM with live music, drag performances and other festivities. Various discounts will be provided through November 10 when you “join” and collect points. Instructions can be found at HamptonRoadsPride.org.
Participating breweries include Coastal Fermentory, Bold Mariner, Big Ugly, The Garage, Smartmouth, Studly, Reaver Beach, Virginia Beer Co., Capstan, Alewerks, Tradition, Makers, Post Secondary, Vibrant Shores, New Realm, 1700, Gloucester, and Elation. Each brewery will unveil its own Pride themed craft beer and Pride party. Most are scheduled during Pride Month — June.
We recently asked Hannah Barber, Co-Chair Community Engagement & Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion for Hampton Roads Pride, how the Brew Tour came to be.
How did the idea come about for the Pride Beer Tour?
Cory Moreno (another HRP board member) and I are huge beer lovers and were searching for another way to create safe spaces in Hampton Roads for LGBTQ+ people to gather and build community. We thought what better way to build community than getting the brewery community involved!
Local craft breweries have been very supportive of Pride Month with special beer releases and events. Can you comment of this industry’s inclusive community spirit?
The local brewery industry has been nothing but supportive and engaged with our community, even before the
Brew Tour kicked off. Through their participation in the Brew Tour, they’re just further showing their commitment to the community by demonstrating that they’re a safe space all year long, not just during Pride Month.
Did you see the Pride Beer Tour as a way of helping give back to local breweries?
We wanted the Brew Tour to be a way to introduce our community to breweries and beer in all seven cities. The Brew Tour is a great way for Hampton Roads Pride to drive new customers to these amazing and inclusive businesses.
What are some of your favorite beer styles or beer brands?
My wife and I drink a lot of IPAs... from juicy to hazy to New England style, they’re all delicious! We’ve been super into King of Clouds by Three Notch’d.
Any additional thoughts/insights regarding the Pride Beer Tour?
The ultimate goal of the Brew Tour is to raise funds for Hampton Roads Pride’s scholarship program... all proceeds from passport sales will go to scholarships for deserving students in Hampton Roads! We’re so excited to have fun while serving the community.
Hannah Barber
Summer Roadtrip To What’s New
By Jeremy Bender
Like many of you, I’ve criss-crossed the beautiful Commonwealth of Virginia checking one brewery after another off the to-do list.
As most of you will certainly agree, we all have our favorites and most frequently visited. There’s also the neighborhood brewery where you gather with friends nearly every Thursday for trivia night.
Since COVID, the number of new breweries opening has slowed to a trickle. But, this doesn’t get you off the hook.
Here’s a few recently opened independent craft breweries to inspire a renewed quest to taste what’s fresh in Virginia.
Happy hopping.
The Alpine Goat Brewery
Who doesn’t love farm animals?
If you’re looking for a destination brewery that’s sure to please the kids while mom and dad enjoy a few traditional European inspired beers, The Alpine Goat Brewery is a fantastic choice.
Located off I-81 between Harrisonburg and Staunton, Alpine Goat features the German and Austrian traditions for most of its lineup, but you’ll also find an IPA or two and a Dry Irish Stout. The beers overall are lower in ABV than most, thus making this an ideal road-worthy stop.
I’m looking forward to their Hefeweizen and The hills are alive with the sound of Alpine goats.
NO KIDDING: Be sure to pet a goat while enjoying a German-inspired beer at The Alpine Goat Brewery.
Photo courtesy of the brewery.
Hidden Wit Brewing Company
Moseley, Virginia
Located west of Richmond out by the zoo and billed as “a little escape,” the recently opened brewery showcases easy-to-drink beers and serves in-house burgers, salads and other tasty foods.
The leadership team includes Steam Bell Brewery owners Brad and Andrea Cooper, former James River Home Brewers club president Chad Ritter, and others with restaurant industry and business expertise. Start your tasting adventure with the Hidden Wit wheat beer, then proceed with Charlie’s Brown Ale and Inner Vixen Blonde Ale with strawberry.
COMFORTS: Handhelds and a beer delight at Hidden Wit Brewing Company. Photo courtesy of the brewery.
GOING THE DISTANCE: Get the most miles out of your vacation with a beer cocktail from Full Distance Brewing. Featured here is the Michelada Beer Cocktail.
Full Distance Brewing Stafford, Virginia
Doing a long distance bike ride with friends in Northern Virginia? Take a much needed break near Quantico and visit Full Distance Brewing. The brewery’s theme: “celebrating the challenges, commitment, and satisfaction of training and racing. Whether it is triathlon, running, cycling, or everyday challenges, celebrate the spirit of going the full distance with finely crafted beer.”
Founder Doug Meyer is a former Marine, marathon runner, and triathlon competitor. Drink-in those beer carbs to replenish your recovering muscles from a long bike ride this summer.
Make it a refreshing Yucatan Sunrise Mexican Lager for me.
roadtrip
Photo courtesy of the brewery.
roadtrip
Afterglow Brewing
Norfolk, Virginia
A favorite spot with local home brewers, Afterglow is Norfolk’s is soon to mark its oneyear anniversary.
The vibe inside and out is very casual. Bring your pet, child, listen to local singer/ songwriters, and indulge in a wide variety of flavored hard seltzers like Luminous Raspberry Lemonade, and craft beers such as Dad Vibez Pilsner and Lazy Not Hazy — a West Coast-style moderately bitter IPA.
GLOWING: Soak up the chill vibes as you enjoy a cold brew and watch the sunset at Afterglow Brewing.
Photo courtesy of the brewery.
IT'S AMORE! The Garden of Love from Silver Branch Warrenton – the ultimate mouthwatering salty and delicious freshly made pizza with creamy alfredo topped with local goat cheese, artichoke hearts, maitake mushrooms, and spinach. Photo courtesy of the brewery.
Silver Branch Brewing Company
Warrenton, Virginia
Maryland-based Silver Branch opened its Virginia location last fall in the former Wort Hog brewery in Old Town Warrenton.
Enjoy a few beers and dinner at sundown on the rooftop bar. We suggest a Mosaic pizza such as Garden of Love (using local goat cheese) and Grilled Zucchini & Corn Toast to pair with House Cat Pale Ale or Glass Castle Pilsner.
Post dinner, definitely explore Monster City Triple IPA (10.5% ABV).
roadtrip
Crafted Finds a New Home in Ashburn
By Jefferson Evans and Chuck Triplett
There’s beer, there’s wine, there’s food, and there’s a glass blowing studio in the back. But this day, this day, there’s family and you quickly get the feeling that that’s not too unusual. Owner’s Steven and Katie Kihl run Crafted Beer & Wine Bistro and Glass Studio in Ashburn, VA together and are happy to be helped by Steven’s parents, Sue and David, who supplement their time babysitting Steven and Katie’s three kids with helping out around the store, whether straightening up or stocking coolers and wine racks. At one point, the kids burst in, all smiles and happy energy, and then off to home they go, leaving a few bemused smiles in their wake.
Crafted first came into being in Haymarket, VA in October 2013, in a space that served the business well until November 21, 2021, when right after Thanksgiving, Steven and Katie learned the business that owned the space was closing shop and they would have to close in just a few days. An unexpected scramble ensued as the couple checked out possible new spaces, including sites in Gainesville, Sterling, and more than one in Ashburn. Ending up in the heart of Old Ashburn (in a space in the Old Town Center Shopping Mall that was once a Honey Bee Creamery) was a happy thing for Steven and Katie
Katie and Steven Kihl
as both grew up in Ashburn and have known each other since grade school. “It really did feel like coming home,” they both say.
A lease was signed April 1, 2023, with the family handling all the work to remodel the space themselves, no contractors needed. An additional advantage of the space was the rural commercial zoning status made it easier to have the paperwork in place to allow the inhouse art facility, retail, and the restaurant. The couple has been paying full rent for some time so the motivation was strong to get the new space up and running and on April 5 of this year that became a reality, with the next day being the official grand opening. Several hundred people walked through the doors that first weekend and overall foot traffic has been strong. There have been hiccups such as a cooler that didn‘t want to behave on opening day, but overall things have worked out quite positively.
Presently, Crafted serves beer by the glass, does growler fills, and sells 4-packs and 6-packs, with new arriving beers, including new beers on tap posted on the store’s Facebook page. Single beer sales are included in future plans along with expanding the number of draft lines from six to nine. Wine tastings and tap takeovers are already occurring, with the first two tap takeovers featuring Monkish Brewing out of Torrance, CA and The Veil Brewing out of Richmond, VA. The intent is to start up glass blowing classes in June or July. Initially, classes will be for two people at a time, or perhaps two couples at a time given that two glass torches will be available. And, of course, Steven’s own glass pieces will be for sale too.
Let’s not forget food. Crafted has a full, if cozy, kitchen putting out food such as Local Roasted Pork Belly, a roast beef sandwich, a chopped Italian meat sub, Nordic Knots from Melissa Romano, who also owns the Lake Anne Brew House in Reston, and more. So, stop by Crafted, a small place that has a whole lot to offer, whether top notch beer or wine for the spirit, tasty food for the body, and art that is good for the soul. Cheers!
BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS
Summer Solstice Fest
Sat., June 15, 1-11pm
A community celebration featuring live music, beer, food, arts, crafts, performances, Sundown 5K Race, and more.
118 S. Main Street, Blacksburg downtownblacksburg.com
Go With The Flow Brewfest
Sat., June 22, 12-8pm
Spend the day enjoying craft brews, local distilled spirits, cocktails, and wine, food trucks, and listening to live music as you take in the scenery along the New River. There will be axe throwing, corn hole, vendors, and more. Plus, there’s a 5k race to prep you for the day! Tickets: $15$70.
Fries Park Anderson Street, Fries www.flowbrewfest.com
FloydFest
Wed.-Sun., July 24-28
Five days of “Music, Magic, and Mountains” featuring purposeful programming, vibrant and varied vendors, quality craft brews and chews, healing arts, workshops, camping, children’s activities, outdoor adventure, and more, plus almost 100 artists performing on seven stages over five days. 5826 Floyd Hwy. North, Check www.floydfest.com
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Southern Food Festival at COTU
Sat., June 8, 1-7pm
Enjoy a whole day of southern food, live music, delicious beer, wine, cider, and non-alcoholic beverages. Center of the Universe 11293 Air Park Road, Ashland
6th Anniversary at Brewing Tree
Sat., June 15, 12-8pm
Celebrate with live music all day, food specials, vendors, and great beer!
Brewing Tree Beer Company
9278 Rockfish Valley Highway, Afton
Summer Beer Dinner at Blue Mountain
Thurs., June 20, 6:30-9:30pm
Join us for a 5-course meal paired with Blue Mountain Brewery beers and hosted by Brewmaster Taylor Smack.
Blue Mountain Brewery 9519 Critzers Shop Road, Afton 540.456.8020
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival Sat., July 27, 12-6pm
RVA’s Biggest, Baddest, Bone-In
BBQ Fest featuring beer, bourbon, barbecue, boots, bacon, biscuits, bluegrass, and smoked beasts! Plus, enjoy games, seminars, vendors and more! Tickets: $45 GA; $65 VIP Farm Bureau Center at The Meadow Event Park 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell www.beerandbourbon.com
COASTAL VIRGINIA
Rockin’ for Rescues at The Vanguard
Sat., June 8, 11am
Outdoor craft market with live music all to benefit Magpie & Daisy’s Pet Rescue.
The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery
504 N. King Street, Hampton thevanguard757.com
48th Annual Norfolk Harborfest
Fri.-Sun., June 7-9
America’s largest, longest-running, free maritime festival, Norfolk Harborfest celebrates all of the elements that make Norfolk & Hampton Roads a historic maritime & Naval community. Featuring the annual Parade of Sails featuring international tall ships, one of the largest fireworks shows on the East Coast, a drone show, interactive family games and activities, Navy exhibits and demonstrations, artisan foods and beverages, live entertainment, and more. Town Point Park Waterside Drive, Norfolk 757-441-2345 www.festevents.org
Coastal Virginia Bluegrass & Brew Festival
Fri.-Sun., June 7-9, 8pm
Indoor concert series featuring bluegrass music and local ciders and brews from Sly Clyde Ciderworks, St. George Brewing Company, and more!
The American Theatre 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton
Who's going to win this year's Virginia Craft Beer Cup Best In Show Award?
Find out at the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild's Cup Competition Awards Gala on Monday, July 22 from 6 to 9pm at the Farm Bureau Center in Doswell. Brewers, beer enthusiasts, and the craft beer community come together to celebrate the best-of-the-best brews from across the Commonwealth. Attendees will enjoy awardwinning beer, great food, and hear first-hand who the Cup Competition winners are in each category –leading up to Best In Show!
Bluegrass & Brew Festival
Sat.& Sun., June 8 & 9,
Experience a trio of genre-defining bluegrass acts – Chicken Wire Empire on Sat. at 8pm and Jacob Jolliff Band on Sun. at 3pm. Plus, enjoy selections from Sly Clyde Ciderworks, St. George Brewing Company, and more.
The American Theatre 125 East Mellen Street, Hampton www.hamptonarts.org
COVA’s Pride Party & Night Market
Thurs., June 13, 6-9pm
Celebrate Pride at COVA! 15+ local craft vendors, new COVA Pride merch, plus You’re So Golden Ale. COVA Brewing Company 9529 Shore Drive, Norfolk covabrewco.com
Bourbon, Bacon, & Beer Fest
Sat., June 15, 3-8pm
Indulge in the perfect trio of flavor with unlimited craft beer, ten bourbon tastings, and a half pound of bacon! Tickets: $50 on Eventbrite. Abingdon Ruritan Club 8784 Guinea Road, Gloucester
Elated Market
Sun., June 16, 1pm
Featuring a fresh lineup of vendors and benefitting Dogs of Destiny, a local Pitbull rescue, plus enjoy live music, special eats, and great beer!
Elation Brewing 5104 Colley Avenue, Norfolk
OV Mermaid Festival
Sat., June 22
Featuring a 5K run/walk, 1 & 2 mile open swim, and a mermaid themed celebration plus a beer fest by the Coastal Virginia Brewery Alliance. Ocean View Beach Park
Woofstock at Afterglow
Sat., June 29, 12-6pm
A day full of bands, vendors, and good times! Come out and support local vendors and rescues and shelters. Adoptable dogs will be on-site.
Fourth of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks Celebration
Thurs., July 4, 5-10pm
Relax on the lawn and enjoy an evening of All-American fare, including hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, seafood, cotton candy, and much more, along with live musical entertainment from military brass bands! The night is capped off by the sensational fireworks show high above the Elizabeth River, beginning at 9:30pm.
Town Point Park Waterside Drive, Norfolk 757-441-2345 www.festevents.org
1 Year Anniversary Party at Afterglow
Fri.-Sun., July 12-14
Celebrate all weekend with brews, live music, special eats and treats!
Afterglow Brewing
2330 Bowdens Ferry Road, Norfolk Norfolk Latino Music & Food Festival
Sat., July 20, 2-10pm
Featuring explosive live music performances, an eclectic offering of Latin cuisine including tacos and empanadas, fun family-friendly activities, authentic dance lessons and performances, and much more.
Town Point Park Waterside Drive, Norfolk 757-441-2345 www.festevents.org
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
13th Anniversary Party at Lost Rhino Sat., June 15, 2pm
Celebrate our 13th Anniversary with a Beach Party!
Lost Rhino Brewing Co. 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn Beer Cheeseology Sat., June 15, 11am-1pm
Our brewmaster pairs an array of cheeses – mild, bloomy, rind cheeses, funky, creamy, hard, and stinky cheeses too – with beer! $60 per person.
Little Washington Winery & Brewery
72 Christmas Tree Lane, Washington
New Brand Launch at Lost Rhino Wed., July 17, 3pm
Live music by Scott Kurt at 5pm. Look for more details about our new brand launch on social media!
Lost Rhino Brewing Co. 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn
Crab-BBQ-Beer-Wine Fest Sat., June 22, 3-6pm
Crab pickin’ and a concert in the shade of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Order crabs by the half dozen - $50. BBQ kit includes coleslaw and chips, $15. Beer and wine sold separately.
Little Washington Winery / Skyline Brewing
72 Christmas Tree Lane, Washington
Virginia Craft Brewers Guild Cup Competition Awards Gala Mon., July 22, 6-9pm
Brewers, beer enthusiasts, and the craft beer community celebrate the best-of-the-best brews from across the Commonwealth. Enjoy awardwinning beer, great food, and hear first-hand who the Cup Competition winners are in each category –leading up to Best In Show!
Farm Bureau Center
Virginia State Fairgrounds 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell vamanufacturers.org
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
Hop Blossom Craft Beer Festival Sat., June 1, 12-6pm
Featuring 40+ breweries, local vendors, and so much more!
Tickets: $30 in advance; $40 day of. Proceeds benefit Dakota’s Dream and Winchester Main Street Foundation.
Old Town Mall
N. Loudon Street & West Boscawen Street, Winchester www.hopblossom.com
Pints & Ponies for Father’s Day at Stable Craft Sun., June 16, 1-3pm
Celebrate Dad with a cold beer and horses in the stable. Stable Craft Brewing 375 Madrid Road, Waynesboro
Red Wing Roots Music Festival
Fri.-Sun., June 21-23
A family-friendly three day celebration of music featuring five stages and 50+ bands, kids events and activities, bike rides in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, and close access to great hiking and fishing. Beer sponsored by Blue Mountain Brewery. Chimneys Park 94 Natural Chimneys Lane, Mt. Solon www.redwingroots.com
Summer Jam at Massanutten Wed., July 3, 5-10pm Music, beer, wine, food, and fireworks!
Massanutten Ski Area 4614 Massanutten Drive, McGaheysville 540.437.3368 www.massresort.com
SOUTHERN VIRGINIA
SunBine Music Festival Fri.-Sun., June 21-23
Celebrating the diversity of music on a beautiful farm brewery where we come together to shine a spotlight on established and emerging talent and raise money for future generations to enjoy music and the arts. Featuring fire performers, food, craft vendors, car camping, and more. Proceeds will fund scholarships for students pursuing music and the arts. Mountain Valley Brewing 4220 Mountain Valley Road, Axton Virginia Mountains
WEEKEND
Paty
APPALACHIA
Busted Still Brewing Company
185 Homeplace Drive, Gate City
276.210.6038
Lonesome Pine Brewing Company 15 East Main Street, Lebanon
