The 10 Best Breweries in Virginia

Introduction to Best Breweries In Virginia

Virginia Breweries are a big part of the culture in Virginia. Breweries make up one of the most popular tourist spots throughout the state, with visitors and craft beer lovers from all over coming to sample some of their favorite brews and enjoy themselves. Breweries in VA offer various types of beer, ciders, and wines that cater to many tastes and preferences. It’s not easy picking out which breweries you want to visit when there is such an abundance available, but we’ve compiled a list for your convenience! Find your next refreshing pint!

How Many Breweries Are There In Virginia?

There are currently over 190 breweries in Virginia, with that number continuing to grow. Breweries can be found all across the state, from Northern Virginia down to the Hampton Roads area and everywhere in between.

What Makes a Great Brewery?

For craft breweries to be considered great, it has to have quite a few things going for it. Breweries worth the time and money of visitors will offer more than just beer or cider on tap. Great Virginia breweries should provide an experience so good you’ll want to come back again and again!

• A Great Brewery must have a wide variety of beer options, ciders, and wines on tap.

• Great Breweries should have a great atmosphere with relaxing areas to sit down for a drink or play games while you’re waiting your turn at the bar.

• Another must-have is a friendly staff that is knowledgeable about their products to answer any questions visitors may have.

• A great brewery that offers food options is a huge plus as well. Having the ability to order and sit down for a meal while you enjoy your drink is always nice!

• Kid-friendly and pet-friendly locations make for a nice bonus as well!

• Live music or other types of entertainment are often available at the most popular breweries and tasting rooms.

How Are Virginia Breweries Distinct?

Virginia Breweries offer a little extra to stand out from other Breweries. They tend to be unique in the atmosphere they provide and their products and menu items.

– Tours are offered at many breweries for those who want to learn how it’s made or enjoy learning about new things.

– Dog-friendly breweries are popular in Virginia. So, if you’re traveling with your furry friend, they will be able to join in on the fun at most breweries!

– Many Breweries have outdoor seating, making for a great atmosphere when the weather is nice.

What Is a Brewery Trail or Spirit Trail?

Brewery Trails are an amazing way for visitors to get out and explore the state of Virginia while drinking some great beer! Many breweries offer free or discounted tours when you purchase a certain amount of product.

– Visitors can enjoy discounts on their favorite drinks at each brewery they visit throughout the trail.

– Trail maps can be found at Breweries or online so visitors can plan out their brewery trips for the day.

– Breweries that are part of a Spirit Trail often offer special discounts to those who have completed the trail, making it even more worthwhile!

Brewery Trails and Spirit Trails in Virginia For Craft Beer and More:

There are quite a few Brewery Trails throughout Virginia offering many different products. Some of the most popular Virginia breweries have Spirit Trails available.

– The Brew Ridge Trail

– The Northern Neck Craft Beer Trail

– The Brew Capital Ale Trail

Some other notable Brewery Trails include:

The Blue Ridge Brew Path, James River Wine and Beer Trail, Lil’ Brews Trail, and the Virginia Beer Company’s Brew Ridge Trail.

If you’re looking for a great way to spend a day or two, visiting some of these amazing Breweries is definitely the way to go! Not only will you get to enjoy some delicious beer, but you’ll also learn a lot about how it’s made and the culture behind it. Cheers!

The 10 Best Breweries in Virginia

Here are Tin Can Living’s picks for the best Virginia breweries without further ado!

Seven Sisters Brewery, Wytheville

contributed by Lindsay Davies of I’ve Been A Bit

When a town’s slogan is “there’s only one,” you know you’re going to enjoy some unique experiences! Seven Sisters Brewery in Wytheville, Virginia, is named as a tribute to the local mountain ridges and the Pleiades (aka the cluster of stars known as the Seven Sisters). As you may have guessed, they have seven flagship beers in their repertoire, among other seasonal brews. Each beer is unique in its own way, though Seven Sisters does have an emphasis on German styles of beer like Kolsch and Hefeweizen.

However, Seven Sisters Brewery is not just a spot to grab a pint but a local community space that’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike! Families are always welcome as the facility has plenty of space for fun and games – literally. Try your hand at some Tic-Tac-Toe, challenge a friend to Connect Four, or test your aim with some Cornhole! If you have a four-legged member of your family, feel free to bring them along, as well as all are welcome at Seven Sisters. As the saying goes, the more, the merrier! This is a vibe you don’t want to miss, as a visit to Seven Sisters is one of the best things to do in Wytheville.

Smartmouth Brewery, Norfolk

contributed By Cortney Edwards

Located in Norfolk, Smartmouth Brewery has it all. It’s not only a great place to grab some locally brewed beer but also the perfect spot for an event! Their spacious location is ideal whether you’re looking to host your upcoming happy hour or birthday party with room enough for 100+ guests. And if their indoor space isn’t enough, Smartmouth also has a spacious outdoor area for guests to enjoy.

However, it’s not just the great space that makes this brewery so desirable but their beer as well! Brewed on-site with fresh ingredients from nearby farmers and producers alike, you can be sure your taste buds are in for a treat at Smartmouth Brewery. In addition to their year-round brews – like the Beach Cruiser Kolsch and Not Brown, But Brewed in Brownsville Coffee Porter) – Smartmouth also offers several seasonal beers. So whether you’re looking for a day trip or want to enjoy some local beer at home, be sure to stop by when they have these special offerings on tap!

The Veil Brewing Company, Richmond

contributed by Megan Starr of Virginia Travel Tips

One of the most famous breweries in Virginia is Richmond’s The Veil Brewing Co. The successful brewery opened its doors in 2016 in Scott’s Addition in Richmond and has since opened three additional locations. Most of their beer is brewed at the original location, and the place is a fantastic establishment for those looking for delicious beer in a social atmosphere. You will find a food truck outside (rotates daily), terrace seating, and more.

Additional locations are Richmond’s Forest Hill and the Funkhaust Cafe in RVA. You will find their Norfolk location in the Railroad District. 

What makes Veil truly special is the variety of beer they have in their portfolio! You will find everything from Dreamless, an unspiced Belgian Witbier brewed with Belgian White Ale yeast and a hit of orange, to Berry Berry Mango Tastee, a smoothie-style sour ale that tastes something like a cross between a strawberry pie and a mango lassi. The Veil has really expanded their portfolio without ever compromising taste!

Be sure to hit up their Forest Hill locations, where you will find a full kitchen with food from Y Tu Mamá.

Oozlefinch Beers and Blending, Hampton

contributed by Cortney Edwards

Serving the Hampton Roads area, Oozlefinch Beers and Blending is a must-visit for those looking for some delicious beer. They are known for their blends of unique and interesting flavors, which have led to them becoming one of the most popular breweries in the state. In addition to their flagship beers, Oozlefinch also offers a rotating selection of seasonal brews.

What really sets Oozlefinch apart, however, is their barrel-aging program. Using bourbon and wine barrels as well as stainless steel tanks, they allow their beers to age and develop flavors that you can’t find anywhere else. This program has led to them being crowned the Best Brewery in Virginia by RateBeer.com and BeerAdvocate.com.

Be sure to check out their taproom, which offers a unique view of the production area – you can see the brewers at work! And if you’re feeling hungry, they also have food trucks on-site most days.

Blue Mountain Brewery, Afton

contributed by Stephanie Craig of History Fangirl

Whether you’re finishing up a trip north on the Blue Ridge Parkway or coming down Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, a stop in Afton is a refreshing way to get some respite from your road trip.

Besides sipping from the multiple award-winning local vineyards, Afton is the perfect place to enjoy a casual lunch at a quality brewpub.

Blue Mountain Brewery is a local favorite. Boasting that it is Virginia’s first rural brewery, you’ll find a great collection of bottled beer to take home with you, as well as seasonal and core beers on tap if you want to stay and dine.

Which you should! The food here is fabulous. For an appetizer, check out the Goat Cheese Onion Dip, while you can get a candied bacon bourbon burger for your meal. Don’t worry. They have healthier options as well, including gluten-free and vegan selections.

As for the beer itself, prepare to drink while here (as long as you have a driver!), but leave room in your budget to take some home with you!

Their most well-known beers include the Full Nelson, a Virginia Pale Ale, and their Classic Lager, a pre-Prohibition style lager.

The brewery, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, opened in 2007 with the goal of bringing the quality of an urban craft brewery to a rural, more tranquil setting.

You can coordinate your visit around a special event, like their New Year’s Brunch or their weekly Friday Fish Fry. Though there are always mountain views on offer, so every day here is special.

To get here, as with most places in this part of Virginia, you will want a car. Located on Critzer Shop Road in Afton, just ten minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway North Entrance!

Pleasure House Brewing, Virginia Beach

contributed by Cortney Edwards

Located in Virginia Beach, Pleasure House Brewing is a craft brewery that focuses on Belgian-style farmhouse ales.

You’ll find their flagship beer Farmhouse Ale as well as many others with names like Double Down, Butter Brew, and the Secret Lover Stout. These beer offerings are brewed year-round for those who often visit or to enjoy at home.

Pleasure House Brewing is a small, family-owned, and operated brewery that gives back to the community. They partner with local businesses and organizations to support events like beach cleanups, food drives, and more.

In addition to their great beer, you’ll love the laid-back atmosphere at Pleasure House – it’s the perfect place to relax after a long day at the beach.

Be sure to check out their rotating food trucks for something delicious to eat while you’re there!

Dirt Farm Brewing, Bluemont

contributed by Julie McCool of Fun In Fairfax VA

One of the best breweries in the greater Washington DC area is also one of the most dramatic. Perched on a hill in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Dirt Farm Brewing offers tasty brews with stunning views. The location is perfect for a day trip from DC that combines great beer with outdoor fun in beautiful Bluemont, Virginia. 

Work up a thirst when you hike the Appalachian Trail to a stunning view from Bear’s Den Overlook, which looks west from the same ridge. After your hike, reward your efforts with a beer on the spacious patio at Dirt Farm Brewing. Other outdoor seating options include a lawn and hillside dotted with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs (plus fire pits in winter). On a clear day, you’ll enjoy a stunning view east across the Virginia Piedmont and north into Maryland.

Dirt Farm offers a nice selection of flagship and special brews, including several IPAs, an Imperial Stout, and seasonal flavors infused with fruit grown on the family farm. A small kitchen offers a limited menu of snack foods with expanded options on the weekend. Leashed dogs are welcome, and you’ll generally see lots of families visiting. Weekend events feature live music, new beer releases, expanded food options, and other specials.

The brewery is one of three Bluemont businesses owned by the same farm family.  Next door, Bluemont Vineyards produces tasty Virginia wine and commands the same hillside view. At the bottom of the hill, Great Country Farms combines a farm store, children’s play space, and cidery. If your group has a mix of beer, cider, and wine lovers, you can easily visit all three. Just 60 miles west of DC, Dirt Farm Brewing is a perfect escape to the countryside.

Caboose Brewing Company and Tavern, Vienna

contributed by Cortney Edwards

Located in Vienna, Caboose Brewing Company and Tavern is a must-see destination for beer lovers. Their main focus is on craft beer – especially those brewed locally.

You’ll discover their flagship Brewhouse Brown Ale as well as other popular brews, including the Northern Spy IPA, Backyard Saison, Coalminer’s Daughter Porter, and the delectable malty Vienna Lager. Brewed year-round, you’ll love the flavor of these beers, whether they are served on tap or in bottles to take home and enjoy later.

Caboose Brewing Company is a popular destination for locals looking to relax after work with friends or family members. You can sit at their bar and enjoy a pint of your favorite brew or take advantage of their large seating area, which is perfect for groups. They also have an outdoor patio that’s great for warmer days.

In addition to their delicious craft beer options, Caboose Brewing Company and Tavern offers a full menu of food items. You can choose from starters like pretzels and onion rings, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. They also have a number of delicious desserts that are perfect for ending your meal on a sweet note.

If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy some tasty craft beers in the Vienna area, Caboose Brewing Company and Tavern is definitely worth checking out.

Lost Boy Cider, Alexandria

contributed by Maud Maciak of GoWhee

Lost Boy Cider is the perfect spot for anyone loving hard ciders, relaxed atmosphere, and visiting or located in Alexandria, in Northern Virginia.

The taproom is designed with an all-open concept to allow people to be part of the experience of making cider. There is lots of indoor seating, board games, and even a kids’ corner, making it the ultimate place for families (they even have kid-size non-alcoholic options) and dog parents alike.

Their extensive cider list is a crowd-pleaser, with great fruit-forward options such as the “Amelia,” a dry co-fermented cider with notes of Blueberries and Lavender. But it should be noted that Lost Boy just received the gold medal from the Governor’s Cup Award for their Comeback Kid cider, so this is a must-try!

The ciders are unique and bold in flavor, which is probably connected to the special journey that pushed Tristan, the founder, to start making ciders. After a serious health incident involving allergies to gluten, preventing him from enjoying beer and whiskey, he started to come back to drinking cider and therefore grew a deep passion for them. 

The inspiration of Lost Boy is rooted in the modernization of Irish heritage mixed with the traditional craft of Virginian apples. Something that Tristan is proud to share today with anyone visiting the taproom.

Located a short walk away from the metro leading to Washington DC. Lost Boy is a great stop when touring the U.S capital, or discovering the historic town of Old Town Alexandria.

New Realm, Virginia Beach

contributed by Cortney Edwards

New Realm Brewing is a new brewery in Virginia Beach that makes waves in the beer scene. They focus on creating innovative and exciting craft beers, and their taproom is a must-visit for anyone visiting the area.

New Realm’s most popular beers include the Hoplandia IPA, Hoptropolis DIPA, and the crisp and refreshing Pilsner. They also have several seasonal beer releases throughout the year, so there’s always something new to try at New Realm Brewing.

In addition to their delicious craft beer, New Realm Brewing also offers a full menu of food items. You can choose from starters like chicken wings and their delicious crab dip (a staple item for Virginia). They also have several sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas perfect for satisfying your hunger.

New Realm Brewing is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a great place to enjoy some tasty craft beers in the Virginia Beach area.

Other Breweries To Check Out!

• New District Brewing Co. Arlington, VA
• Queen City Brewing Staunton, VA
• Damascus Brewery Damascus, VA
• Crooked Run Brewing Sterling, VA
• Blue Mountain Barrel House Afton, VA
• Champion Brewing Company Charlottesville, VA
• Starr Hill Brewery Richmond, VA

Conclusion to Best Breweries in Virginia

Thank you for reading our blog post about the best Virginia Breweries! Virginia has a thriving craft beer scene. If you live in the state and love having an ice-cold brew or two, then we hope that this post gave you some new places to get your drink on!

We hope you enjoyed it and will visit some of these breweries soon. Cheers!

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