Distilleries in Virginia

When you picture the rolling hills and mountains of Virginia, chances are the sweeping landscapes of perfectly manicured vineyards come to mind.  The Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley are home to an insane amount of award winning vineyards and wineries.  In fact, 7 wineries within 30 miles of us were awarded with the 2017 Governor’s Cup Gold Medal this year. 

There are a number of outstanding breweries and microbreweries which have cropped up around us too.  Blue Mountain Brewery, Pro Re Nata, Wild Wolf Brewery, Devil’s Backbone, Basic City, Blue Mountain Barrel House, and Woodridge Farm Brewery  just to name a few. 

However, if your tastes glean to something stronger and more refined, you will love Virginia Distillery Co. and Silverback Distillery. 

Located in Lovingston, Virginia, the Virginia Distillery Co. specializes in single malt whiskey.  Founded by Irish transplant, Dr. George G. Moore, in 2011, the Virginia Distillery Co. brings all the tradition of George’s roots and combines them with the wealth of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  For instance, their Virginia Highland Malt Whiskey is shipped as malt whiskey to Nelson County where it is finished in wine casks from local wineries. Tastings are offered daily from 11am-6pm (12pm-6pm on Sundays), and Virginia Whiskey Experience tours can be booked in advance. 

Established here in Afton, Va, Silverback Distillery prides itself on the “green” techniques they utilize in creating vodka, gin, bourbon, rye whiskey, and honey rye whiskey.  They hope to lead the industry by creating “a production process that uses geothermal technologies for ‘chilling water’ and ‘heating water’ during the distillation process.”  They partner with area farms to ensure all their grains are grown and harvested locally.  You can read the full impact and explanation of their green innovations here.  Their winter tasting room is open Thursday – Sunday.

Come stay with us and enjoy the amazing distillers we have nearby!