Category: News

WAYNESBORO, Va. (WHSV) The passport program with the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail is helping to bring more visitors to the valley and its breweries.

Since it started in December, there have been over 10,000 visits to breweries with the

program. Visitors can earn a free T-shirt if they visit six breweries on the trail and get their passport stamped.

According to the Waynesboro Economic Development and Tourism said the program keeps people coming back to the valley to earn their stamps and try other breweries.

“We’ve even had people who happened across the passport program while they were here, couldn’t complete it, come back down for another visit a few weeks later so they could complete it,” said Courtney Cranor, assistant director of Economic Development and Tourism for Waynesboro.

Currently, there are 14 breweries on the trail, but they are expanding in the next few months. Two new breweries will be added by the end of the year.

Source:  Click here to read the original story by Hannah Hall/ WHSV.

Five years ago, an ale trail was a novelty. You might visit some breweries, collect stamps in a brewery-, tourism board- or Brewers Guild-sanctioned Passport, and come home with a t-shirt or some other trinket showing that you completed said trail. Today, it seems like every city, state, or region boasting more than one brewery has an ale trail. With so many options as everyone vies for your beercation dollars, it’s hard to discern which are worthy of your PTO hours and which aren’t.

Thankfully, competition sparks creativity and innovation. Organizers are now moving beyond the “go here and have a flight” mantra of the ale trail trend in its infancy, and are hopping up their beer destination offerings through technology – such as apps and interactive maps – and by including local attractions and food hotspots.

Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail in Virginia

Most of the trails on this list can easily be knocked out on a long weekend – not so with the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail. Spend a week traversing the trail from Harrisonburg in the north to Lexington in the south. Along the way, experience the history, natural beauty and farm-to-fork cuisine in a region dubbed the Breadbasket of the Confederacy for its role in supplying Southern forces with food.

Peruse the Harrisonburg Farmer’s Market with a stop after at Pale Fire Brewing for their Salad Days American Saison, which won both a GABF and World Beer Cup medal; hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail and then celebrate your accomplishment with any of the refreshing hop-forward ales at Waynesboro’s Basic City Beer Co.; visit Natural Bridge State Park – once owned by Thomas Jefferson – and finish the day with a rewarding Belgian Tripel aged in wine barrels at Great Valley Farm Brewery. (Photo by Chris Weisler)

Source: The Beer Connoisseur by Bryan Richards. Here are other Top US Ale Trails.

Beer passport

A new program within the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail has launched recently, which allows beer enthusiasts to collect stamps from breweries along the trail to win a free T-shirt.

“The passport program is designed to encourage craft beer drinkers to explore multiple breweries on the trail,” said Sheryl Wagner, the Director of Tourism for Visit Staunton, in a release.

Here is how the passport program works:

• Pick up your free Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail Passport at one of our 14 breweries or at visitor centers in Harrisonburg, Staunton, Lexington or the Rockfish Gap Tourist Information Center.
• Request a passport stamp at each brewery you visit.
• Collect at least six brewery stamps.
• Mail in your completed passport to receive a Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail T-shirt

Beer explorers can collect a stamp at any of the 14 breweries, but only six brewery stamps are needed to fill up a passport booklet, the release said. The trail runs from Harrisonburg down past Lexington along Interstate 81.

Source:  Click here to read the original story by Laura Peters/ News Leader.

LEXINGTON, Va. (WDBJ7) The Senandoah Beerwerks Trail passport program is set up to encourage craft beer explorers to check out multiple breweries on the trail. Six stamps in the passport gets you a T-shirt when you send it in, and the earliest to return their passports can get bigger rewards.

“There’s also opportunity for tours,” says Patty Williams of Rockbridge Area Tourism. “I believe Shenandoah Tours offers a Beerwerks package, where they’ll come and pick you up and drive you around and let you visit them and you don’t have to to worry about driving.”

You can get your passport at any of the 14 participating breweries.

Source:  Click here to read the original story by Bruce Young/ WDBJ7.

Looking for stocking stuffers for the local beer drinker in your life?  The one-year-old Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, a route of 14 craft breweries in the region, recently launched a passport program, making it even easier for beer fans to sink local suds over the holidays.

How it works:  Beer drinkers pick up a passport and request a stamp at any of the 14 craft breweries along the trail – Seven Arrows in Waynesboro, The Friendly Fermenter in Harrisonburg. Once at least six stamps have been collected, beer drinkers can mail it in to receive a t-shirt.

COURTNEY CRANOR:  With the passport, visitors are encouraged to stay in the area longer, visit more breweries and enjoy more of what the Valley has to offer.

Courtney Cranor is assistant director of the City of Waynesboro’s Tourism Office. It’s one of five local tourism offices that helped launch the program as a way to promote the area’s craft brew scene with tie-ins to local tourism.  There’s state money behind it. The passport program is funded in part by a grant that was awarded by Governor McAuliffe in the fall.

CRANOR:  We’re already seeing a great deal of enthusiasm. I actually had someone waiting in my office the day after it launched with completed passport in hand.

No wonder. The first person to turn in a completed passport received two tickets to the Red Wing Roots Music Festival in July.

Source:  Click here to read the original story by Jessica Knadler/ WMRA.

WAYNESBORO — A new program encourages people to “drink in” the Shenandoah Valley through a tour of the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail.

WAYNESBORO, Va. (WHSV) — It’s a unique new way to explore the Valley. Not a hiking trail, but rather a beer trail.

“Well it covers the area from Harrisonburg to Lexington and Rockbridge,” said Assistant Director of Waynesboro Economic Development and Tourism, Courtney Cranor.

14 breweries will be a part of the new Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, including Basic City Beer Company, Bedlam Brewing, Brothers Craft Brewing, Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery &Tap Room, The Friendly Fermenter, Great Valley Farm Brewery, Pale Fire Brewing Company, Queen City Brewing, Redbeard Brewing, Seven Arrows Brewing, Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company, Stable Craft Brewing, Three Notch’d Brewing Company and Wolfe Street Brewing Company.

The goal is to bring more tourism to the Valley.

“We’re a firm believer that all ships rise with a tide. And so getting more people out, exploring the craft beer industry can only do nothing but help us in the future,” said Skylar Hill with Basic City Beer Company.

“There’s a big tie in between folks who like craft beer and people who tend to like outdoor rec, which the Shenandoah Valley is loaded with,” added Cranor.

The program lets folks use a free passport which is stamped at each brewery they visit, with a goal to reach 6 stamps for a prize.

The 1st completed passport receives TWO 3-day general admission tickets to Red Wing Roots Music Festival. Camping and parking are not included.

• The 10th completed passport receives a half-day fly-fishing beginner class for two anglers from Mossy Creek Fly Fishing.

• The 25th completed passport receives a paddle adventure for two with Twin River Outfitters on the Upper James River Water Trail.

Valley beer lovers believe it will be beneficial too.

“In my opinion, the more people we can get brought into the valley to see what we have, the better off we’ll be,” said Doug Proctor.

Leaders said the program will be permanent in the Valley with more breweries added in the future.

Source:  Click here to read the original story by Matthew Fultz / WHSV.

It’s time to hit the trail! The destination tourism offices that produced the award-winning Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail® are launching a new beer passport program today.

“The passport program is designed to encourage craft beer drinkers to explore multiple breweries on the trail,” says Sheryl Wagner, the Director of Tourism for Visit Staunton.

Here is how the passport program works.

• Pick up your free Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail Passport at one of our 14 breweries. (You can also get the passport at Visitor Centers in Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Lexington, as well as the Rockfish Gap Tourist Information Center.)
• Request a passport stamp at each brewery you visit.
• Collect at least six brewery stamps, and mail in your completed passport to receive a Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail t-shirt*

Beer explorers can collect a stamp at any of the following 14 breweries, but only six brewery stamps are needed to fill up a passport booklet.

Basic City Beer Company
Bedlam Brewing
Brothers Craft Brewing
Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery & Tap Room
The Friendly Fermenter
Great Valley Farm Brewery
Pale Fire Brewing Company
Queen City Brewing
Redbeard Brewing
Seven Arrows Brewing
Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company
Stable Craft Brewing
Three Notch’d Brewing Company
Wolfe Street Brewing Company

As an added incentive, the first explorers who fill up and redeem their passports will also have a chance to win the following prizes:

• The 1st completed passport receives TWO 3-day General Admission tickets to Red Wing Roots Music Festival. Camping and parking are not included.
• The 10th completed passport receives a half-day fly-fishing beginner class for TWO anglers from Mossy Creek Fly Fishing.
• The 25th completed passport receives a paddle adventure for TWO with Twin River Outfitters on the Upper James River Water Trail.

“The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail has become a very popular way to showcase the amazing assets in our region,” says Brenda Black, Director of Tourism for the City of Harrisonburg. “Our area is chock full of outdoor recreation opportunities, music festivals, and all of these fun activities pair exceptionally well with a visit to a taproom where you can taste some of the nation’s best beers.”

Plan ahead and create your own self-guided #BeerwerksTrail tasting adventure using the online brewery Trail Map.

“The program is designed to encourage people to visit more breweries and extend their stay in the area. Friends can make a fun weekend getaway out of it by enjoying multiple breweries, and getting their passport stamped,” says Courtney Cranor, the Assistant Director of Visit Waynesboro Economic Development and Tourism.

The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail Passport Program follows on the heels of the creation of the very successful Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, which launched in 2016. The Trail was developed by a joint partnership of five local tourism offices to promote the Valley’s growing craft beer industry and showcase the region’s natural tie-in with compatible tourism offerings. The alliance of tourism partners includes Staunton, Augusta, Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, Lexington/Rockbridge Area Tourism.

The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail Passport Program is a recipient of the Virginia Tourism Corporation Marketing Leverage Program (MLP) grant, which was awarded earlier this fall by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.

ABOUT THE SHENANDOAH BEERWERKS TRAIL
The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail pairs the Shenandoah Valley’s best craft beer experiences with a combination of activities and attractions that uniquely reflect the region’s recreational and cultural activities. Trail updates and news can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

###

MEDIA CONTACTS
Courtney Cranor, City of Waynesboro at 540.942.6644
Sheryl Wagner, City of Staunton at 540.332.3865

* Must be 21 or older to participate. Only one t-shirt per person. Valid while supplies last. Please drink responsibly.

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, you’ve probably already planned your menu. But what will you be drinking? Have you considered pairing your turkey and trimmings with beer instead of wine? It’s the perfect way to share your favorite local craft beer with your family, and to begin a new family tradition.

The following breweries on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail have growlers-to-go, just in time for your Thanksgiving feast.

Near Harrisonburg

• Brothers Craft Brewing
• Pale Fire Brewing Co.
• Three Notch’d Brewing
• Wolfe Street Brewing

Near Lexington

• Great Valley Farm Brewery
• Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery & Tap Room

Near Staunton

• Redbeard Brewing Co.
• Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company
• Queen City Brewing (bring your own growlers)

Near Waynesboro

• Stable Craft Brewing
• Seven Arrows Brewing

Growlers give you the ability to take home beers that aren’t bottled by the breweries, so you’ll have a wider range of choices.  These are refillable half-gallon bottles that are filled at the brewery.  If  you don’t have a growler, most breweries sell them – but it’s best to call ahead to verify growlers are in stock.

Happy Thanksgiving, and please don’t wait more than a day or two to tap the growler for best taste. Cheers!

###

Wheel Fun

More than 700 cyclists are expected to descend in and around Staunton, October 20 through 22, for the 27th annual Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival. Saturday and Sun-day, riders can choose among nine supported routes—from an easy family loop to a hilly century—that wind past farms, Civil War battle-fields, and town and mountain views. The $90 adult registration includes street parties both Friday and Saturday, lunch on Saturday, and brunch on Sunday.

What’s Brewing

It’s no surprise that a region with a long history of growing grain would be turning some of it into beer. Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail maps out the breweries—including notable names such as Devils Backbone and Brothers Craft Brewing—between Harrisonburg and Natural Bridge, suggesting things to do and places to stay along the way

SHENANDOAH VALLEY, Va. —  The depth of flavors you’ll experience in a barrel-aged beer are complex, wonderful, and satisfying.  Join us as we celebrate exquisite craft from some of the master brewers on our trail as they get ready to release these highly-anticipated barrel aged stouts!

MORIARTY

Location: Redbeard Brewing Company

Date: October 18, 2017
Time: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM

On Wednesday October 18th, come to Redbeard Brewing in Staunton for the release of the 2017 versions of their Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, Moriarty. The 2017 batch was aged in barrels from three different Bourbon brands. Two barrels which held John J. Bowman 10 yr, the “2017 non Kentucky Bourbon of the Year.” Three barrels that held Eagle Rare 10 yr. And a single barrel of Buffalo Trace 7 yr, Mash Bill #2; which means it held either, Blanton’s, Elmer T Lee, Rock Hill Farms, or Hancock’s Presidents Reserve.

RESOLUTE

Location: Brothers Craft Brewing

Date: November 17, 2017
Time: 10 AM-11 PM

On Saturday, November 17th get ready for the annual Resolute Release Party at Brothers Craft Brewing in Harrisonburg.  This Bourbon Barrel-Aged Russian Imperial Stout is a flagship barrel-aged project; designed from the ground up to optimize the nine-month aging process. Resolute greets you with a thick, chocolaty head followed by an unbelievably complex harmony of vanilla, oak, chocolate, espresso, and a rich malty base that each clamor for your attention.

###

AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. – Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Stable Craft Brewing will create thirteen new jobs and invest half a million dollars to expand their craft brewery in Augusta County. The expansion will support growing distribution of the company’s craft beer to the meet the surging demand in Virginia.

“The increased production capacity and bottling line will allow our packaged beers to reach more consumers in more places convenient to their travels, in addition to Stable Craft Brewing’s current availability in restaurants, taverns and dining establishments.” said Craig Nargi, Stable Craft Brewing owner. “The expansion will also allow our award-winning, head brewer, Christopher Fann, more flexibility with new beers, experimentation, and ultimately delivering a quality farm fresh product.”

In addition to using hops grown on its own property, this farm brewery will purchase 88% of their agricultural inputs from Virginia farmers.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Today’s announcement of Stable Craft Brewing’s new investment and jobs in Augusta, and their commitment to purchase Virginia-grown products underscores the crucial role that agriculture plays throughout the Commonwealth. Investments like this create jobs, tourism activity, and new markets for Virginia’s farmers as craft breweries look to them to source hops, fruit, honey, and other agricultural products.”

Tracy Pyles, Chairman of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors said, “The Augusta County community is thrilled to support Stable Craft’s efforts to expand its brewery and add a bottling line. We are hopeful that this expansion will attract new visitors to both the Shenandoah Valley and the unique farm brewery location in Augusta County.”

###

Virginia breweries were honored Monday during the 2017 Virginia Craft Beer Cup Awards — including many along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail.

Stable Craft Brewing was awarded second place, or silver, for its Britchin Brown Ale in the amber and brown American beer category during the cup, a first for the brewery.

“To even be mentioned, let alone medal, with the many great breweries and beer produced in Virginia, is a huge honor,” Stable Craft head brewer Christopher Fann said. “I couldn’t do this without the great brewing team we have in place and the opportunity and support the Nargis have given me over this past year. We strive day in and day out to make a quality product for people to enjoy, and I am incredibly thankful that the great beer judges rewarded us for all our hard work.”

The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild held the 2017 Virginia Craft Beer Cup Awards Ceremony Monday at WestRock in Richmond. There were more than 240 brewers in attendance to celebrate excellence in craft beer this year, a drop from 280 brewers in 2016, a release said.

The Virginia Craft Beer Cup competition was managed by master Beer Judge Certification Program judge Tom Cannon and 40 judges, the release said. The judging took place May 13 at Fair Winds Brewing Company in Lorton.

This year 356 beers in 24 categories were entered into the competition — a decrease in submitted beers from 2016, which totaled 378 beers.

The Virginia Craft Beer Cup continues to be the largest state competition of its kind in the U.S. the release said.

“The Virginia Craft Beer Cup recognizes brilliant independent craft beer and the creativity of the brewers that make it all happen,” said Brett Vassey, president & CEO, Virginia Craft Brewers Guild, in a release. “Congratulations to all the teams that competed in this year’s Cup.”

Last year, Redbeard Brewing Company was awarded bronze (third place) for its 221b Baker Brown in the old ale and wee heavy category.

In 2015, Redbeard and Seven Arrows Brewing Company walked away gold medals (first place). Seven Arrows for its Skyline Lager in the light lager category and Redbeard for its Pennyroyal Pale Ale under the American pale ale category.

Other winners along the Beerwerks Trail, which encompasses 13 breweries from Harrisonburg to Natural Bridge along Interstate 81, include:

• Pale Fire Brewing
  • second for Skinny Dennis, a pale American beer
  • second for Village Green, a strong American ale
• Three Notch’d Brewing
  • second for Blackwall Porter, a Scottish and Irish ale
  • second for No Veto Brown, a brown British ale
• Great Valley Farm Brewing
  • first for Lemongrass Basil Saison, a spice, herb or vegetable beer
  • third for GVFB stout, a dark British ale

For a complete list of winners, see the press release by the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild.

Source:  Click here to read the original story by Laura Peters / News Leader.

WAYNESBORO, VA May 9, 2017 – Looking for a reason to raise a cold beer? We’ll give you two!

Among tough competition from some of the largest tourism bureaus in the state of Virginia, the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail won two statewide awards at last month’s VIRGO Travel and Tourism Awards, presented by the Virginia Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (VADMO). The beer trail won in the categories of “Regional Marketing Initiative” and “Best in Show.”

The VIRGO Award is the state travel industry’s top prize for advertising and promotions from destination marketing organizations.

The competition was judged by a panel of independent judges who made their determinations based on the quality of the submission, economic efficiency, and the economic or community impact.  The awards were presented in April at the Omni Homestead Resort.

The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail was developed by a joint partnership of five local tourism offices to promote the Valley’s growing craft beer industry and showcase the region’s natural tie-in with compatible tourism offerings.

“By working together, we were able to multiply the impact of our investment and substantially raise the visibility of our regional assets,” said Courtney Cranor, Waynesboro Assistant Director of Economic Development and Tourism and this year’s chair of the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail.

“The VIRGO Awards offer a bit of friendly competition among statewide tourism agencies,” said Theresa Earles, the VADMO board member who coordinates the awards program.

This is the third award that the campaign has received. In late 2016, the American Marketing Association (Central Virginia Chapter) awarded the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail with its 2016 Excellence In Marketing Award in the category of cross-media marketing.

The trail also received some attention from the national craft beer tourism community earlier this spring at the first ever Beer Marketing & Tourism Conference in Asheville, NC. The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail was chosen to represent Virginia and speak on a panel called “Creating Beer Tourism in Emerging Beer Regions” which focused on destinations that have not been historically known as beer destinations but are changing that quickly. Other destinations featured on the panel were Yakima Valley (WA), Santa Rosa (CA), Tampa Bay (FL), and Grand Rapids (MI).

The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail was created by an alliance of tourism partners from Staunton, Augusta, Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, Lexington, and Rockbridge. The creative team includes Moore Public Relations, Queen City Creative, and Torx Media.
“We couldn’t be happier with this partnership,” says Sheryl Wagner, Director of Tourism for Staunton, speaking of the multiple-locality effort behind the trail.

ABOUT THE SHENANDOAH BEERWERKS TRAIL

The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail pairs the craft beer experience with a combination of activities and attractions that uniquely reflect the region’s recreational and cultural activities. Trail updates and news can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

###

This January, Brothers Craft Brewing is celebrating their fourth anniversary. Furthermore, we are delighted to let you know they’ve also released their line-up for 2017 releases!  Look for the the flagships you already love — like Great Outdoors, Lil’Hellion, Hoptimization, and The Admiral.  They will also continue to release their Now and Agains; Elementary, Good AdWeiss, PilsNerd, and Fairgrounds Fall ale. Each of these brands will be available in draft options (1/6 and 1/2 BBL) and 12oz bottles.

The 2017 Horizon Society beer releases will provide insight as to what the brewery is working on.  The big announcement and focus for 2017 variety is Brothers’ Weekenders series. These will be predominately collaboration releases that will occur every 6-8 weeks and feature a release event with a limited run of 16oz cans of two varieties that will correspond to Horizon releases. The great part for this is that you’ll be able to have some ultra rare beers from Horizon Society on draft for the release event and take home 4 packs of 16oz cans made in collaboration with some incredible breweries.

Listed below is the tentative release dates, breweries, and if already decided, the styles of beers we’ll be brewing.

• Weekend of January 23 – Ocelot Collaboration (IPA) / Brothers Craft Brewing (Coconut Stout)
• Weekend of March 6 (Daylight Cravings release)- NODA Brewing Collaboration (IPA) / Crooked Run Collaboration (Cocktail inspired)
• Weekend of April 3 – Heist Collaboration (DIPA with Citra/Mosaic/Galaxy) / J. Wakefield Brewing Collaboration (TBD)
• Weekend of May 22 – Stone Brewing Collaboration (Rye IPA w/Simcoe and Amarillo) / Trophy Brewing Collaboration (Gose with Local fruit)
• Weekend of June 26 – TBD (Hoppy) / Starr Hill Collaboration (Dry hopped Wit with fruit)
• Weekend of August 7 – TBD Collab / Hardywood collaboration (TBD)
• Weekend of September 11 – Aslin Collaboration (IPA) / Haw River Collaboration (Farmhouse ale)
• Weekend of November 13 (Resolute weekend!) – The Answer Collaboration (IPA) / TBD Collaboration

Each of these collaborations will be packaged in 16oz cans with a limited volume (estimating starting around 50 cases per beer, can increase for following releases as needed) and sold only at the taproom.

For more information, check out Brothers Craft Brewery News.

###

Starting this month, Devils Backbone Outpost in Lexington will be hosting five Virginia breweries to brew the beers that will be featured in their Q2 collaborative “Adventure Pack” sampler. Participating breweries will be on site at the Outpost on their respective brew days, scheduled January 11-13. They include:

• Three Notch’d Brewing Company
• Parkway Brewing Company
• Ocelot Brewing Company
• Mad Fox Brewing Company
• O’Connor Brewing Company

This Adventure Pack will be available in bottled 12-packs throughout Devils Backbone’s distribution footprint (Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia) from April-June.

Stay tuned. Release parties will be scheduled throughout Virginia, once the beers are available.

###

FISHERSVILLE, Va. November 20, 2016 — Seven Arrows Brewing Company has partnered with local award winning chefs to bring Nobos to the Seven Arrows taproom.

The new dining venue is a collaboration between chefs Carter Raab, of Farm Fresh Fixins, and Ben Demory.

Nobos will offer upscale American fare that blends traditional favorites with new concepts. “There will be something to please everyone,” promise the chefs.

From its full-service kitchen, Nobos will feature fresh dishes made from locally sourced foods that pair well with new and existing brews.

The restaurant is projected to open in January 2017.

With temperatures falling and leaves turning, central Virginians will soon flock to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley to soak up everything autumn.

Charlottesville and the Nelson County areas are known for their craft-brewing experiences, but a trip farther west on Interstate 64 and north on Interstate 81 through the Shenandoah Valley will surprise and delight with numerous craft beer options.

There will be another microbrewery in the area soon.  The brewery is the newest addition to the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, which features 13 breweries in the central Shenandoah Valley.

The Great Valley Farm Brewery will open its doors officially in Natural Bridge this Saturday.

They’ve been building and brewing since February in anticipation, and working on some special beers because they are actually a farm as well as a brewery.

Owner Nathan Bailey explains: “We intend to grow a lot of ingredients – special ingredients that go into our beers, you know, such as hops, fruits, berries, things of that nature.”  Don’t worry, though, if you like the more conventional sorts of brews. They’ll have a range of those as well.

A special opening day celebration will be held at the brewery, just off exit 180 on I-81, on Saturday October 22nd starting at noon and running through 7 p.m.

Source: WDBJ7. See more.

LEXINGTON, VA October 10, 2016 – Devils Backbone Brewing Company was honored to be awarded with two Gold Medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) this past weekend in Denver, CO. Vienna Lager, Devils Backbone’s flagship beer and winner of Gold in the Vienna-Style Lager category, and Danzig, part of the Trail Blazer series and winner of Gold in the Baltic-Style Porter category, bring the brewery’s GABF total to 31 medals, including three national titles, since first entering the competition seven years ago.

“Devils Backbone couldn’t be happier to be one of the 13 Virginia breweries to bring home medals from the Great American Beer Festival,” said Steve Crandall, who founded Devils Backbone with his wife Heidi in 2008. “Seeing Vienna Lager and Danzig continue to earn recognition from this event is a huge honor for our entire company, and it shows the high level of execution from our brew team.”

Devils Backbone beers are inspired by the great brewing traditions of Europe and the ingenuity of modern craft brewing. The brewing team has earned numerous awards and accolades for their beers, exceling in the art of lager brewing in an ale dominated industry. Vienna Lager (5.2% ABV, 18 IBU) is amber in color with a subtle toasted caramel note and a smooth malty finish. Danzig (8% ABV, 28 IBU) blends a strong English porter with a Germanic lager approach, fairly robust – this strong black lager has notes of chocolate and coffee with hints of caramelized sugar.

“It has been a great year for Devils Backbone beers in competition,” said Brewmaster Jason Oliver. “This GABF medal especially cool for Danzig, because 2016 is the first year we’ve released that beer as a bottled Trail Blazer seasonal offering.”

This is the fourth GABF medal for Vienna Lager, having also received golds in 2015 and 2012, plus a silver in 2009. This is also the fourth GABF medal for Danzig. It was awarded a bronze in 2013 and silvers in 2012 and 2009. Devils Backbone has also garnered three coveted national titles at GABF including 2014 Mid-Sized Brewing Company and Brew Team of the Year, 2013 Small Brewing Company and Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year and 2012 Small Brewpub and Small Brewpub Brewer of the Year.

The Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery & Tap Room is located at 50 North Wind Lane, Lexington, VA.

###

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — Governor Terry McAuliffe announced yesterday that the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail received $50,000 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation Marketing Leverage Program grant fund.

The objectives of the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail initiative are to use the experience of craft beer as a driver for new visits, to co-promote the Valley’s amazing outdoor and tourism assets, and leverage the power of a collective advertising and outreach program.

“We are very excited about this grant, because we can greatly expand how we promote our region. The Shenandoah Valley’s craft beer scene is likely to continue in its expansion and with it we expect to see continued growth of the craft beer market as a pull for visitors,” said Sheryl Wagner, spokesperson for the Trail.

“We see this as a strategic tourism investment that builds off the booming craft beer industry,” adds Wagner.

“We want to give travelers a new reason to choose our region as their preferred destination, visit the local breweries, taste the great beer we have on tap, and then go back to their communities and spread the word about us a fun destination.”

“Research tells us that today’s visitors desire authentic, interactive experiences combined with multiple-destination proximity. We think the Beerwerks Trail provides a new way showcase one of the fastest growing attractions in our market to a slightly younger demographic – who also love the great outdoors, music festivals, farmer’s markers, and exploring vibrant, walkable main street communities,” says Wagner.

“Tourists may initially choose to come for the brewery experience, but they’ll also explore our region, eat in our local restaurants and stay overnight. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The grant will help support targeted print, digital, and social media marketing of the trail over the next fiscal year.

A collaborative group of destination marketing organizations partnered to apply for the $50,000 grant and supply matching funds for the project. They are the City of Staunton, Augusta County, the City of Waynesboro, Harrisonburg Tourism, and Lexington & The Rockbridge Area Tourism.

In total, VTC awarded $927,000 for 43 tourism marketing projects across the state to help increase visitation and revenue for Virginia’s localities through tourism. The grants are designed to help local and regional tourism entities attract more visitors by leveraging local marketing dollars, and will ultimately impact at least 159 other statewide tourism entities. The local organizations match the state grant funds by a minimum of 2:1 in order to support marketing projects.

Every VTC dollar invested in grants resulted in $16 of direct visitor spending. Marketing campaigns that received Marketing Leverage Grants increased visitation by 15%.

About the VTC Marketing Leverage Program

The VTC Marketing Leverage Program is designed to stimulate new tourism marketing through partnerships by leveraging limited marketing dollars, resulting in increased visitor spending.  A minimum of three entities must partner financially to apply and may consist of Virginia towns, cities, counties, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, other local or regional destination marketing organizations, private businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other not-for-profit entities.

###

NATURAL BRIDGE, VA (September 10, 2016) – The newest brewery along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, called Great Valley Farm Brewery, will be opening its doors to thirsty visitors in fall 2016.

With breath-taking views, this new brewery is a perfect stop after making family memories visiting nearby attractions in Rockbridge County, such as Virginia Safari Park, Natural Bridge and Caverns, and historic Lexington.

Specializing in small batches of high-quality beers using select ingredients from their own on-site farm, Great Valley Farm Brewery will soon become one of your favorite brewery destinations. Great Valley Farm Brewery has its own on-site vineyard, hop plantings, fruit and herb gardens. The brewery’s owners planted the first portion of their vineyard in 2012 and plan to add wine production and sales in the future. With the addition of hops, fruits, and herbs grown on-site, the Bailey’s are able to create endless flavor combinations.

Owner Nathan Bailey says, “Our core focus will be on creating beers in the Belgian Farmhouse tradition, as well as other Belgian styles. However, we will rotate through a number of different beer styles throughout the year and will have something for everyone.”

###

LEXINGTON, VA (September 8, 2016) – On Saturday, September 10, Devils Backbone Brewing Company will welcome cyclists in its first Brewery 2 Brewery ride to benefit the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. This 75-mile recreational ride will start at the Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery & Tap Room (50 North Wind Lane, Lexington) and wind through the Virginia heartland on paved state and county maintained roads, including the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Cyclists will finish at Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows (200 Mosbys Run, Roseland) where they will be greeted with live music by Mississippi Leg Hound and cold Devils Backbone Daypack beers.

“I’m excited to see people push themselves on this ride,” says Coey Jenkins, Quality Manager at Devils Backbone and an avid biker. “It’s a hard course, but riding up and over is a major accomplishment – fun and high fives is what it’s all about.”

The ride will begin with a rolling start at 8:30 a.m. and all riders must depart by 9 a.m. Registration is $65 and cyclists can register online now. The online route cue sheet is also available. Registered cyclists will receive a $10 voucher for food and drinks, which can also be used to purchase beer for those 21 and older. Three Kroger sponsored rest stops will also be available to riders along the course. Exclusive Devils Backbone club cut jerseys, which feature the Devils Backbone logo, as well as detailed topography maps of Lexington and Roseland regions, are available online for purchase in both men’s and women’s sizes.

Riders can make reservations for a post-ride shuttle that will bring cyclists back to the Outpost Brewery to retrieve their vehicles. Bicycles are not allowed on the shuttle, but a secure bike corral will be set up at Basecamp.

###

It’s no secret. Great beers start with great ingredients.

It’s harvest season in the Shenandoah Valley and master brewers along the Beerwerks Trail are feeling inspired by local produce. During the month of September, participating breweries are offering casks of full-flavored beers unique to the Valley’s signature terroir.

The Farm-To-Cask special fall release concept was developed by the breweries as a collaborative initiative designed to add interest along the newly launched beer trail, after Virginia Craft Beer month concluded at the end of August.

The participating brewers along the Beerwerks Trail each selected the ingredients and styles of beer that worked best for them. “Locally available farm-fresh ingredients definitely influenced our master brewers’ decisions,” said Sheryl Wagner, a spokesperson for the Beerwerks Trail.

The Farm-to-Cask releases are only available in September, and feature produce from local farmers, including honey, apples, Asian pears, blackberries, peppers, pumpkins, ginger, and more. Each brewery’s selected special ingredient lends a unique flavor and aroma profile to their cask beer.

“The Shenandoah Valley is nationally-renowned for its beer and its produce, so this is a perfect pairing to showcase the creativity of our breweries,” said Wagner. Listed below are a few of the featured ingredients from the participating breweries.

• Devils Backbone is infusing some of their Striped Bass Pale Ale with local peaches macerated with local honey, and finishing it off with some locally grown Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers.
• Three Notch’d will be tapping a cask of special rye IPA featuring local rye and hops.
• Seven Arrows is brewing an apple lager, and then infusing it with locally grown cascade hops.
• Brothers Craft Brewing is infusing their Fairgrounds Fall pumpkin ale with local hickory syrup and vanilla beans.
• Redbeard Brewing is brewing up some Milk Coffee Stout with locally-grown Carolina Reaper Peppers.
• Blue Lab is offering a Saison cask with brewer-grown hops, Virginia Gold Asian pears, ginger, and blueberries.
• Queen City Brewing is brewing up a Blackberry IPA with local blackberries.
• Stable Craft Brewing is adding peaches and cascade hops to their Harvest Ale, sourced with ingredients entirely from their own farm.
• Pale Fire is offering their Salad Days American Saison, which has been infused with local pineapple sage.

Don’t wait too long to sample these small batches, as the “Farm To Cask” collection of seasonal brews has only a limited availability.  Please see participating brewery websites for more information.

The first releases will debut at Harrisonburg breweries on September 10^th. Staunton/Augusta/Waynesboro breweries will start tapping their casks the following weekend on September 17, and on September 24th the breweries in Lexington/Rockbridge will join in the fun.

###

AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (August 25, 2016) – Stable Craft Brewery has reached an agreement with Blue Ridge Beverage Company. Initial distribution will be regionally focused in Lexington, Staunton, Waynesboro, Harrisonburg and Charlottesville.

“This relationship with Blue Ridge Beverage Company is an important step in the growth of Stable Craft Brewing,” said owner Craig Nargi. Nargi says the brewery currently produces 16 different craft beers using hops grown on-site ranging from stouts, IPAs, pale ales and more. Nargi and his head brewer Christopher Fann (previously of Brothers Craft Brewing in Harrisonburg) are using a 10 barrel system.  There are plans for expansion of the production facility to accommodate an on-site bottling operation in the spring of 2017.

Blue Ridge Beverage Company distributes beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages throughout 49 counties and 17 cities from five operating divisions with facilities located in Salem, Waynesboro, Lynchburg, South Boston and Abingdon. “Blue Ridge Beverage is super excited to be partnering with Stable Craft Brewing,” said Tom Parker, general manager for the Blue Ridge Beverage’s Waynesboro regional office, in a release. “Craig and his team out there have built, and are continuing to expand on a truly unique dynamic in brewing great beer in a beautiful area of the Shenandoah Valley. The concept of farm fresh beer with locally grown ingredients on site offers consumers an enjoyable drinking experience.”

###

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — With more than 125 breweries in place and more opening every year, Virginia has become a magnet for the craft beer industry.  And the world is taking notice.

Virginia’s craft breweries are receiving awards and accolades in many of the nation’s top publications. It’s not just the beer that’s drawing people to Virginia’s craft breweries. These local watering holes are becoming destinations to spend the day by offering live music, great food, lots of fun and access to nearby adventures.

Here on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, we’re fortunate to have twelve outstanding breweries all clustered in the central Shenandoah Valley, and all within an easy hour’s drive.

When you are ready to craft your summer beer-themed adventure, look no further than these fine establishments:

• Brothers Craft Brewing (Harrisonburg)
• Pale Fire Brewing Co. (Harrisonburg)
• Seven Arrows Brewing (Fishersville)
• Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery & Tap Room (Rockbridge Co.)
• Stable Craft Brewing (Augusta Co.)
• Redbeard Brewing Company (Staunton)
• Three Notch’d Brewing Company (Harrisonburg)
• Shenandoah Valley Brewing Co. (Staunton)
• Blue Lab Brewing Company (Lexington)
• Wolfe Street Brewing Co. (Harrisonburg)
• Queen City Brewing (Staunton)
• Basic City Beer Co. (Waynesboro, opening this summer)

###

HARRISONBURG, VA (May 31, 2016) –Brothers Craft Brewing is pleased to announce that the brewery is running on 100% wind powered clean energy, through a partnership with Arcadia Power, a national clean energy provider.

Brothers Craft Brewing is honored and excited to join a growing list of national brands, such as Whole Foods and Google, that are actively taking a stand against carbon emissions by relying on wind powered energy to run their businesses.  By making the switch to wind powered energy, Brothers Craft Brewing is proud to reduce its environmental impact not just for the world at large, but for the community we hold so close to our h
eart. We hope you’ll celebrate with us on Earth Day and enjoy one of our beers with us, now brewed with 100% renewable energy.

Since its inception, Brothers Craft Brewing has strived to run its business in a way that speaks to the spirit of the the Shenandoah Valley.

###

SHENANDOAH VALLEY, VA (May 16, 2016) – Visiting breweries in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley just got easier. That’s because the area’s first official beer trail launches today, during American Craft Beer Week.

The trail provides an opportunity for tourists and locals to connect with a great craft beer experience. With twelve breweries all located within an hour’s drive from one another, the Shenandoah Valley region is quickly becoming Virginia’s newest beer frontier.

“Craft beer is really gaining momentum in Virginia with over 140 breweries,” said Courtney Cranor, Waynesboro Assistant Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “It’s a market that continues to see robust growth.”

“I think this is a great regional project with tremendous potential. There’s nothing else like it in the Shenandoah Valley, and we’ve tried very hard to differentiate it from other beer trails in the state,” says Sheryl Wagner, Director of Tourism for the City of Staunton. “It’s a natural pairing – we know that craft beer drinkers love the outdoors, and so after a day of hiking, biking and exploring, now they can tap into our local beer culture.”

The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail pairs the craft beer experience with a combination of activities and attractions that uniquely reflect the region’s recreational and cultural activities.

The trail provides opportunities for past and future visitors to discover everything this region offers. “We’re focusing on creating both a fun and serious beer experience here,” says Cranor.

On the trail’s newly unveiled website (mobile friendly), visitors can quickly plot out a multi-brewery tour and mix their tastings with the tourism experiences that best match their interests. In addition to a print and online ad campaign that launches in June, organizers say that signage will be installed at the breweries to cross-promote the trail, and promotional information will be distributed to Visitor Welcome Centers across the state.

The trail’s breweries include:

• Brothers Craft Brewing (Harrisonburg)
• Pale Fire Brewing Co. (Harrisonburg)
• Seven Arrows Brewing (Fishersville)
• Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery & Tap Room (Rockbridge Co.)
• Stable Craft Brewing (Augusta Co.)
• Redbeard Brewing Company (Staunton)
• Three Notch’d Brewing Company (Harrisonburg)
• Shenandoah Valley Brewing Co. (Staunton)
• Blue Lab Brewing Company (Lexington)
• Wolfe Street Brewing Co. (Harrisonburg)
• Queen City Brewing (Staunton)
• Basic City Beer Co. (Waynesboro, opening this summer)

Tourism officials in the region have been studying the potential of the trail since 2014. The project was developed to promote the Valley’s growing craft beer industry and showcase the region’s natural tie-in with compatible tourism offerings.

“We couldn’t be happier with this partnership,” says Wagner, speaking of the multiple-locality effort behind the trail. Tourism partners in the cities of Staunton, Harrisonburg, Lexington, and Waynesboro as well as the counties of Augusta and Rockbridge jointly developed the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail.

More details about the trail can be found at beerwerkstrail.com.

Trail updates and news can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Photos and trail map available by request.

AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA – Hermitage Hill Farm & Stables, located in Waynesboro, is set to open a craft brewery in May 2016, says owner Craig Nargi. Craig and Nikki Nargi have operated Hermitage Hill Farm & Stables, a working horse farm and event venue, since 2006. The new brewery and farm shop, he said, represents a longtime dream for the couple to bring together the culinary and hospitality worlds with their tireless commitment to preserve and celebrate the region’s agricultural riches.  The new brewery and tasting room will offer 16 beers ranging from stouts, IPAs, pale ales and more.  This is the second brewery to open outside Waynesboro. The first, Seven Arrows Brewing Co., opened in 2014.

AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA – Seven Arrows Brewing Co. has announced it will now be distributing in the Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia.  According to Melissa Allen, co-owner of Seven Arrows Brewing Co., the company’s brews are being distributed through Hop and Wine Beverage and expected to start distributing in May.  “This is an exciting time for us here at Seven Arrows,” Allen added. “Expanding into the Northern Virginia and D.C. areas has us on track to exceed our second-year expectations and get visibility throughout the state of Virginia sooner than we had forecast.”

LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA – In April, Anheuser-Busch announced an agreement to acquire Devils Backbone Brewing Company, one of the fastest-growing craft breweries in the state of Virginia. Devils Backbone is the latest partner to join the diverse portfolio of craft breweries within The High End, the company’s business unit comprising unique craft and import brands. Devils Backbone operates two breweries in central Virginia. Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows is located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Nelson County and the Outpost Brewery & Tap Room is a a state-of-the-art production brewery and tap room in Lexington.