Beerwerks Trail Archives - Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail

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Celebrate Our 10-Year Anniversary: 10 Things You’ll Love About the Beerwerks Trail

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Can you believe it? Beer aficionados and brewery seekers have been following the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail for a decade! That’s ten years of small-batch brewing focused on local ingredients, and ten years of gathering diverse communities together for fun and connection. To celebrate our anniversary, here are ten things you’ll love about the Beerwerks Trail and the diverse breweries along its route. 

1. The Beer 

You’ll love the beer brewed along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail because it is handcrafted by people who care deeply about flavor, process, and place. It is made right here in the Valley and served to this community, not shipped across the country from a one-size-fits-all production plant. This freshness matters because beer is alive. Flavors flatten, aromas fade, and balance shifts the longer it sits. The best craft beer is brewed nearby and poured young, while the brewer’s intent is still sharp. Small-batch brewing also lets brewers experiment with a variety of techniques and flavors, keeping tap lists evolving and interesting, and inviting you to sip slowly, paying attention to taste, sure, but also aroma and texture. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by options, tasting flights made up of multiple small pours let you sample styles before committing to a full pint.

2. Brewers with Their Hands in the Process

One of the things that makes craft beer so tasty is that brewers bring passion, creativity, and experience to the process. Successful brewing requires decisions about which hops and grains to use, water chemistry, and fermentation process. Brewers constantly refine recipes, consider sustainability, and decide whether to chase balance or lean into weirdness. They’re also working on improving the brewery experience because they understand their customers. The person who makes the award-winning beer you’re drinking is probably walking between the tables, answering questions and asking for your feedback. Don’t hesitate to chat with the brewer and ask your questions about the brewing process! The Friendly Fermenter combines tasting, teaching and a tour with a 3Ts Experience.

3. Music Scene

Craft beer tastes even better when you pair it with a soundtrack and the Beerwerks Trail has a lot of those. The Foundry at Basic City draws big-name bands in a variety of genres. The Red Wing Roots Festival celebrates roots music. Many breweries host free live music each weekend, and Queen City Brewing has acoustic open mic nights each Wednesday. The Trail is also near musical and cultural performances at area universities, and the classical Staunton Music Festival, Massanutten’s Summer Jam, and Lime Kiln Theater’s Summer Concert Series, which draws folk, bluegrass and Americana artists.

4. Delicious Food Stops

Many breweries provide fresh and interesting meals and snacks. Heliotrope’s gourmet pizzas will make your mouth water. Hearty appetizers and handhelds complement the tap list at Cave Hill Farm Brewery, while pizza and Southern comfort food fill the menu at PRO RE NATA+. Look for Nobos Kitchen to serve made-from-scratch apps and entrees at Seven Arrows, or check out the food trucks that come to Rockbridge Brewery and Winery for concerts and special events.

5. Awesome Festivals

You can learn a lot about a town by watching how its citizens gather and celebrate. Communities along the Trail have everything from Hallmark-movie-type winter parades, pride and multicultural festivals, Independence Day fireworks displays, harvest celebrations, and agricultural county fairs. Don’t miss Waynesboro’s eco-focused Riverfest, Lexington’s Freedom Food Festival, and Staunton’s Harry-Potter-themed Queen City Mischief & Magic. 

6. Our Quirky Best

The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail winds through some unique countryside with lots of fun, quirky finds. Discover dinosaurs battling Civil War soldiers at Dinosaur Kingdom II, browse acres of antiques at the Factory Antique Mall (our country’s largest), road trip to Buc-ee’s, which is just down the road from one of Rockingham County’s turkey statues, explore the street art in downtown Waynesboro, and meet alpacas at Point of View Alpaca Farm.

7. Four Seasons, Four Flavors

The Shenandoah Valley boasts four unique seasons, and all of them are good times to visit. People come for skiing and snow sports in winter, wildflowers and waterfall hikes in spring, camping and water fun in summer, and leaf-peeping and harvest festivals in fall. And the best part? Many of those seasons make their way into our beer! Rotating seasonal tap lists include favorites like BrewHaHa Brewing Co’s SnowBlower Coconut Cream Ale (perfect for après-ski) and Feel the Rain Brothers Craft Brewing’s Chocolate Cheesequake Milk Porter. Devils Backbone sells a Buck Tradition IPA series themed around hunting season!

8. Breweries with Big Personalities 

Twenty breweries all within an hour’s drive? It might seem like a lot, but they’re wonderfully diverse. Relax in purple lawn furniture and lavender-infused air at White Oak Lavender Farm. Seek out German-inspired brews (and beerhall experiences) at The Alpine Goat Brewery. You’ll feel the connection with the JMU college scene at Three Notch’d Valley Collab House. 

9. Space to Sit and Stay a While

From converted industrial complexes and reclaimed barns to wide open lawns and urban patios, our breweries offer plenty of space to spread out and linger. Great Valley Farm Brewery has Adirondack chairs, amazing mountain views, and room for kids and dogs. Head outside for firepits and yard games at Stable Craft Brewing, where you can also book a suite for overnight stays. Stay inside and try your hand at trivia, D&D, or karaoke at Redbeard Brewing. Restless Moons has weekly movie club and chess club along with regular “bad art” nights.

10. Our History

Some of our taprooms have fascinating stories: Pale Fire is located in the old Casco Ice Plant, once on the cutting edge of cold storage. Elkton Brewing Co’s taproom has American chestnut beams and beers with local backstories. History along the Trail goes beyond the beer, too, with sites and museums that let you explore the past. Natural Bridge State Park’s limestone arch has connections to two presidents, Staunton’s Frontier Culture Museum teaches hands-on history, and you can learn about the historical and spiritual legacies of Brethren and Mennonites at the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center. The Beerwerks Trail also has a history of loyal followers, some who have been with us for the entire ten years, supporting our community, enlivening our taprooms, and championing our beer.

Celebrate a decade on the Beerwerks Trail by scoring our newly designed anniversary shirt and letting everyone know how much you love craft beer. The 2026 shirt features our new logo and a tap list of all the breweries you need to try. Plus, it’s white, so it will work with anything in your wardrobe! Sign up for our passport program and visit Beerwerks breweries to start or grow your collection. Cheers to 10 years on tap!

Brewery Beercations and Unique Lodging Along the Beerwerks Trail

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Tired of predictable motel rooms on your travels? Here’s a guide to Beerwerks Trail-adjacent lodgings that are anything but cookie cutter. From tastefully restored historic properties and cozy glamping resorts, to treehouses and even underground stays, we’ve found a special place for everyone. We’ve even included some brewery-based accommodations that offer the comfort of not needing to designate a driver or navigate winding country roads at night with your (face it) aging eyes. Read on to discover where you can rest your head along the trail.

Stable Craft Brewing

Experience the ultimate farm-stay adventure at Stable Craft Brewing. Located on a working horse farm, Stable Craft offers not only delicious craft beer and chef-inspired dishes highlighting local ingredients, but also room to spread out and explore a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces. Meet the horses, play yard games, take a sustainable brewery tour, listen to live music, and enjoy the extensive events calendar. For a comfortable night’s sleep, retire to one of two suites with private living spaces and kitchens, patios, and hot tubs with spectacular mountain views.

Cave Hill Farms 

The Cave Hill Farms Bed and Breakfast is the sister business of Cave Hill Farms Brewery, located just 0.7 miles away on the same historic property. Choose from five guest rooms located in an 1830 historic manor house. Your stay includes comfortable queen-sized beds, plush bedding, private baths, fireplaces, homemade breakfasts, and a complimentary beer at the brewery! The Hopkins family has tended this land for six generations, and they use their farm-grown hops, along with refreshing well water, in all their brews. The taproom is housed in a former dairy cow loafing barn, now updated to pamper visitors with craft beer, tasty food, live music, and activities like karaoke.

Devils Backbone 

There isn’t lodging at Lexington’s Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen, but you can tap into the Devils Backbone beercation spirit at the Camp at Basecamp. Located in the Rockfish Valley, the campground offers full hook-up RV sites, rustic tent sites, and everything in between. The Basecamp Brewpup serves food and craft beer, and visitors can also enjoy the Distillery Lounge and Shanty Cigar Lounge.

The Carriage

And while it’s neither a brewery or a lodging, The Carriage is a valued partner of the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail. The business provides safe, customizable transportation to, from, and between all 20 breweries. The comfortable shuttle seats up to 14 people and sets the mood with party lights and karaoke!

Where Else to Stay Along the Beerwerks Trail

Lexington and Rockbridge County

  • Lodging options in Lexington and Rockbridge County range from luxury inns, homey bed and breakfasts, to cozy cabins. Stay in style at The Gin Hotel in downtown Lexington, known for its Southern hospitality, attention to detail, sophisticated decor, and upscale comfort. Nearby, The Georges boasts modernized rooms and suites in five historic properties along Main Street. Two onsite restaurants offer craft cocktails and gourmet dining.
  • For stunning views and a popular menu of Southern cuisine featuring steak, seafood, pasta, and fresh desserts, you can’t beat the Natural Bridge Historic Hotel and Conference Center. Plus, you’ll have easy access to Natural Bridge State Park for a post-feast hike! And if you’re looking for something truly unique, consider a stay in a Rockbridge County refurbished barn, yurt, or even a modernized 1926 caboose decorated with railroad memorabilia, complete with the accessories so your kids need to dress up as future engineers!

Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County

  • Staunton lodging includes rooms at Oakdene, an 1893 mansion built by a Virginia lieutenant governor, suites in a modernized warehouse once used to store railroad cargo in Staunton’s historic Wharf District, and three “story-book” suites at Maude & the Bear, a stay that comes with an award-winning, multi-course breakfast. The Frederick House spreads its 20 one-of-a-kind rooms over five historic houses, and the suites at Barrister’s Row were law offices in their former lives.
  • Waynesboro’s unique stays include four rooms in the 1910 Bowman House, which is steps from the South River Greenway. The Bowman House also has an additional budget space designed for hikers taking quick breaks from long treks on the Appalachian Trail. Heritage Hill, built before the Civil War, is surrounded by nearly eight acres of grounds and farmland. Despite its privacy, the bed and breakfast is only two miles from downtown Waynesboro. And if you’re hoping to hop on the trails by day but relax in luxury at night, The Iris Inn Bed & Breakfast has private hot tubs, postcard views, and an onsite spa. 
  • Rural Augusta County boasts even more unique overnight adventures! Spend the weekend taking trail rides and feasting on ranch-style meals in the bunkhouse at North Mountain Outfitter. Or enjoy a “glamping” getaway in one of 1 Tribe Farm’s has ten cozy off-grid cabins with fire pits, open-air showers, hiking trails, and fresh farm products. The Inn at Meadowcroft offers “historic authenticity” and modern comfort in its historic log home and cabins, set on a beautiful 300-acre farm.

Harrisonburg and Rockingham County

  • Harrisonburg’s wide array of lodgings include corporate suites, boutique inns, as well as kid and pet-friendly options. Enjoy one of the 230 elegant rooms at Hotel Madison, with an onsite restaurant, and easy access to downtown and cultural and sporting events on the JMU campus. The Joshua Wilton House Inn & Restaurant blends the old and new in five updated bedrooms with Victorian furnishings. Built in 1885, The Friendly City Bed and Breakfast also combines old-world charm and modern comfort.All within walking distance of Harrisonburg’s five breweries.
  • If you love the great outdoors, plan to camp in Shenandoah National Park or pick from the lodging options at four-season Massanutten Resort, perfect for skiers, golfers, families of adventurers, there’s a room for you with access to the mountain. And while the new Buc-ee’s is gaining attention as a unique travel destination, it doesn’t have lodging yet! Fortunately, Rockingham County has some inventive lodgings for roadtrippers to enjoy. Experience a hobbit hole-style underground cabin or take to the trees in a private, 400-square-foot treehouse in Bridgewater. Or spend the night  in “Pearl,” a converted 1970s Airstream parked at the edge of an apple orchard!

So, what are you waiting for? Start looking for the perfect homebase for the ultimate Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail adventure!

Wine and Cider Along the Beerwerks Trail

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Fall in the Shenandoah Valley brings postcard-worthy panoramas of mountain and rolling farmland. It brings sweater weather, made even better with family pictures frolicking in fallen leaves. It brings harvest and Halloween fun. It brings rich, malty beers and pumpkin-spice everything. But if you want to celebrate changing seasons with a new taste, why not enjoy a glass of Virginia wine or cider sourced from local apples at a brewery along the Beerwerks Trail? Read on to uncork flavor!

Zone C

Bring a picnic and kick back on the lawn or deck at Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery to enjoy the autumn sunshine and the vineyard’s award-winning wines, served by flight, glass, or bottle. Try the DeChiel Cabernet Franc, winner of the 2025 VWA Governor’s Cup award for its “spicy and rich red fruit flavors and aroma.” Cider fans will enjoy Rock Dry Cider, made with a blend of locally-grown Winesap and Golden Delicious apples. And those wanting to toast the season with something special should raise a glass of the estate-grown Sparkling Riesling.

Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery compliments the autumnal leaves with wines coming in shades of red, pink, and yellow. Want red? Try the Petit Verdot or the 2020 Red Blend, which boasts notes of cherry and raspberry. White wine standouts include the 2023 White Blend and the estate-grown 2022 Gruner Veltliner, which is partially fermented and aged in French oak. Don’t skip the 2022 Vin Gris Rosé, and if you’re looking for something sweet, taste the Blaufrankisch Dessert Wine. Grab a spot at a picnic table or in an Adirondack chair to relax before setting out on your next Valley adventure.

Heliotrope Brewery’s bright and dry Troddenvale House Cider hails from Warm Springs. If you prefer sweeter tastes, try the Pomme Mary, a semi-sweet cider from Albemarle Ciderworks. Wine fans will like the Great Valley Farm’s Gruner Veltliner (white) or the Italian Vina Galana Tempranillo (red). Hungry after a long hike or day spent exploring Lexington’s shops and museums? Heliotrope’s exciting lineup of wood-fired, sourdough (or cauliflower-dough) pizzas awaits! 

Other Cider and Wine in Zone C:

Zone B

Stable Craft Brewing serves craft beer and Hermitage Hills cider that’s made onsite, and a trip to the farm brewery is always an adventure. Stable Craft’s Sly Dry Cider incorporates three types of apples and brings to mind apple wine, while the traditional semi-dry Green Apple Cider is crisp and delicious. You can also get this in sweet/tart blackberry, refreshing white peach or zesty tangerine. Hang onto your memories of your summer beach trip with the Tequila Sunrise Cider that’s flavored with citrus, cherries, and just a touch of tequila. If you prefer wine, the brewery serves California red along with sparkling white and rosé blends.

While they don’t serve cider, Queen City Brewing Co. suggests that “when life starts hurling fruit, you grab it and make fruit beer.” Try their delicious (and addictive) Hard-Pressed Apple or Hard-Pressed Ginger. Or plan ahead for Thanksgiving with Hard-Pressed Cranberry. And along with a big menu of craft beers on tap, Queen City also carries two different types of fruity, tart, sweet sangria: Diamond and Ruby. Grab a seat outside for a chat with good friends as the sun goes down.

In town for Waynesboro’s Fall Foliage Art Festival this weekend? After the festival, nothing hits the spot quite like the Basque Sangria from Basic City Beer Co.’s Showroom, a bright blend of fresh fruit soaked in red wine, brandy, and triple sec, topped off with their bold Bask DIPA. Or, don’t take our word for it: choose from the Basic City Beer Co. menu of draft beer, wine, cider, and cocktails.

PRO RE NATA+ serves Blue Toad Hard Cider’s crisp and refreshing Paddy Green cider fermented with Nelson County apples. You can also order Into the Orchard Cider, a good spice-forward fit for fall weather that warms you up like a cozy sweater. We hear that it’s good both cold and warm, especially if you are hanging out around the firepit.

Other Cider and Wine in Zone B:

Zone A

Along with beer, White Oak Lavender Farm and Purple WOLF Vineyard serves cider and wine. You can order white, red, and lavender-infused wines and cool off on the last few remaining hot days with icy wine slushies. Try the Dragonfly, a chardonnay blend offering floral aromatics, bright fruit, and notes of honeysuckle, peach, and apple. The off-dry Traminette is another solid choice, with notes of honey and lavender and a crisp balance of sweetness and pepper.

Elkton Brewing has expanded its beverage options to include wine, hard cider and mead. The grape-forward Sangue Di Alce Sangiovese (Italian red) is crafted onsite with Italian grapes! The brewery also offers both a dry cider, Betwixt, and their Off the Press sweet cider to meet your palate’s sweet spot. And if you want something new, with a connection “to the folks that called this beautiful place home long before we showed up,” try the Wahdooleesee mead, a honey wine that takes its name from the Cherokee word for “honey.” 

The Friendly Fermenter doesn’t make cider or wine, per se, but their brut ales tread the line between beer, wine, cider, and sparkly seltzer. Start with the Must Wine a Bit – Sauvignon Blanc, which is created when a brut ale base is fermented with sauvignon blanc grape must. The brewery also serves their Can’t Believe It’s not Seltzer brut ale blended with mango nectar or raspberry and lemonade.

Other Cider and Wine in Zone A:

Beerwerks Fall Flavors

Not all the breweries offer wine or cider, but some do have additional flavors that taste great in fall weather.

Three Notch’d Brewing Company welcomes fall with Apple Crumb, a red ale that’s brewed with Virginia apples and fall flavors like vanilla and cinnamon, and Biggie S’mores an Imperial milkstout flavored with graham crackers and chocolate malts. Those who spend the year counting down the days to pumpkin spice season will love the Pumpkin Spice Lager they can score at Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen.

Looking for Oktoberfest beer? Try Pale Fire Brewing Company’s Festbier, Feel the Rain Brothers Craft Brewery’s Fest Bier, or Seven Arrows Brewing Company’s Fallen Timbers Oktoberfest Märzen. They all pair well with brats, firepits, and autumnal celebrations. 

Does hard seltzer come close enough to cider or wine to count? The Alpine Goat Brewery serves a pretty, pink Prickly Pear & Passion Fruit Hard Seltzer. 

Fall weather is great for outdoor fun followed by a visit to a Beerwerks brewery. And don’t stop after tasting the craft beer: check out their cider and wine offerings as well!

Sip Light this Summer: Easygoing Beers on the Beerwerks Trail

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You’ve hiked your miles in the sun and sweated out half your body weight pushing the mower. Maybe you’ve even wilted a bit during a downtown stroll. No doubt you’re craving a cold pint, some shade, and no pressure to power through something heavy. That’s where low-alcohol by volume (ABV) beers come in. Along the Beerwerks Trail, brewers are creating refreshing beers designed for easy summer sipping, many of them clocking in under 5%. These lagers, kölsches, sessionable IPAs, sours, and non-alcoholic options will give you all the satisfaction of a craft pour without requiring an after-beer nap! Here’s how to sip light and live large this summer.

Find Low-ABV in Zone C

  • Heliotrope Brewery’s Home Plate (4.0%) is a light lager brewed with Virginia barley and corn. Belt and Braces (4.3%) is an Irish stout on nitro. For a zero-proof pick-me-up, their hop water is zesty and non-alcoholic.
  • Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery’s Irish Red Ale (4.4%) is packed with caramel and toffee notes, and the Pilsner (4.8%) offers classic Czech-style balance and refreshment. If you’re craving something slightly hoppy, the Pale Ale (5.0%) is citrusy with a crisp finish. 
  • Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery’s Kölsch (5.0%) is light, smooth, and German-inspired, with just the right touch of malt. Wine lovers will appreciate the dual nature of the taproom, and it’s just minutes from Natural Bridge State Park, making it a logical post-hike hangout.
  • There’s a lot to look at from the big decks and outdoor spaces at Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen, but you’ll be so captivated by the taste of the Gold Leaf Lager (4.5%) you’re sipping that you might not even notice!

Zone B’s Best Light Beers

  • Stable Craft Brewing’s Lightest Beer Ya Got (4.5%) is an “extra crispy, uber crushable brew” that can quench your thirst all day, while the Blueberry Blonde (4.5%) adds a fruity twist. Not in the mood for beer? Try their homemade root beer or apple, blackberry, or white peach cider (5% ABV), and say hello to the horses while you sip.
  • After exploring Staunton’s Wharf historic district, retire to Redbeard Brewing Co. for flavorful low-ABV offerings like Augusta Amber (4.5%), Two Moons German Pilsner (4.5%), and White Star Pils (4.5%). For something punchy but playful, grab a glass of Granny Ray’s Hard Lemonade (5.0%), a seltzer-based summer crowd pleaser. 
  • Queen City Brewing’s huge selection of beers includes lighter options like the Wall Jumper (4.5%), a south-of-the-border lager, and the O’Hara (4.3%), a cheeky Irish red. The White Rabbit (4.9%) will surprise you with just a hint of apricot magic.
  • Easy sippers at PRO RE NATA+ include clean and refreshing Sound Check Lager (4.6%) and Doctor’s Orders Light Lager (4.5%). Feeling summery? Try The Big Squeeze Hard Lemonade (5.0%) or the Breakfast Jam Sour (4.0%).
  • Located in a converted industrial space not far from the Waynesboro Water Trail and Shenandoah National Park, Basic City Beer Co. is a no-brainer for post-adventure beers. Plus, they make their beers with artesian spring water. Try Our Daily Pils (4.7%), their classic German-style pilsner, or Brujula (4.7%), a lime-and-salt Mexican lager made for summer days. Tart Up: Dragon Fruit (4.7%) is a fruited sour with just enough tang to keep things interesting. 
  • Seven Arrows’ Skyline Lager (4.5%) is light-bodied with noble hop aroma and a clean finish, perfect for the craft-curious. The brewery also stocks rotating bottles of Blue Ridge Bucha, a regional favorite for kombucha lovers. Hungry? Onsite Nobos Kitchen’s menu includes apps, sandwiches, and “big plates.”
  • The Alpine Goat Brewery’s Ruffner Radler (2.5%) is the quintessential summer shandy, while their Session Hazy IPA (4.5%) keeps things juicy without the buzz. The Prickly Pear Seltzer (4.5%) adds a fun, fizzy option for gluten-free guests.

En“Lighten” Yourself in Zone A

  • Pale Fire Brewing Co.’s lightest beers include Saving Grace (4.2%), a Trappist-style table beer. Sun Snatcher Lager (4.7%) is a breezy blend of key lime and tortilla chip notes that practically begs for siesta in a hammock. Pure Shenandoah Hydrate is a CBD-infused sparkling water with tropical vibes.
  • Feel the Rain Brothers Craft Brewing’s Loner (4.1%) English mild is easygoing with caramel undertones. Or try the Cerveza Lime (4.7%), a citrus-forward Mexican lager that pairs perfectly with cornhole, porch hangs, or a return to JMU after summer break. House-made root beer keeps the kids and designated drivers happy, too.
  • Breathe deeply as you explore the gardens and discovery areas at White Oak Lavender Farm. Make sure to try the lavender-infused Lavandé Lager (4.0%) or the ginger and honey Day Hiker Cider (4.0%). Want something extra cold? The wine slushies promise serenity in a glass. 
  • Just East of Massanutten Resort, BrewHaHa Brewing Co. is a funky little brewery that keeps things weird and wonderful. Just a Quickie (4.6%) is a hazy IPA brewed with cordyceps mushrooms, because why not? Expect both earthiness and a tropical explosion of pineapple, lime, and citrus..
  • After a long, hot float on the Shenandoah River, stop at Elkton Brewing Company to try the Shenanbasa (3.5%). This oak-smoked wheat beer is intriguing, smoky, and totally summer-worthy. It even has notes of kielbasa! Relax in the covered pavilion and look for live music and food trucks on the weekends.
  • Cave Hill Farms Brewery’s mountain and pasture views pair well with Tom Foolery (4.7%), a smooth coffee stout, or Garden Grove – Strawberry Watermelon (5.0%), a fruited sour usually served with a dairy-free swirl.
  • The Friendly Fermenter is a community-focused nano-brewery with a basement taproom and the sense of humor to call itself “The Beer Shelter.” Their Enter the Dragon (4.9%), a dragon fruit sour with ginger, is a brewer favorite. For zero-proof refreshment, try the handmade and all-natural Wholy Water cucumber-lime seltzer (NA).
  • Three Notch’d Valley Collab House serves Virginia Light Lager (4.2%) and Noggin Nugget Dry Hopped Sour (4.9%), which will refresh you after a day of sightseeing, dining, and shopping in downtown Harrisonburg. 
  • Restless Moons Brewing’s Pit Fiend is a fruited wheat beer with 4.6% ABV that goes perfectly with live music in the beer garden.

You don’t need a 10% triple IPA to have a good time! Use this low-ABV field guide to find all the light beers on tap at Beerwerks breweries.

Rockbridge Summer Breeze Festival

Come enjoy delicious cold brews, wine, food, and sunshine in the beautiful Rockbridge countryside — all while helping local animals in need. 🐾❤️ Proceeds benefit the SPCA, so your fun-filled day will directly support shelter pets waiting for their forever homes.

Music by The Danny Goodson Band, local winners of the Battle of the Bands, and Jimmy O., regional favorite. Food by Chicano Boy.

We recommend bringing lawn chairs and popup tents, or blankets.

Admission is $10/person, $5/person for current mug club or wine club members. Proceeds are used to help benefit the the Augusta Regional SPCA. Bring donations to SPCA, such as canned or bagged food, litter, bedding, toys.

The Carriage

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We’d like to introduce you to the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail’s newest partner, The Carriage. The Carriage is a 14-seat shuttle providing safe transportation to, from, and between all 20 of our craft breweries. With customizable itineraries, comfy seating, party lights, and karaoke, they’re dedicated to making your brewery experience safe, convenient, and better than ever!

1. Tell us the story behind The Carriage. How did it all begin?

The idea for The Carriage really came out of our own love for brewery tours. We’ve always enjoyed spending the day with friends, hitting a few local spots, and just having a great time together without anyone having to drive. As we started thinking about retirement, we tossed around the idea of getting our own brewery tour bus to combine our love of local breweries, good company, and travel. In 2023, we found the perfect vehicle and we decided to take the leap and open a business focused on brewery and winery tour transportation. In a short two years, our business has grown and we have added a second bus.  That’s how The Carriage got rolling—literally!

2. What inspired you to start a shuttle service, and why in the Shenandoah Valley?

The Shenandoah Valley is home for us, and we’re proud to be part of such a vibrant and welcoming community. This area has become a real destination for craft beer lovers, with so many amazing breweries to explore. We wanted to create a fun, stress-free, and safe way for people to experience it all—just like we enjoy doing ourselves. With The Carriage, we’re not just giving folks a ride—we’re helping support local tourism and partnering with the incredible breweries that make this region so special. It’s a great way to bring people together and shine a spotlight on what makes the Valley such a great place to visit.

3. What sets The Carriage apart from other transportation options in the area?

We’ve designed The Carriage to be more than just transportation—it’s part of the fun. Our buses are fully renovated with comfort and entertainment in mind. From limousine-style seating and vinyl flooring to party lights and a top-notch sound system, the whole setup encourages a good time. We’ve added mobile Wi-Fi and onboard TVs with cable and streaming, so there’s always something to watch—or sing along to! Karaoke has quickly become a crowd favorite and adds a whole new level of fun between stops. We feel like the ride itself becomes part of the adventure.

4. What excites you most about being part of the Beerwerks Trail experience?

One of the most exciting parts of being part of the Beerwerks Trail is the chance to build real relationships with the local breweries. We love getting to know the people behind the beer and helping more visitors discover everything they have to offer. Our goal is to make it seamless and enjoyable for folks to explore the trail—whether it’s their first visit or their fifth. We’re proud to play a part in bringing more customers to these fantastic local spots and supporting the craft beer community here in the Shenandoah Valley.

5. How does The Carriage enhance a brewery-goer’s visit to the trail?

The Carriage makes it easy for brewery-goers to relax and enjoy the day without worrying about the drive. Guests can visit multiple stops along the Beerwerks Trail, knowing they’ll be safe, comfortable, and in good company the entire way. From the moment they hop on board, the experience is elevated—with cozy seating, onboard entertainment, and a laid-back atmosphere that keeps the fun going between breweries. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy everything the Valley’s breweries have to offer.

6. Describe a typical Beerwerks shuttle experience. What can riders expect?

No two rides on The Carriage are ever the same—and that’s part of the fun! We tailor each experience to match the vibe of the group. Some folks want a laid-back cruise through the Valley, soaking in the views between stops. Others turn it into a rolling celebration, complete with music, karaoke, and party lights. With all the amenities on board, groups can make the experience their own. What’s most rewarding for us is seeing how each group makes the experience special—whether it’s a birthday, a weekend getaway, or just a day out with friends, it’s always a fun way to travel.

7. Is there music on board? Snacks? Games? Give us the vibe!

The Carriage is built for a good time! We’ve got a high-quality sound system on board, and music is always part of the ride—whether it’s a party playlist, your own tunes, or even karaoke. Groups are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks, and many bring along games to keep things lively. That said, plenty of folks just kick back, enjoy the ride, and take in the views. We let each group set the tone—whether you’re going for chill and scenic or upbeat and festive, we’re here to match the vibe.

8. What’s the most fun or surprising thing that’s happened during a tour?

There’s never a dull moment on The Carriage, but some of the best memories come as the day unfolds—when the music gets louder, the singing kicks in, and next thing you know, there’s a full-on dance party happening on board. One of our favorite surprises has been discovering just how much karaoke talent we have here in the Shenandoah Valley! It’s always a blast watching people let loose, cheer each other on, and really make the experience their own. Every tour has its own energy, and that’s what makes it so much fun for us too.

9. Any tips for riders to make the most of their Beerwerks shuttle adventure?

Honestly, just come ready to have a good time! Traveling with The Carriage is easy—we’re flexible and do our best to tailor each ride to the group. The one tip we always share: book early, especially for weekends or during peak seasons when the weather’s nice. Tours can fill up quickly, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on the fun!

10. What’s your personal favorite karaoke song?

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” is definitely the crowd favorite—and we can’t argue with that! It’s one of those songs that gets everyone singing along, no matter the group. The energy when the whole bus joins in is just the best. It’s become a bit of a tradition on The Carriage, and we love it every time.

11. How can people book a ride, and what should they know before hopping on board?

Booking with us is easy. Just call or text 540-320-4514. We’re always happy to chat and help you plan the perfect outing. You can also visit our website, where you’ll find a helpful FAQ section that covers common questions. Whether you’re planning ahead or just starting to explore options, we’re here to make the process fun, flexible, and stress-free. And don’t forget to follow us on social media @TheCarriage.netVA (instagram) or @TheCarriageShuttle (facebook).