March is Women’s History Month, and a great time to remember the contributions women have made toward history and society, especially close to home. You can also celebrate and support women by buying products or services from local female-owned and female co-owned businesses. Here are the Beerwerks breweries where women serve at the helm.
Heliotrope Brewery
Lexington’s community-centered Heliotrope Brewery is a majority woman-owned business co-founded and co-owned by Jenefer Davies and Erik Jones. A Washington and Lee professor, Davies leads the business operations, and Jones, who once worked in arts administration, focuses on the brewing side of the business. Heliotrope crafts small-batch beers, often using locally sourced grains and other ingredients. The brewery compliments its beer, wine, and cider selection with an impressive menu of sourdough pizzas with creative and seasonal toppings sustainably sourced from nearby farmers and producers. The taproom is located on Lexington’s Main Street, and its Scandinavian-inspired décor promotes “the concept of hygge, a cozy feeling of contentment.”
Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery
Since purchasing the 27-acre site of Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery in 2008, Nathan and Irma Bailey have planted a vineyard and developed the property into a thriving brewery and winery dedicated to the farm-to-pint experience. Committed to eco-friendly and sustainable farming and brewing practices, the farm often uses hops and other ingredients it grows – like grapes, lemongrass, and basil – in its beers to provide unique spins on traditional Belgian farmhouse styles. A visit to the farm will score small-batch, high-quality beers and wines and beautiful and peaceful views. The brewery also often features live music and service from some of the area’s best food trucks. Blue Ridge Outdoors calls it “the perfect destination for beer lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.”
Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery
Shep Rouse and his wife Jane Rouse own and operate Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery and serve their award-winning wine and beer in a tasting room transformed from the farm’s original dairy barn. They make wines from estate-grown grapes like Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Vidal Blanc. Shep Rouse won the 2022 Virginia Vineyards Association’s Grower of the Year award for his significant contributions to Virginia’s wine industry. The Rouses expanded into beer and cider production in 2019. They create small-batch brews that are for their craftsmanship and range of flavors. Visitors can relax by the fire in the rustic tasting room or spread out on the lawn for a panoramic view. Sunday is especially popular because the brewery hosts Uncorked live music and food trucks.
Seven Arrows Brewing
Seven Arrows Brewing Company is co-owned by husband and wife team Melissa and Aaron Allen. Melissa, an MBA, holds the position of owner and president, while Aaron, who trained as a chemical engineer, serves as the owner and head brewer. The Allens opened the brewery on New Year’s Eve in 2014 and have been providing high-quality craft beers ever since. Visitors can expect a lager-forward tap list with a solid lineup of core beers accented with seasonal and rotational brews for variety as well as a full food menu from onsite Nobos Kitchen. The brewery has taproom and outside seating with shade and firepits. It’s child and dog-friendly and hosts live music on the weekends.
Stable Craft Brewing
Craig and Nikki Nargi established Hermitage Hill Farm and Stables in 2006 when they took over Waynesboro Stables. Shifting focus from horse boarding, they transformed the space into an event venue, which opened in 2008. As they championed the state legislature necessary to support their farm destination, they became leaders in the agritourism movement. Over time, they expanded the business to include both onsite lodging and Stable Craft Brewing, which serves delicious beer and cider and hosts a full calendar of live music and other entertaining and community-building events. Stable Craft has fire pits for chilly days, igloos during winter, and lawn games like volleyball and cornhole. Visitors can pet the horses on the facilities to learn about the brewing process and the brewery’s commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Restless Moons Brewing Company
In 2017, Jeffrey and Brittany Moon purchased an existing brewery in Harrisonburg, transforming it into Restless Moons Brewing Company. While Jeffrey serves as the primary owner and brewer, Brittany supports the business, greatly contributing to its operations and community engagement. This collaborative effort has fostered a welcoming atmosphere for craft beer enthusiasts. The brewery offers a diverse and ever-changing tap list of small batches brewed onsite. Located in a former auto service station in Harrisonburg, the taproom has big garage doors that stay open on warm days. There’s more fresh air on the patio as well as lots of games to keep you busy.
White Oak Lavender Farm
Julie and Richard Haushalter co-own and operate White Oak Lavender Farm and The Purple WOLF Vineyard. Julie manages the daily operations of the lavender farm and the vineyard and Richard contributes to the management and strategic direction of the family business. Open to the public since 2008, the farm offers several different ways to enjoy lavender and appreciate its healing properties. Visitors can gather stems from seasonal U-pick fields, shop for lavender products like ice cream, essential oils, and body products. Visitors can also enjoy beer and 15 types of wine made from grapes grown on or near the farm in the Purple WOLF tasting room. The farm offers wine tastings, lectures, and there’s even a farm experience for kids where they learn about lavender and meet friendly barnyard animals.
Pause on your journey along the Beerwerks Trail to enjoy a beer at one of our woman-owned or co-owned breweries!
