Sipping Through Shenandoah: A Wine, Beer & Cider Tour Around Brierley Hill
When staying at the tranquil Inn at Brierley Hill in Lexington, Virginia, guests find themselves perfectly positioned to explore the rich tapestry of craft beverages that the Shenandoah Valley has to offer. From award-winning wineries nestled in rolling hills to intimate breweries crafting small-batch ales, this region provides a delightful journey for your palate. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the wineries, breweries, cideries, and taphouses within easy reach of your accommodation.
Wineries
Just a short 20-minute drive from Brierley Hill, Lexington Valley Vineyard offers an intimate tasting experience with stunning mountain views. Their standout varieties include two French hybrids: their crisp Vidal Blanc and their aromatic Marechal Foch. The vineyard boasts a sundeck and a cozy tasting room.
Also 10 miles from the inn, the Ramulose Ridge Vineyard’s Natural Bridge location is at the Virginia Gold Orchard. Visitors can sample wines while browsing locally grown fruit or picking their own flowers. Known for their Cabernet Franc, they also feature dry whites, semisweet wines, and house-made sangria.
This Italian-inspired vineyard sits 13 miles from Brierley Hill. The tasting room is housed in a stone manor that once served as a residence. They produce their own wines and also frequently collaborate with Sassaia Vineyards and Williamsburg Winery. The Cellar Reserve Wine Tasting option is a private tasting paired with artisan cheese and chocolate.
Set against the impressive backdrop of its namesake mountain 15 miles from the inn, Jump Mountain Vineyard offers award-winning wines in a spectacular setting. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is the backbone of their red wine production but they are also known for experimenting with grapes to see what will grow well in their area. The winery building boasts an earth-sheltered aged cellar and a tasting table.
Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery
A bit farther at 20 miles from Brierley Hill, Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery offers the unique appeal of both fine wines and craft beers under one roof. Their award-winning V d’Or dessert wine has developed a devoted following, while their rotation of seasonal beers provides something new with each visit. Their spacious grounds accommodate everything from intimate picnics to larger gatherings to vineyard sponsored events.
Breweries
Practically a neighbor to Brierley Hill at just 2 miles away, Heliotrope Brewery represents the new wave of craft brewing in the Valley. This microbrewery focuses on small-batch creativity with frequently rotating taps including an award-winning IPA. Their farm-to-table food menu, featuring locally sourced ingredients, perfectly complements their brewing philosophy.
Devil’s Backbone Outpost Taproom and Kitchen
A quick 5-mile jaunt from the inn brings you to this outpost of one of Virginia’s most successful craft breweries. Devil’s Backbone offers their core lineup of award-winning German-inspired lagers alongside seasonal specialties. Their expansive outdoor seating area and hearty pub fare make this a perfect stop after a day of exploring the area.
Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery
Offering the best of both worlds 12 miles from Brierley Hill, Great Valley combines Belgian-inspired brewing traditions with Virginia viticulture. Their farmhouse ales utilize ingredients grown on-property, while their wines showcase the region’s terroir. The stunning mountain views from their tasting room and patio create an unforgettable backdrop for sampling their diverse beverage portfolio.
Cideries
Located 11 miles from the inn, Halcyon Days Cider Co. crafts traditional ciders using heirloom apple varieties grown in their own orchards. For a unique experience, explore the 1.7-mile labyrinth path through 2,000 apple trees.
Taphouses
Taphouses are a great way to sample the offerings of multiple breweries in one stop.
Just 2 miles from Brierley Hill, Brew Ridge Taps serves as a showcase for Virginia’s exploding craft beverage scene. With 18 rotating taps featuring the best beers and ciders, from throughout the Commonwealth, this taphouse offers an easy way to sample the region’s diverse offerings without extensive travel.
Salerno Wood Fired Pizza and Taphouse
Also 2 miles away, Salerno combines authentic wood-fired pizzas with an impressive selection of craft beverages. The self-pouring beer wall boasts 30 options to quench your adventurous thirst.
TAPS at The Georgesv – 2 miles
This elegant taphouse, located at the historic Georges Hotel just 2 miles from Brierley Hill, offers a more refined craft beverage experience. Sit by the open fire in the living room as you sip specialty cocktails and craft beer.
Afton Mountain Vineyards
Brierley Hill’s sister property, Afton Mountain Vineyards, is situated on a scenic mountainside with breathtaking panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley. This winery boasts some of the oldest vines in Virginia, dating back to 1978. Visitors can enjoy wine in the tasting room or year-round glass pavilion. Their motto, “Grapes don’t grow in ugly places,” perfectly captures the extraordinary beauty of this family-owned estate.
Since Afton Mountain Vineyards is a bit further away than the rest of the locations listed above (53 miles from Brierley Hill), two additional stops deserve attention for when you are in the Afton Mountain area:
Blue Mountain Brewery – This pioneering craft brewery combines exceptional beer with breathtaking Blue Ridge views.
Bold Rock Cidery – As one of the largest craft cideries on the East Coast, Bold Rock’s Nellysford location offers an impressive facility nestled in pastoral splendor.
Tips for Successful Winery/Brewery/Cidery Vacation:
- Schedule plenty of time at each location. Take time to sample the offerings and enjoy the scenery at a winery or brewery and, perhaps, take a tour. If you find something you really like, you can always purchase a bottle or cans to enjoy in your room later.
- Plan ahead for lunch. Some Lexington wineries and breweries offer food. Some do not. Research lunch ideas in advance and add a location to your schedule.
- Include driving time between locations in your agenda.
- Designate a driver so everyone can safely enjoy the day.
- Dress comfortably. Closed-toed walking shoes are recommended if you plan to tour a location.
- Ask questions. Staff at Lexington breweries and wineries are always happy to share information about their location and offerings.
