Breweries in the Virginia Countryside

Our exploration of the breweries in the DMV continues as we take a trip to the Virginia countryside to visit a few breweries and enjoy the beautiful summer weather with some beer and in the company of other beer and outdoor lovers.

Virginia countryside

We have chosen three different breweries to explore in the rolling hills of Fauquier County, Virginia as we go off the beaten path in search of some great brews.

Breweries in the Virginia Countryside

In the past two decades, Virginia has seen a remarkable increase in the craft beer market, currently ranking 13th, in the nation, according to the Brewers Association, with 190 craft breweries.

Most of these craft breweries are interspersed throughout the state producing around 358,903 barrels of craft beer per year, based on statistics collected in 2017.

The history of beer making in Virginia can be traced to the colonists in Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg, who are considered the first settlers to brew.

Westham Foundry, founded around 1778 on the banks of the James River in Richmond, is considered as the state's first dedicated brewery, while the Robert Portner Brewery, founded in 1869, in Alexandria is considered as the most dominant and the largest in the Southeastern states during it’s time.

Different styles of craft beer

Our Plans to Explore the Breweries

We have selected three breweries near Haymarket a town in Prince William County, Virginia.

Old Bust Head Brewing Company

We will start with the Old Bust Head Brewing Company named for a rural crossroads in the rolling hills of Fauquier County, Virginia. The locals who dubbed the corner 'Bust Head' are said to have enjoyed not only the potent libations brewed there, but also a little good humor.

Located on the grounds of an old Virginia farm, Old Bust Head has reclaimed warehouses dating from the 1950’s for its beer hall style taproom and brewing operations.

At the brewery, we will taste their popular year round brews and some seasonal beers. The brewery also offers tours at different times and those that are interested in learning more about their brewing processes can join a tour.

The brewery partners with local food trucks and caterers and patrons are also welcome to bring their own food.

The Farm Brewery at Broad Run

Our next stop will be the Farm Brewery at Broad Run, situated on a picturesque 52 acre farm. producing an assortment of beer styles that change with the seasons and crop rotations.

The Farm Brewery does not allow any outside food but has a number of revolving trucks offering a variety of food options.

Tin Cannon Brewing Co.

Our last stop, depending on how long we prefer to hang out at the first two breweries, is a nano-brewery located in Gainesville, Virginia. The brewery typically has 10-14 beers on tap besides sampler flights, ranging from classic to new tastes.

There are typically food trucks available on Saturdays and patrons can bring their own food.


Note:

If you are planning to participate in the brewery tour, for your personal safety, most breweries require visitors to wear closed-toe shoes (i.e. boots or sneakers, no flip flops or sandals).

The scheduled timing for the 2nd and 3rd brewery are tentative and can change, depending on how long we decide to stay at the first brewery.

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Event Details

Event: Breweries in the Virginia Countryside

Description: A summer afternoon exploring the breweries in the Virginia countryside.

Date/Time: Saturday July 7, 2018 12:30 PM to 5:00PM

Admission: Free / Grapes & Grains members must RSVP

Tentative Schedule

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm - Old Bust Head Brewing Company

7134 Farm Station Road Warrenton, VA 20187

Google Map for Old Bust Head Brewing Company

2:15 pm - 3:30 pm - The Farm Brewery at Broad Run
16015 John Marshall Hwy, Broad Run, VA 20137

Google Map for The Farm Brewery at Broad Run

3:45 pm - 5:00 pm - Tin Cannon Brewing Co.
7679 Limestone Dr #130, Gainesville, VA 20155

Google Map for Tin Cannon Brewing Co.

Article Category: Events