The world-famous craft brewery industry of the Appalachian Mountains extends all the way up into Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. An idyllic area with a thriving beer scene—as exemplified by the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail—the region is a must-visit for any hopheads.
After a day at Shenandoah National Park or Luray Caverns, you can kick back and unwind with a cold one at one of these nine must-visit breweries in the Shenandoah Valley. Though numerous breweries can be found throughout the area, we’ve focused on the ones within an hour-and-a-half drive of our Stay Blue Maple vacation rentals in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.
- Escutcheon Brewing Co.
- 142 W Commercial St, Winchester, VA
- escutcheonbrewing.com
- Craft beers and a community focus
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Virginia’s oldest microbrewery pours several fun and original drafts, from the Blackstrake Stout to Maggie’s Cream Ale. To sample a little of everything, order one of Escutcheon’s popular flights.
While full meals aren’t available on-site, you can ask the highly knowledgeable bartenders for restaurant or food truck recommendations – Escutcheon is located in downtown Winchester, so you won’t have to look hard to find a great meal.
- Swover Creek Farms & Brewery
- 4176 Swover Creek Rd, Edinburg, VA
- swovercreekfarms.com
- Brews, games, and eats in a rural location
- Open days/hours vary by season
Swover Creek Farms & Brewery bills itself as “your clubhouse in the woods” and more than lives up to that reputation, with entertainment available for visitors of all ages. You can try your hand at the 18-hole disc golf course, shop for fresh produce and jams, or simply sit back and enjoy views of the Virginia countryside.
When it’s time to order, the menu features a wide selection of beers as well as wood-fired pizzas and other goodies straight from the farm. Just note that the food offerings change daily, so be prepared to go with the flow.
- Woodstock Brewhouse
- 123 E Court St, Woodstock, VA
- woodstockbrewhouse.com
- Hearty American food and numerous styles of beer
- Open seven days a week
Located inside the former Casey Jones work clothes factory, Woodstock Brewhouse is a popular pick with locals looking to spend a relaxing evening out. While sipping brews like the Brite Blonde Ale or the Paysan Saison, you can pick and choose from a lengthy menu of satisfying American food, including brewpub mainstays like cheeseburgers, nachos, and buffalo wings.
As you plan your visit to Woodstock, check the events calendar to see if you can expect to see a live music show. On Thursday nights, performers from various genres typically take the stage.
- Backroom Brewery
- 150 Ridgemont Rd, Middletown, VA
- backroombreweryva.com
- Fresh food and drinks in a rural location
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Yes, Backroom Brewery is a bit off the beaten path. But that allows visitors to get some well-deserved peace and quiet while trying out new beers and delicious food. The brewery’s farm location lends itself to a serene country atmosphere and some stellar Blue Ridge scenery, while the beers on tap will keep you coming back to the bar for refills time and again.
If you happen to be traveling with someone who’s not a beer fan, direct them to Backroom’s inventive cocktail menu and impressive wine selection. Oh, and take a look at the events calendar before you head over—between holiday markets, book signings, and craft workshops, you never know what’s happening out here.
- Alesatian Brewing Company
- 21 & 23 N Loudoun St, Winchester, VA
- alesatianbrewing.com
- Award-winning beers in two downtown locations
- Closed on Mondays
For a one-size-fits-all night on the town in Winchester, it doesn’t get much better than Alesatian Brewing Company. The taproom is located upstairs from a popular Italian restaurant, ideal for an elegant yet convenient date night. Feeling intimidated by the far-ranging beer menu? Grab a glass of hoppy Gen 2 American IPA, which won awards in 2019 and 2022.
Since the tap list rotates frequently, you may want to plan multiple visits to see what else is pouring at Alesatian. Or, you could just end up at one of the brewery’s frequent live events should the timing align.
- Broken Window Brewing Company
- 14 W Boscawen St, Winchester, VA
- brokenwindowbrewing.com
- Downtown Winchester brewery with creatively named beers
- Open seven days a week; holiday hours vary
Broken Window Brewing Company provides the quintessential craft brewery experience: a wide variety of drinks, a welcoming atmosphere, and the occasional music performance to liven things up. Beer-wise, you can expect some creatively named brews—we dare you to keep a straight face while asking for a pint of Murder Pallet IPA or Dungeon Daddy ale.
For a little friendly competition, swing by during one of the brewery’s hugely popular trivia nights. Otherwise, you can expect to get comfy in a booth and keep the drinks coming.
- Honey & Hops Brew Works
- 212 E Main St A, Front Royal, VA
- honeyandhopsbrewworks.com
- Family-owned, small-batch mead brewery
- Closed on Wednesdays
Whether you’re new to mead or a verified aficionado, come on down to Honey & Hops Brew Works. Run by three brothers from Alaska, this brewery cooks up one-of-a-kind batches of mead, also known as honey wine. Rest assured that all of Honey & Hops’ mead is handcrafted using top-tier ingredients, redefining the drinking experience.
Honey & Hops has produced more than 30 different mead varieties that rotate seasonally, so you’re always in for a pleasant surprise when you visit. The brewery is kid-friendly and is a natural stop for a pick-me-up while exploring, given its location in downtown Front Royal.
- Vibrissa Beer
- 10 N Kent St, Winchester, VA
- vibrissabeer.com
- Craft beers poured in two Shenandoah Valley locations
- Open seven days a week
Though Vibrissa’s beer is noteworthy in its own right, the brews are just the start of the excitement here. Made at two locations in the Shenandoah Valley—one in Winchester’s former newspaper building and one further south in Front Royal—beers include sours, IPAs, lagers, and any other variety your heart might desire. But the food is also a massive hit with visitors, who stop by for everything from pizzas to vegan sandwiches and even breakfast fare.
After eating and drinking your fill at the pet-friendly beer garden, take a short walk to the quaint Old Town Winchester Walking Mall to pick up some souvenirs of your visit.
- Box Office Brewery
- 177 E King St, Strasburg, VA
- boxofficebrewery.com
- Craft brews in a renovated historic movie theater
- Open seven days a week
Box Office Brewery is tucked inside the historic Strand Theatre, one of the first movie theaters built in Shenandoah County. The Strand’s original architecture and decor have been lovingly preserved, including a series of historically significant murals painted on both side walls. So, you’ll have plenty to look at while you sip on a pint of Prohibition Pilsner or an Off the Press Cider from the nearby Old Hill Cidery.
Stop by on the last Tuesday of every month for painting night or on Friday and Saturday evenings to listen to live music. If you want to take the stage yourself, Sunday Open Mic Nights present the perfect opportunity.
Which Breweries Will You Visit?
The nine best breweries in the Shenandoah Valley have a little something for all seasons and tastes. No matter what kind of drink you’re interested in, chances are that you can find it right here in this unique region. And if you have more time, consider venturing further south into the Shenandoah Valley—this list is just the tip of the iceberg for the area’s breweries.
Book your trip with Stay Blue Maple, and get out to Shenandoah Valley to enjoy a drink or two. Those pint glasses won’t fill themselves, after all.