Distilleries in Virginia

The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery

Hampton, Virginia

Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery in Hampton, Virginia, occupies a repurposed armory where history meets gin-for-guilt. It’s less about pretentious bottle-showing and more about genuine, small-batch spirits that actually taste like they’re made in a cellar, not a showroom. The venue offers live music, craft beers and fresh bites in industrial-charm décor that loudly proclaims, “I’ve been here longer than this fad”.

• Unique, small-batch distillery beers available.
• Spacious outdoor area for events and concerts.

Brady's Distillery

Roanoke, Virginia

• Unique spirits, including rye-infused espresso martinis
• Heated patio and fire pits for outdoor relaxation

Creek Bottom Brewing, Distillery & Restaurant

Galax, Virginia

At Creek Bottom Brewing & Distillery in Galax, Virginia, you get a surprisingly solid blend of craft beer, distilled spirits and food that will put your expectations to the test. The place prides itself on modern technique without any of the self-important mumbo-jumbo. The bar pours a rye that will make an Englishman weep, and the range of house-brewed beers is enough to keep a die-hard enthusiast busy all week.

• Brisket pizza highly recommended
• Rye whiskey is well-made

Virginia Distillery Co.

Lovingston, Virginia

Virginia Distillery Co., based in Lovingston, Virginia, is anything but the quiet American single-malt myth it pretends to be.

• Unique approach to whiskey production showcased.
• Detailed facility tour offered to visitors.

Copper Fox Distillery Williamsburg

Williamsburg, Virginia

Copper Fox Distillery in Williamsburg, Virginia isn’t a boutique; it’s a bruised-to-brilliance laboratory where malted barley collides with modern chemistry. Founded in 2005 by ex-Scottish maestro Rick Wasmund, it’s one of only five American producers to own a malting floor – a brag it blares like a distillery of its grain. The barley is ground to a dusty consistency, poured over a rack that smokes the mash with fruitwood, giving the spirit a flavour that would make a butler blush. Aged in reclaimed bourbon casks with fruitwood chips, the barrels have the flavour of a smuggler’s cellar. Rick guides you through malting, smoking, and cask rooms while rattling Bowmore anecdotes, turning the tour into a lesson rather than a walk. Afterward, taste flights that shout “classy troublemakers,” snack on crackers with pimento cheese that truly complement the dram, and enjoy a Campfire Old Fashioned – a cocktail that’s nostalgia, rebellious.

• Distillery offers great whiskey flights.
• Crackers and pimento cheese snacks available.

Silverback Distillery

Afton, Virginia

Afton, Virginia, houses Silverback Distillery, the most audacious of craft spirit producers that actually manage to win awards without a hint of melodrama. Headed by Christine “Hooch Mama” Riggleman, the team’s female-led squad fuses age-old methods with a streak of rebellion, delivering a citrus-burst Strange Monkey Gin that makes your tongue do a victory lap.

• Unique smoking process for bourbon production
• Variety of spirits beyond straight pours available

Copper Fox Distillery Sperryville

Sperryville, Virginia

Cu­per Fox Distillery in Sperryville, Virginia, is the sort of place that would make a banker’s head spin if he weren’t busy counting coins. Founded in 2005, it boasts one of only five US malting floors – a shrewd brag that borders on ego. Their hand-malted barley gets a cheeky fruitwood-smoked kiss before sliding into bourbon barrels dusted with the same chips. The result is a line ranging from bold Bourbon and spicy Rye to single-malt and even a gin that has real malt in it. They also produce un-aged spirits and specialty whiskies that push boundaries and without pretentious fluff.

• Intimate and rustic distillery interior design
• Whiskey made in a traditional pot still

A. Smith Bowman Distillery

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Fredericksburg’s oldest distillery, A. Smith Bowman, refuses to dress up as a tourist trap. It’s a place where the real artisans still get their hands dirty, and the result is a whiskey so authentic it would put a museum on notice.

• Small, intimate distillery experience available.
• Behind-the-scenes look at operations offered.

Franklin County Distilleries

Boones Mill, Virginia

Franklin County Distilleries in Boones Mill keeps Virginia’s moonshine myth alive, still turning the outlaw brew that once caused a traffic jam in Prohibition-era streets. The site dates back to those days, when the county supplied more sugar than New York City and licked that excess into illegal spirit. Their line slides from a grain-only moonshine to bold, flavoured vodkas — think butterscotch, white-peach and a quirky malt-infused oddity. You can test it in the tasting room, pick a bottle at any Virginia ABC shop or order it to a local pub that values proper drink with a side of sarcasm. A no-frills virtual tour shows the stills and oak racks, a reminder of old money clinking against fresh ambition. Drop by Highway 220 for the real-deal, because swagger bought online is as empty as a run-away mash. For a spirit that defies carbonated gimmicks and rewards craftsmanship, Franklin County still delivers — beyond the chatter of high-end plates and pretence.

• Distilled flavored vodka is very good.
• Smash burger is a great offering.

8 Shires Coloniale Distillery

Williamsburg, Virginia

• Distillery produces unique spirits inspired by era.
• Makes famous 1608 single malt whiskey on site.

Three Notch'd Brewery, Distillery & Craft Kitchen - Nelson County

Nellysford, Virginia

Three Notch’d Brewery, Distillery & Craft Kitchen sits in Nellysford, Virginia, where the idea that “you can’t have your bourbon and eat your cake” turns out to be tragically false. They pair craft ale with bourbon and single-malts that would make a whisky connoisseur sigh, then layer that on a menu so diverse it feels like a culinary “world tour” without leaving the county. Beer-infused dishes here are not pretentious; they’re simply audacious, turning pint-sized hops into hearty, smoky plates.

• Unique bourbon selection with single malt offerings
• Excellent kitchen with varied menu and outdoor seating options

Ragged Branch Distillery

Charlottesville, Virginia

Ragged Branch Distillery is a rough-and-tumble, no-fuss operation in Charlottesville, Virginia, where a modest working farm grows its own grain. The house-made trio of whiskeys starts with a Signature Bourbon that feels like a cosy old-world rum with buttery warmth, followed by a Wheated Bourbon that’s smooth and polished, and a Rye that has a real bite – it could take the wind out of any pretentious cocktail. Everything is made in tiny batches and bottled in bond, so every pour is a story, not a marketing stunt. They run a tasting room only three days a week — a small concession for people who still think they need a glass before a meeting. If that’s not enough, you can buy ground beef from a meat case, or pick up a postcard and a mailing slot for the record. The craft is a labour of love, not a corporate gimmick today.

• Farm-to-bottle whiskey production
• Ground beef for sale in meat case

Dogged State Distilling Co. Diner

Amelia Court House, Virginia

• Offers high-quality craft vodka.
• Atmosphere is comfortably casual setting.

Vitae Spirits Distillery Downtown

Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia, 2015 – Vitae Spirits decided that the town’s preoccupation could be beaten with real, small-batch rum. Their motto? Make something good or shut the doors.

• Intimate little tables create a unique atmosphere.
• Sushi menu changes seasonally with local ingredients.

Filibuster Distillery

Maurertown, Virginia

Filibuster Distillery in Maurertown, Virginia is where bourbon and swagger meet. Born on Capitol Hill’s outskirts, it prides itself on an American-made “innovation” that refuses to play second fiddle to old-world traditions. Their small batches are hammered by hand, aged first in rugged American oak and then finished in French oak, a dual cask ballet that makes your tongue feel both bruised and bemused.

• Speakeasy-like atmosphere upon entering distillery
• Unique, well-crafted whiskey flights available

Cape Charles Distillery

Cape Charles, Virginia

Cape Charles, Virginia, sits at the fringe of the Blue Ridge and the Atlantic, where clean water and local barley meet.

• Expertly crafted specialty cocktails
• Unique bourbon drinks, like Paper Plane

Belmont Farms

Culpeper, Virginia

• Unique blend of traditional and innovative techniques
• Extensive knowledge of local history and heritage

Three Crosses Distilling Company

Powhatan, Virginia

Three Crosses Distilling Company in Powhatan, Virginia – no need for fancy adjectives.

• Seasonal cocktails with creative flavor combinations
• Whiskey selection with rare and unique options

Vitae Spirits Distillery

Charlottesville, Virginia

Vitae Spirits Distillery, set up in 2015 in Charlottesville, Virginia, is the sort of place that pretends to be humble but actually delivers a kick. They churn small batches of spirits with a hands-on attitude and a custom Vendome copper still that supposedly captures the soul of each grain and botanist. Their gin — three flavours built on a rum distillate — strikes an odd balance between novelty and taste, while their rums are pure sipping-quality, meaning you don’t need a mixer to show off. A maple-barrel aged rum earns particular acclaim, and the distillery regularly collaborates with local artists, including botanical illustrator Lara Call Gastinger, to keep the scene alive. Community isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the engine. The result is an eclectic line of rum, gin and inventive liqueurs that have already proven they can keep you on the road to great nights for your after-work soirées and don’t forget the mixers.

• Vitae Spirits specializes in rum and gin.
• Distillery produces 3 types of gin based on a rum distillate.

Appalachian Heritage Distillery & Brewery

Damascus, Virginia

Appalachian Heritage Distillery & Brewery in Damascus, Virginia, refuses to play it safe and pride.

• Unique bourbon aging process with 5-year mark
• Smooth and peppery flavor profile in their rye

Sandy River Distillery

Rice, Virginia

Sandy River Distillery, in Rice, Virginia, refuses to let its heritage drift into the same tired charm. The 1840s log cabin that houses the tasting room feels like walking into a museum that actually cares about its contents. Each glass of its whiskey or bourbon tastes like a story that’s been well-drafted.

• Expertly crafted whiskeys and bourbons
• Brick oven pizzas with amazing red sauce

The Winery At Rapidan / WAR Craft Brewery Cidery Distillery

Rapidan, Virginia

The Winery At Rapidan / WAR Craft Brewery Cidery Distillery sits in Rapidan, Virginia. It refuses to tip its hat to the cliché of “sublime rural charm,” and it belongs to disabled combat veterans, giving it an edge of raw, stubborn resilience.

• Exclusive drink options with creative names
• Variety of ciders on tap, including fresh takes on classics

Bold Rock Distillery at The Barrel Barn

Nellysford, Virginia

Bold Rock Distillery, housed in the repurposed Barrel Barn in Nellysford, Virginia, is a proper antidote to the pretentious distillery crowd. It began as a cider workshop, but now roars with award-winning spirits, craft cocktails that would make a bored banker swoon, and a spiced-peach whiskey that actually lives up to its name.

• Large outdoor seating area with ample space.
• Spiced peach whiskey is a popular choice.

5 Mile Mountain Distillery

Floyd, Virginia

• Unique moonshine flavor profile with notes of fruit.
• Distillery's storefront offers an immersive experience.

Springfield Distillery

Halifax, Virginia

Springfield Distillery sits in Halifax, Virginia, on a stone-walled property dating back to 1842. It’s a place where history gets a practical facelift under the stewardship of Kelly Gordon, a woman who insists the whisky should be as honest as a straight-talking mechanic.

• Unique distillery atmosphere with cabin bar
• Family-owned operation with attention to detail

Spirit Lab Distilling

Charlottesville, Virginia

• Small distillery with creative, diverse spirits.
• Thoughtfully designed labels and branding elements.

Blue Sky Distillery

Smithfield, Virginia

Blue Sky Distillery, Smithfield, Virginia, is where the genteel idea of “craft spirits” meets an almost obscene pride in their own taste.

• Distillery's rotating seasonal cocktail menu
• Flavored spirits with unique taste profiles (e.g., peach tea)

Twin Creeks Distillery

Rocky Mount, Virginia

Twin Creeks Distillery in Rocky Mount, Virginia, is the kind of place that makes you stop wondering why most of Britain has to settle for a half-pint and a pre-pub rant. This family operation dates back to the first settlers who mistook the Blue Ridge Mountains for a giant, forgiving cheese grater and started distilling. They still use local grains and fruit, then toss them into a copper submarine-shaped still that would make any engineer raise an eyebrow and a sommelier smile.

• Offers authentic moonshine experience
• Craft cocktails available on site

Axe Handle Distilling

Pennington Gap, Virginia

• Distillery offers free tastings of multiple products.
• Unique single barrel bourbon tasting experience available.

ROOSTERS RISE -N- SHINE DISTILLERY

Moneta, Virginia

Roosters Rise-N-Shine Distillery sits in Moneta, Virginia, a place that used to be a back-door watering hole for the infamous Prohibition era. Now it’s a proper craft lab, where the old bootleggers’ gumption meets state-of-the-art copper stills.

• Distillery offers unique moonshine flavors.
• Variety of sample offerings available.

Squabble State Hard Cider & Spirits

Bristol, Virginia

Squabble State Hard Cider & Spirits is a gloriously rebellious venture in Bristol, Virginia, perched on 2,100 feet of high-altitude defiance. Their motto? “Craft beverages born from historical defiance.” They refuse to be bland, producing a rotating selection of hard ciders and craft beers, each bottle a little rebellion of flavour. The ciders are brewed in small batches, their flavours changing with the seasons – because stagnation is for the unambitious.

• Gravel road motorcycle path adds to scenery.
• Regular food truck visits enhance dining experience.

Barrelhouse at Sandy River Distillery

Rice, Virginia

• Unique cocktails with local flavors
• Wood-fired pizza from Chef Grace

River City Distillery

Radford, Virginia

River City Distillery in Radford, Virginia has taken the local whisky scene and decided it can outdo the rest with a slick, smug vodka.

• Distillery's unique gem in Radford area
• Excellent vodka with interesting flavor profiles

Salty Stash Distillery

Allisonia, Virginia

Salty Stash Distillery in Allisonia, Virginia – where a farm-to-glass pedigree meets a pinch of audacious ambition. Since 2020, this family-run operation has swapped harvests for fermentation tanks, borrowing winemaking wizardry to produce brandies that sing without a hint of pretension. The distillery’s core is a line of handcrafted spirits, each one a quiet salute to quality and a slap at the pretentiously glossy advertising that plagues the trade.

• Unique blends of spirits with a local touch
• Distilling experience available to customers