Warm yourself from the inside out with one of these craft libations.
We live in a region with a bounty of beverage options to choose from. Whether you’re drawn to vines or barley, there’s a nearby distillery, brewery, or vineyard awaiting your arrival.
VODKA & GIN
The glistening silver and copper stills shine from the distilling room and into the tasting room and into the tasting room at the newly-opened Silverback Distillery in Afton, Virginia. The Beringei Vodka is created with pure mountain water and 100% Virginia grains, and tastes as smooth as it sounds. The Strange Monkey Gin begins with the vodka as its base, then a secret blend of botanicals are infused during the distillation process. It’s no wonder this family-owned business is already receiving national recognition for its vodka, gin, and grain spirit creations.
BEER
A historic building has been given new life in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. The Ironclad Brewery is industrial, open, and stylish. Visit the brewery to view the brewhouse and fermentation tanks. Have a seat at one of the three bars and opt for a flight, allowing you to sample all seven of the rotating beers. Find which beer speaks to you—we’re big fans of the White Squall—a white chocolate brown ale. Purchase a growler to take home and enjoy by the fire.
MOONSHINE WHISKEY
What began with a hunt for the perfect moonshine recipe has lead to Troy & Sons, a popular distillery in Asheville, North Carolina. Using sweet white corn from a local farm, distiller Troy Ball has perfected her recipe. That’s right, her Heirloom Moonshine Whiskey recipe. One of the few female distillers in the industry, she’s created a complete line of Platinum, Oak Reserve, and Blonde Whiskeys. Enjoy a free tour on Friday and Saturday evenings, then sample the ‘shine.
WINE
Peer out beyond the lavender fields to the vineyards and rolling mountains beyond. Since opening in 2012, The Beliveau Estate, just outside of Blacksburg, Virginia, has received 50 competition medals for its wines. The impressive collection of bottles and awards are on display in the tasting room, open Wednesday through Sunday. The picturesque and romantic estate offers an event space and lodging in the quaint bed and breakfast.
BOURBON
The smell of bourbon and oak wafts through the air and greets you as you enter the massive tasting room at A. Smith Bowman Distillery. Operating since 1935, this Fredericksburg, Virginia, distillery has been a local favorite for generations. Free tours are given daily by the knowledgeable and gentile staff. The tour will guide you through the museum area, where you’ll learn about the bourbon you’re about to enjoy and the history of bourbon itself. But the highlight of the tour is the barrel room, where over 6,000 barrels are aging to perfection.
Ready for more Winter Wonderland suggestions? Check out our Family Fun Time blog where we round up activities to keep the whole family entertained!