By Julie Matthews
Sampling local beverages is an excellent way to get acquainted with the Greater Williamsburg region, which offers a wide variety of high-quality wines, craft beers and spirits. Whether visiting a winery, brewery or meadery, take time to savor the area’s local flavors and soak up the charming settings—from tranquil farms and beautiful gardens to enchanting historic buildings and lively outdoor patios.
Trying to figure out where to start? The Williamsburg Tasting Trail showcases select wineries, breweries, distilleries and meaderies offering top-notch product ingredients and production processes. It is a magnificent guide for exploring the area, its scenic venues and unique flavors.
Wineries
Due to its excellent vintages, Virginia has made a name for itself in the wine industry. Williamsburg and its neighboring towns are filled with opportunities to tour wineries, hang out in tasting rooms and relax outdoors with a beverage.
With its award-winning and varied selection of wines, The Williamsburg Winery has much to offer visitors including tastings, tours, delicious food and even overnight accommodations at the cozy Wedmore Place.
Wine enthusiasts will not want to miss dining at Amiraj, which offers more than 170 wines from around the world and is one of two restaurants in Williamsburg that has received the esteemed Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
Head north to Barhamsville in New Kent County to Gauthier Vineyard, a woman and veteran-owned vineyard and winery located on Fair Winds Farm, a working farm that also features a state-of-the-art equestrian center. Soak up the beautiful setting, whether sipping quality wines in the tasting room or on an outdoor patio. Not far away, feel at home at another family-owned farm, New Kent Winery. Experience delicious estate-grown Virginia wines in an elegant venue crafted with historic materials and surrounded by beautiful landscaping. Saudé Creek Vineyards is another great spot for trying tasty wines. Enjoy scenic views of the Pamunkey River and a laidback setting that is perfect for picnics and live music. Upper Shirley Vineyards, Jolene Family Winery and James River Cellars Winery are also impressive places to visit and sample local wines.
Breweries
Beer lovers also have many fantastic sipping options in the Williamsburg area. Like the wineries, the breweries in this region offer patrons a wide variety of flavors and tasting experiences for their quest of discovering what beverages they like best.
In the heart of Williamsburg, experience craft beers full of creativity and innovation at The Virginia Beer Company, The Amber Ox Public House and the Precarious Beer Hall. Along with fun, social settings these places offer delightful dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients complementing the high-quality craft beer selections. In Jamestown, spend time at Billsburg Brewery and sip lagers, ales and pilsners while taking in water views at the 10-acre marina.
At Alewerks Brewing Company, discover an expansive beer selection, from year-round varieties to seasonal and specialty to cellar select. Choose between visiting Alewerks’ classic taproom at their brewery or their Little Auxiliary Brewery, also known as the L.A.B., which along with the options offered at their Brewery Taproom also has small-batch beers made from new recipes. Talleysville Brewing Company, located with New Kent Winery, brews their beer on-site, using high-quality farm ingredients. Try one of their 12 beer options, including ale, IPA, lager, pilsner and more.
Distilleries and Meaderies
If you are seeking high-quality spirits, Williamsburg is the perfect destination. The family-friendly Copper Fox Distillery is cozy spot where adults can enjoy whiskey flights and craft cocktails. And if you have never tasted mead before, your visit to Williamsburg is the ideal time to try something new. Along with offering tours, Silver Hand Meadery has tastings of both their mead and honey. Windchaser Meadery is another sweet addition to any itinerary, so consider taking home some mead, honey and tea.
Even if you do not live far from Greater Williamsburg, spending time at one of the wineries or other establishments here can make you feel like you are escaping on a mini vacation. No matter if you gather with old friends or make new ones, spend an afternoon or a few days, come savor local beverages and good company in Greater Williamsburg. And be sure to purchase gifts to take home with you to help you remember your special experiences!
Plan ahead and plot your tasting experience. All visitors are encouraged to drink responsibly. It may be wise to include a designated driver in your tasting trail adventure.
