The holidays bring some tasty flavors to Virginia, so it comes as no surprise that many Virginia craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries are getting into the spirit of the season. Whether it’s with festive flavors, cozy tasting rooms, or over-the-top decorations, these drink destinations have plenty of holiday cheer.
HOLIDAY CRAFT BEERS
Photo Credit: Nikki Nargi
Virginia is currently home to over 200 craft breweries, and many of these brew their own special seasonal beers. Infusing ingredients like holiday spice blends, peppermint, and gingerbread, these Virginia brewers concoct a wide variety of unique (often award-winning) craft beers. Head to any of these Virginia craft breweries for a true taste of the holiday season.
COZY VIRGINIA WINERIES
Nothing says “Merry & Bright” like a glass of wine in front of a roaring fireplace at a cozy Virginia winery. And with almost 300 wineries in every corner of Virginia, you don’t have to go far to find your holiday cheer. Still haven’t found that perfect gift for your special someone? Consider turning a day trip to a winery into an overnight Virginia vineyard getaway to create a memorable holiday experience for you both.
SEASONAL SPIRITS
Photo Credit: Tom Daly
As the birthplace of American spirits, Virginia has a bourgeoning distillery scene, with dozens of distilleries now calling the Commonwealth home. Making spirits like bourbons, whiskeys, vodkas, and gins, these distilleries offer the perfect holiday gift for that cocktail-loving friend or family member. Pair it with a signature Virginia cocktail recipe and you’re sure to beat out Santa for the best gift of the holidays.
FESTIVE POP-UP BARS
While there are hundreds of bars throughout Virginia that put up sparkling lights, Christmas trees, and the typical holiday décor, a select few go above and beyond, transforming during the holiday season into a veritable Winter Wonderland. In Richmond’s Carytown neighborhood, The Jasper becomes Miracle on Cary St., a Virginia location for the international Christmas pop-up bar group based in New York City. Enjoy creative holiday cocktails like the Snowball Old-Fashioned or the Christmapolitan.
Also in Richmond, Birdie’s, a cafe, oyster bar, and wine cellar, transforms into The Evergreen, an Instagram-worthy pop-up event packed with festive decor, food, and drinks.
In Northern Virginia, Leesburg’s Fa La La Christmas Pop-Up Bar returns to Schmidt’s BBQ in historic downtown Leesburg. The restaurant is fully decked out for the season, serving festive cocktails, and has a heated tent, fire pits, and heaters on the back patio space.
More Holiday Pop-Ups Throughout Virginia:
- A Christmas Story at Old 690 Brewing Company, Purcellville
- Miracle Pop-Up Bar at the Waterside District, Norfolk
- Primland Resort’s Garden & Gun Club Holiday Bar Experience, Meadows of Dan
- Art at Wessex Hundred: Winter Romance at the Williamsburg Winery, Williamsburg
As always, enjoy responsibly in Virginia and use a designated driver when traveling to Virginia craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, or cocktail bars. Happy holidays from Virginia is for Lovers!
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