If you’re a beer aficionado or simply love exploring local flavors, you’re in for a treat! In this blog post, we’ll take you on a hoppy adventure through some of the best breweries in Charlottesville, each offering a unique blend of flavors and a warm, welcoming ambiance. From crisp ales to rich stouts, and everything in between, Charlottesville’s breweries boast a tantalizing array of brews that will delight both connoisseurs and casual beer enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the “Best Breweries in Charlottesville, VA” and discover the tastes that make this city an irresistible destination for beer lovers everywhere!
Blue Mountain Brewery
Blue Mountain is well-known across the country for its amazing beer. They make the legendary Dark Hollow (also a beautiful waterfall on the Skyline Drive) in addition to several other notable brews at their brewery in Nelson County. Two hop fields in Afton and a new hop yard in Arrington provide Cascade hops used in their Full Nelson strong pale ale and other seasonal beers. They are currently medal winners at the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival for their brewery-grown fresh hop ale, Blue Reserve, and held the notable honor of being the only brewery in Virginia to win consecutive Gold Medals at the Great American Beer Festival. All beers are brewed, bottled, canned, and kegged at the Afton site or in the Blue Mountain Barrel House in Arrington.
South Street Brewery
South Street Brewery is Charlottesville’s longest-running brewery and pub reborn. Owned by Blue Mountain brewery, this brewery, and pub work to maintain and revitalize the spirit of the important Charlottesville landmark they now own. South Street original brews are creative and diverse and, more importantly, delicious. Outstanding brews like Anastasia’s Chocolate Fantasy and Satan’s Pony pair with great locally sourced farm-to-table dishes for a simply perfect local pub experience right at the heart of Charlottesville.
Random Row Brewery
Kevin McElroy started with a homebrew hobby but dreamed of opening a local craft brewery. In 2016, his years of planning paid off when he opened Random Row. The goal of Random Row is to demystify beer and make the enjoyment of suds accessible to everyone, from casual beer drinkers to brewmasters. The local neighborhood pub is known not only for its incredible variety of delicious beers and wonderful food pairings but also for giving back to the community and helping craft brewers learn more about making great beer. This is the perfect relaxed, laid-back neighborhood pub to learn about craft beer for the first time, or as an experienced connoisseur.
Three Notch’d Brewery
Three Notch’d Brewing Company was founded by three friends who enjoy good times with close family and friends celebrated with great beer. Their appreciation for individualism and respect for hard work is apparent all over the Central Virginia area, where they actively give back to the surrounding community. Their unique and celebrated collection of beers is a direct result of their desire to “Leave Their Mark”, like the many historical figures of the region have done for centuries, and they encourage others to do the same.
Devils Backbone Brewing Company
After trying authentic German beer while on a ski trip, the Crandalls of Devils Backbone Brewing Company began a hobby that would eventually spawn some of the best beer in the region. Travels in the US led them to look for a location that would allow active beer drinkers to enjoy hiking, biking, and running in a gorgeous location, followed by a beer, of course. Once they found their location, they realized that it was their dream to create their own authentic local pub, one that would really speak to the outdoor beauty of the region and the active nature of the local people. Devil’s Backbone beers are perfect right after that mountain 5K, and their location is the perfect place to enjoy them.
Starr Hill Brewery
Starr Hill is the second oldest craft brewery in Virginia, and as such, they have been the pioneers who set the stage for Virginia’s currently thriving craft beer community. Starr Hill beers have been spotted at live music festivals like Bonnaroo and FloydFest. The brewery responded to demand by moving their small downtown brew operation to a larger facility in Crozet. Starr Hill blends art and science to create craft beers that have been inspired by some of the most innovative and beloved brewers in the country. The historic storefront of the brewery still resides on Main Street and was once home to Virginia’s first craft brewery, Blue Ridge Brewing Company. Starr Hill’s offerings are rich in tradition, with finely honed artisanal beers.
Rockfish Brewing Company
Discover Rockfish Brewing Company, an exceptional nano brewery nestled in the heart of Charlottesville, VA. Experience the art of brewing with hand-crafted small batch beers, where contemporary, seasonal, and innovative styles come to life. With a focus on attention to detail and the finest ingredients, each sip delivers unrivaled freshness and a delightful array of flavors that rotate frequently. The brewery holds a personal touch as it draws its name from a drawing by the owner’s son. Rockfish Brewing is located on Preston Ave, near the Dairy Market in Charlottesville, and shares the space with Fifth Season Gardening. Step into this intimate and unique brewing haven, where passion meets creativity, and indulge in a truly remarkable beer-tasting journey.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we hope this guide of Charlottesville’s best breweries has inspired you to embark on your own adventure to discover the hidden gems that await in this beer lover’s paradise! We raise a glass to the vibrant tapestry of flavors and experiences that Charlottesville’s craft beer scene has to offer.
(434) 971-8439