The Best Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries and Meaderies in Williamsburg Virginia

Group of friends clinking beer glasses together at a bar.

Williamsburg, Virginia, known for its rich colonial history, is also becoming a hotspot for craft beverage enthusiasts. From award-winning wines to innovative craft beers, small-batch spirits, and even mead, this charming city offers a diverse array of libations to suit every palate. Let’s explore the best wineries, breweries, distilleries, and meaderies in and around Williamsburg, along with some must-visit festivals for beverage aficionados.

Wineries

  1. Williamsburg Winery The Williamsburg Winery was established in 1985 and is the largest winery in Virginia. Set on a picturesque 300-acre farm, it offers a range of award-winning wines, from crisp Chardonnays to robust reds. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, tastings, and fine dining at their on-site restaurants.
  2. New Kent Winery Located just outside Williamsburg, New Kent Winery is a stunning example of Virginia viticulture. The winery building, constructed using reclaimed materials from the 1800s, is an architectural marvel. Their wines, particularly their Meritage and Chardonnay Reserve, have garnered numerous accolades.
  3. Saude Creek Winery Saude Creek Winery is situated on a beautiful property overlooking the Pamunkey River, about 20 minutes from colonial Williamsburg. The winery offers a range of wines produced from grapes grown on their 100-acre farm, including varieties such as Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin, and Chardonnay. The winery often hosts events like live music performances, especially on weekends.  It is known for its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Breweries

Williamsburg’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, offering a diverse range of styles and flavors.

  1. Alewerks Brewing Company One of the pioneers of Williamsburg’s craft beer movement, Alewerks has been brewing since 2006. Known for their balanced and flavorful beers, their Tavern Brown Ale and Superb IPA are local favorites.
  2. Virginia Beer Company Founded by two William & Mary alumni, the Virginia Beer Company focuses on quality and community. Their rotating selection of beers ensures there’s always something new to try, with their Free Verse IPA being a standout.
  3. Precarious Beer Project Known for their creative and sometimes quirky brews, Precarious Beer Project is a must-visit for adventurous beer lovers. Their taproom, combined with an arcade, offers a unique drinking experience.
  4. Frothy Moon Brewhouse A newcomer to the Williamsburg beer scene, Frothy Moon Brewhouse offers a rotating selection of craft beers in a family-friendly environment. Their commitment to using local ingredients shines through in their flavorful brews.
  5. Billsburg BreweryLocated in James City County Marina, Billsburg Brewery offers stunning water views along with their craft beers. Their Classic Lager and James City Export are perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the water.
  6. Strangeways Brewing With a taproom in Williamsburg, Strangeways brings its unique and experimental beers from Richmond. Known for pushing brewing boundaries, they offer an eclectic range of flavors and styles.

Distilleries

  1. Copper Fox Distillery Copper Fox brings the art of whiskey-making to Williamsburg. Known for their innovative use of apple and cherry wood in the malting process, they offer unique spirits like their Wasmund’s Single Malt Whisky and Vir Gin.

Meaderies

  1. Silver Hand Meadery For those unfamiliar, a meadery is an establishment that produces mead, an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water and sometimes additional fruits, spices, or grains. Silver Hand Meadery is Williamsburg’s premier (and currently only) meadery, offering a range of traditional and innovative meads. Visitors can enjoy tasting flights and learn about the ancient art of mead-making.

A group of people raising wine glasses in celebration.

Annual Festivals

Williamsburg and the surrounding area host several annual festivals celebrating craft beverages. Here are some you shouldn’t miss:

  1. Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival Held annually in the spring, this festival showcases over 30 craft breweries from Virginia and beyond. It’s a perfect opportunity to sample a wide variety of beers while enjoying live music and local food vendors.
  2. Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival While primarily known for its thrilling rides, Busch Gardens Williamsburg hosts an annual Food & Wine Festival in the spring. The event features over 100 culinary offerings, including a selection of local and international wines and craft beers.
  3. An Occasion for the Arts This annual October festival in downtown Williamsburg combines visual and performing arts with wine and beer tastings, offering a cultural experience for all senses.
  4. Neptune’s Fall Wine Festival While not in Williamsburg proper, this festival in nearby Virginia Beach (held in September) is worth the short trip. It features a wide selection of Virginia wines and is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
  5. Town Point Virginia Wine Festival Another nearby event in Norfolk, typically held in October, this festival showcases Virginia’s finest wineries and provides a great opportunity to sample a variety of local wines.

Be sure to visit our explore Williamsburg and Virginia’s Tidewater page for other events and festivals held throughout the year.  Visit each event’s website for exact dates and more details about the festivals.

 

Craft Beverage Trail

To make the most of your Williamsburg craft beverage experience, consider following the Williamsburg Tasting Trail. This self-guided tour includes many of the establishments mentioned above, allowing you to sample the best of Williamsburg’s wines, beers, spirits, and meads.

Here’s a suggested itinerary:

  1. Start with a tour and tasting at Williamsburg Winery
  2. Head to Silver Hand Meadery for a unique mead experience
  3. Visit Copper Fox Distillery for a whiskey tasting
  4. Finish the day at one (or more) of Williamsburg’s excellent breweries

A bottle and glass of wine on a table.Remember to drink responsibly and consider using a designated driver or local transportation services when visiting multiple venues.

Williamsburg’s craft beverage scene is continually evolving, with new establishments opening and existing ones innovating. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a craft beer enthusiast, a spirits aficionado, or curious about mead, Williamsburg offers something for every taste. The city’s rich history provides a unique backdrop for these modern craft beverage experiences, creating a perfect blend of past and present.

So, on your next visit to Williamsburg, take some time to explore beyond the colonial sites. Raise a glass to the city’s thriving craft beverage scene and discover why Williamsburg is becoming a must-visit destination for drink enthusiasts across the country.  Be sure to check out our restaurants, wineries & breweries in Williamsburg page for more recommendations.