It is well known that the rolling hills of Virginia boast gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but the state is also filled with amazing alcohol producers. Virginia's craft breweries and wineries are on point, and the state is also home to a handful of great cideries and distilleries. The best way to see the best of these offerings is along Route 151, which is a beautiful road to drive along regardless. Here are 10 stops to put on your travel guide, listed here from north to south:
Blue Mountain Brewery (9519 Critzers Shop Rd, Afton, VA)
A fan of Taco Tuesday? Blue Mountain welcomes drinkers for its own version of the special on Tuesdays. The brewery offers savory specials most nights of the week to enjoy with its ales and lagers.
Veritas Vineyard and Winery (151 Veritas Ln, Afton, VA)
Enjoy a picnic at Veritas on its sprawling lawn. Pair one of its ready-to-go cheese plates with one of its wines. If you drink too much to drive home, you can treat yourself to a night in the Farmhouse, a gorgeous 19th century-style bed and breakfast.
Afton Mountain Vineyards (234 Vineyard Ln, Afton, VA)
As the winery’s slogan says, “Grapes don’t grow in ugly places.” Taste one of the vineyard’s 12 wines and enjoy a view that seems to go on for miles.
Cardinal Point Winery & Vineyard (9423 Batesville Rd, Afton, VA)
Bearing the name of Virginia’s state bird, Cardinal Point is grown and nurtured by members of a Virginia family who are eager to invite you into taste and learn about their 10 different wine varieties.
Silverback Distillery (9520 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Afton, VA)
That’s Silverback as in the Gorilla. This stop on your trek will certainly leave you feeling the hairs on the back of your neck stand tall. Taste the distillery’s vodka, gin, bourbon and whiskey…slowly.
Flying Fox Vineyard (27 Chapel Hollow Rd, Afton, VA)
There is a little fox that looks over this winery on a weathervane perched above its main building. Grab a glass and take a seat in a rocking chair on the porch and soak up the rolling blue mountains in your sight.
Hill Top Berry Farm and Winery (2800 Berry Hill Rd, Nellysford, VA)
You’ll find more than grapes in your wine here. Stop and try something on the sweeter side like theire Virginia Blackberry Wine and the Viking Era Honey Mead.
Wild Wolf Brewing Company (2461 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA)
Not many breweries have a koi pond and waterfalls. Visit Wild Wolfe for both the zen atmosphere and a culinary adventure (there are plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options for pairing). Oh, and don’t forget the beer.
Bold Rock Hard Cider (1020 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA)
Watch the apples in your cider get crushed right before your eyes at this spot. Learn about the history of cider in their Cider Museum while you enjoy a free sampling of Bold Rock’s award winning ciders.
Devils Backbone Brewing Company (200 Mosbys Run, Roseland, VA)
From trivia nights to live concerts, Devils Backbone seems to keep a full calendar of fun events. Enjoy tastings outdoors and grab your favorite to enjoy by the fire pits.