The Richmond Region is a beer lover's paradise, with over 30 breweries to explore, including national award winners and local favorites. Breweries include The Answer Brewpub, Hardywood, Triple Crossing, Ardent Craft Ales, and The Veil Brewing Co.
Discover Virginia's Craft Beer Trails
The Virginia Craft Beer scene is booming! More than 200 craft breweries are open in Virginia. It's quite a task to experience them all, but follow a craft beer trail and you'll get a sample of several breweries all within a few miles of each other.
As always, please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.
A Statewide Trail of Award-Winning Brews
Virginia Craft Beer Cup – Gold Road Honorees
The Gold Road Craft Beer Trail is your passport to the best of Virginia’s independent craft beer scene. Each brewery featured along the trail has earned its place by winning a coveted gold medal in the Virginia Craft Beer Cup—the Commonwealth's premier competition for independent craft breweries, hosted annually by the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild. These award-winning breweries represent the pinnacle of brewing excellence, offering you a chance to sip the very best.
Whether you're chasing bold IPAs, crisp lagers, or inventive sours, the Gold Road invites you to explore scenic taprooms, meet passionate brewers, and taste the beers that rose to the top. Plan your route, raise a glass, and discover why Virginia is for craft beer lovers.
2026 Award Winners
- Best of Show, Gold: Batiste by Selvedge Brewing, Charlottesville
- Best of Show, Silver: Rauchpause by The Answer Brewpub, Richmond
- Best of Show, Bronze: Optimal Wit by Port City Brewing Company, Alexandria
- Virginia Brewery of the Year: Fine Creek Brewing Company, Powhatan
- The Most Revolutionary Brew in Virginia: Declaration of Fermentation by Afterglow Brewing, Norfolk
See all the medalists at the 2026 Virginia Craft Beer Cup.
Scenic views and brews you won't soon forget — Nelson 151 is a top-notch craft beverage trail along Route 151 with breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries. Breweries include Blue Mountain Brewery, Three Notch'd Beer & Bourbon, and Devils Backbone Brewing Company.
18 breweries, all within an hour of one another, plus the views and adventure of the Shenandoah Valley seems like a winning combination to us. Breweries include Pale Fire Brewing Co., Basic City Beer Co., Stable Craft Brewing, and Devils Backbone Outpost Taphouse & Kitchen.
Sign up for the mobile passport and experience top notch breweries around Virginia's Blue Ridge, plus get deals and special offers. Breweries include Golden Cactus Brewing, Living Proof Beer Company, and Parkway Brewing Company.
Use the digital passport to score rewards at over a dozen breweries and cideries around Charlottesville. Breweries include Glass House Winery & Brewery, Högwaller Brewing, Rockfish Brewery, and Selvedge Brewing.
Coastal Virginia's craft beverage trail includes breweries, distilleries, and more stops, all included in a handy pocket guide. Breweries include Oozlefinch Craft Brewery, Wharf Hill Brewing Company, Alewerks Brewing, and The Virginia Beer Company.
Loudoun County in Northern Virginia is home to over 30 breweries and the LoCo Ale Trail makes it easy to discover them, whether you want to bike along a historic trail, stick to one downtown area, or enjoy a brew with a view.
Visit breweries, wineries, and distilleries along Route 29 between Lynchburg and Charlottesville in Nelson County. Breweries include Blue Mountain Barrel House, Outback Brew House, and Wood Ridge Farm Brewery.
Fredericksburg's beer scene is FAB — see for yourself at 11 local breweries. Breweries include Strangeways Brewing, 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Co., Full Distance Brewing, and The Port Oysteria & Brewing.
Explore over 20 craft beverage destinations in Prince William County along this trail. Download the app or just pick some breweries and try them out. Breweries include Trouvaille Brewing Company, Ornery Beer Company, and 2 Silos Brewing.
