Raise Your Spirits at These 13 Virginia Distilleries

Virginia is still quite young in its distilling efforts compared to many other parts of the world, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t produced some world-class products. There are dozens of  distilleries that offer tours around the Commonwealth, and with relaxed tasting laws and renewed interest in local spirits, that number will almost certainly continue going up.

Learn about the Virginia's unique distilling history and sample some of the resulting spirits when you visit one of these thirteen distilleries.

Virginia Distillery Company—Lovingston

Virginia Distillery Company began as a passion project for native Irishman Dr. George Moore, who wanted to bring the secrets of Irish distilling to Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Today, his son, Gareth Moore, helms the venture, producing Single Malt Whisky as well as cask-finished Virginia-Highland Whisky.

Get a Taste: Head to the bar at the world-class Visitor Center to taste a few of their specialty seasonal cocktails, made using products sourced from local farmers and businesses, then take a tour of the facility to see how Single Malt Whisky is made.

Hill Top Distillery—Maidens

Nestled on a hilltop overlooking the James River, the aptly named Hill Top Distillery is a true family affair. Mother, father, and son are all distillers, crafting incredible spirits that can be enjoyed alone or blended in cocktails. Named a Top Five Whiskey Distillery by the U.S. Open Whiskey and Spirits Championship, Hill Top is distilling award-winning spirits that are catching the attention of whiskey enthusiasts nationwide.

Get a Taste: Be sure to try the Hill Top Straight Bourbon Whiskey, an 80 proof, over 2-year barreled bourbon with notes of rich caramel, toasted pecan, and fruit. For a tart treat, sample the Gooch Hooch Blackberry Moonshine.

Springfield Distillery—Halifax

Situated along bubbling springs in a house dating back to 1842, you’ll enjoy a tour, tasting, and idyllic country-living relaxation at Springfield Distillery. Their bourbon, whiskey, and flavored whiskeys are all distilled with locally sourced ingredients.

Get a Taste: Grab a bottle of the Maple Syrup Scratch Whiskey and craft a brunch-inspired cocktail at home. Stay a while by booking one of Springfield’s cabins—Hunter’s Retreat or Mason’s Chapel—offering rustic charm and a peaceful retreat. 

Tarnished Truth—Virginia Beach

The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club is home to Tarnished Truth, the first and only distillery in a hotel in the United States. Distiller and chemist Justin Boyle leads the team at Tarnished Truth to create world class spirits just steps away from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Get a Taste: Tarnished Truth offers a selection of whiskeys as well as vodka, gin, and moonshine. You can also crack open a canned cocktail like vodka cranberry or whiskey lemonade. 

Belle Isle Craft Spirits—Richmond

Located in the bustling Manchester district of Richmond, the Belle Isle Craft Spirits tasting room is a welcome addition for spirits lovers in Central Virginia. Sample and shop moonshine, bourbon, on-the-go cocktails, and merch. 

Get a Taste: With unique and inventive flavors such as Yuzu Ginger, Strawberry Matcha and Honey Habanero, there’s a little something for every taste bud. Make sure to ask about seasonal offerings. 

Silverback Distillery—Afton

Silverback is home to the only mother-daughter distiller duo in the country—but the family ties don’t stop there. Christine Riggleman, CEO and Master Distiller, comes from a long line of women with a knack for distilling. Her great-grandmother, known as Great-Grammy, made bathtub gin before World War I.

Get a Taste: The Silverback tasting room is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and welcomes locals and visitors alike to enjoy some sophisticated spirits. From the citrus-forward Strange Monkey Gin to the “ultimate butterscotch bomb” Blackback Bourbon, you’ll be sure to find a sip of something you’ll love.

Cirrus Vodka—Richmond

Cirrus Vodka has been producing quality spirits since 2004, and opened a tasting room to showcase their namesake product and other offerings. A tour of the facility gives you an up-close look at their state-of-the-art steel and copper still. 

Get a Taste: After you've seen how it's made, head to the outdoor patio for craft cocktails. Don't miss live music and food trucks on select days. You can also buy take-home cocktail kits to make an Apple Chai Toddy, Espresso Martini, or RVA Bloody Mary at home. 

Copper Fox Distillery—Sperryville

Copper Fox Distillery opened in Sperryville in January 2005, followed by a second Williamsburg location that opened in 2016. The distillery is primarily known for their small batch whisky, but they also produce gin and a few other specialty whisky products. Swing by for a tour and tasting.

Get a Taste: Check out their limited releases, or go for an old faithful like the Original Rye Whisky, Peachwood Single Malt, or Chestnut American Whisky. 

George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill—Mount Vernon

Located on the Mount Vernon estate, George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill sat vacant for almost 200 years, but with a renewed interest in the art of distilling, the property was able to reconstruct the original site and produce spirits once again. The historic location is the only North American distillery that demonstrates 18th-century techniques for distilling. Period interpreters bring the distillery to life with guided tours, highlighting Washington’s vision for America’s future in the world of distilling.

Get a Taste: Whiskey tastings are available on Saturdays in May, June, and September. Get tickets to reserve your space, or buy products online.

Bondurant Brothers Distillery—Chase City

During Prohibition, the Bondurant Brothers were notorious moonshine runners in Franklin County, with their feats immortalized in the 2012 Hollywood film “Lawless.” Eighty years later, the grandson of Jack Bondurant took over the family business in a legal capacity, opening Bondurant Brothers Distillery to allow outsiders to taste what made forebears’ moonshine so timeless.

Get a Taste:  Learn about how moonshine is made, hear the legendary story of the Bondurant Brothers, and taste some of their famous moonshine when you visit the Chase City distillery.

A. Smith Bowman Distillery—Fredericksburg

From still to bottle, A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg walks you through the barrel-aging bourbon process. In addition to a spirits museum, the distillery offer complimentary tours, where you’ll learn all about A. Smith Bowman, a farmer in the 1930s that decided to use excess grains to start a distillery after Prohibition was repealed. His family has continued the tradition over several generations, and the results speak for themselves, with Whisky Magazine naming two of their products as the best bourbons in the world.

Get a Taste: Keep it classic with the Bowman Brothers Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey, or get a take-home cocktail kit to make a Maple Old Fashioned at home. 

Davis Valley Winery & Distillery—Rural Retreat

A small-batch distillery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, Davis Valley Winery & Distillery uses locally-grown grains and fruits in their process, producing an array of spirits including vodka, moonshine, and whisky. There's also the winery just next door, so you can tour and taste both in a single day.

Get a Taste: Try the line of Owen Cox Whiskeys, Samuel Franklin Solera Aged Whiskey, or the Appalachian Moon Corn Whiskey Moonshine. 

Chesapeake Bay Distillery—Virginia Beach

Opened in 2005, Chesapeake Bay Distillery specializes in vodka and rum, but also offer a lemon liqueur and tequila. The combined distillery and tasting room is just a few blocks from the oceanfront in the ViBe Creative District, with tons of restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Get a Taste: The rotating menu of creative cocktails is sure to pique your interest, with flights and tastings also available. 

Looking for more distilleries to visit in Virginia? Find more distilleries in every corner of the state that produce whisky, vodka, gin, and more.