Sampling Wine, Cider & Craft Beer Along Central Virginia’s Fermentation Farm Trail

The Fermentation Farm Trail winds through the pastoral landscape of Louisa County, connecting wineries, breweries, and cideries in a farm-to-glass route.

Where is the Fermentation Farm Trail? 

The trail borders Interstate 64 between Richmond and Charlottesville on the southern end and Lake Anna to the north. Find a designated driver and spend a weekend sipping your way along this delicious trail responsibly, or book a charter drive experience for a group getaway to the rural treasures found along the trail. 

How can I explore the Fermentation Farm Trail? 

While it’s possible to visit all six in an afternoon with a designated driver (that’s what we did!), we suggest to truly enjoy the trail and safely explore the region, it’s best to either pick 2-3 and book a transportation company to ferry you to each location or to make your own Fermentation Farm Trail checklist and explore one at a time during a weekend visit. 

If you opt for a transportation company, here are a few that operate in the Central Virginia region and allow for customized trail experiences:

• Central Virginia Wine Tours 
• Academy Transportation
• Richmond Limousine

Read on below to learn more about each winery, brewery, and cidery located along the trail. 

What sites are included on the trail?

Everleigh Vineyards

Where It's Located: Mineral

Try This: Ephemeral, a chardonnay and viognier 

A family-owned boutique winery that also produces craft beer and cider, Everleigh Vineyards has had a growing number of varietals since the family's first planting in 2015. Grab a flight of the latest wines at the wood and resin bar, built custom for the winery, then head upstairs to take in views from above the vines as you unwind in the swinging chairs.  

Lake Anna Winery

Where It's Located: Spotsylvania

Try This: Morgan Merlot

Lake Anna Winery is helmed by the Heidig family, who decided to try their hand at winemaking after a fortuitous trip to France in 1981. Over the next 40 years, the family planted thousands of grape vines, with varietals like Seyval blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and chardonnay blanketing the property. Enjoy a flight with a scenic view of the area, and don't be afraid to ask for suggestions of what to do in the area — they are experts on everything Lake Anna. 

Coyote Hole Craft Beverages 

Where It's Located: Mineral

Try This: Oma Smith's green apple cider 

If cider is your adult beverage of choice, swing by Coyote Hole in Mineral to try a few of the creative cider blends offered in the Prospect Drafthouse. The cidery uses 100% Virginia-grown apples to craft refreshing, slightly sweet ciders and sources nearly all the additional ingredients from local farms and purveyors. Pair your cider tasting with a plate of pulled pork nachos or a flatbread pizza for a satisfying meal. 

Cooling Pond Brewery

Where It's Located: Mineral

Try This: Amber Saison, a farmhouse ale 

Cooling Pond Brewery is a small veteran-owned farm brewery located just minutes from Lake Anna. English-inspired beers such as ales, stouts, and bitters are the heart of this Central Virginia brewery, but they also produce crowd favorites like Hazy IPAs and sour beers. While sampling a flight, peruse the floral art prints and stained glass available for sale, crafted by the owner’s daughter. 

Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyard

Where It's Located: Louisa

Try This: Cabernet Franc

One of Central Virginia’s hidden wine gems, Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyard got its name due to being the fifty-third vineyard out of over 300 to open its doors in Virginia. Established as Cooper Vineyards in 1999, the winery was purchased in 2015 by Dave and Susan Drillock, who have since made it their mission to craft only the highest-quality Virginia wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. Winemaker Chelsea Blevins joined the team in 2019, and her exceptional skill of revealing the intrinsic characteristics of a varietal has led to a whole lineup of impressive wines. 

Southern Revere Cellars

Where It's Located: Louisa

Try This: A "beer cocktail" like the Michelada or Beermosa 

Southern Revere Cellars is the perfect destination to wrap up the Fermentation Farm Trail tour, as they serve wine, beer, seltzers, ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages. The brews run the gamut in terms of styles — you'll be able to find a little bit of everything. On the wine side, you’ll discover white wine varietals like chardonnay and Vidal blanc, plus several red wines including Cabernet Franc and petit verdot. 

Keep exploring wineries around the state with our complete guide to Virginia Wine Country.