Holiday Cheers: Virginia Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries for the Season

The holidays bring some tasty flavors to Virginia, so it comes as no surprise that many Virginia craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries are getting into the spirit of the season.

Whether it’s with festive flavors, cozy tasting rooms, or over-the-top decorations, these drink destinations have plenty of holiday cheer. Plus, check out our recommendations for gifts for the beer, wine, and spirits lovers in your life. 
 

JUMP TO: Craft Beer | Wine | Cider | Spirits 
 

HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS

While there are hundreds of bars throughout Virginia that put up sparkling lights, Christmas trees, and the typical holiday décor, a select few go above and beyond, transforming during the holiday season into a veritable Winter Wonderland. In Richmond’s Carytown neighborhood, The Jasper becomes Miracle on Cary Street, a Virginia location for Christmas pop-up bar group based in New York City. Enjoy creative holiday cocktails like the Snowball Old-Fashioned or the Christmapolitan.

Also in Richmond, Birdie's, a cafe, oyster bar, and wine cellar, transforms into The Evergreen, an Instagram-worthy pop-up event packed with festive decor, food, and drinks. 

More Holiday Pop-Ups in Virginia

• The Forum Hotel’s Jolly Good Sport–Charlottesville
• Tinsel & Tequila at Casa Del Barco–Richmond 
• Emerald Lounge’s Sippin’ Santa–Richmond 
• Hotel Greene’s Winterfreuden–Richmond 
• The Shack on 8th's Winter Wonderland–Virginia Beach
• Noel at Beaucoup–Richmond 
• Miracle at Stellina–Roanoke 
• Sippin Santa at Tiki Thai–Reston
• Miracle on Exchange Street–Ashburn 
• Miracle on Waterside Drive–Norfolk

HOLIDAY CRAFT BEERS

Virginia is currently home to over 200 craft breweries, and many of these brew their own special seasonal beers. Infusing ingredients like holiday spice blends, peppermint, and gingerbread, these Virginia brewers concoct a wide variety of unique (often award-winning) craft beers. Head to any of these Virginia craft breweries for a true taste of the holiday season.
 

Gift Ideas from Virginia Craft Breweries 

$ – Snag some merch from a local brewery or the Virginia is for Lovers store. 

$$ – Purchase a membership to a loyalty program like Hardywood's Reserve Society. 

$$$ – Plan a trip to a craft beer town like Charlottesville, Roanoke, or Norfolk. 
 

COZY VIRGINIA WINERIES

Nothing says “Merry & Bright” like a glass of wine in front of a roaring fireplace at a cozy Virginia winery. And with almost 300 wineries in every corner of Virginia, you don’t have to go far to find your holiday cheer. Still haven’t found that perfect gift for your special someone? Consider turning a day trip to a winery into an overnight Virginia vineyard getaway to create a memorable holiday experience for you both.
 

Gift Ideas from Virginia Wineries 

$ – Get a bottle or two from an award-winning Virginia winery. 

$$ – Book a tour of a Keswick-area winery with Indian Summer Guide Service. 

$$$ – Plan a getaway to Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards for a luxurious, wine-forward escape. 
 

CIDERIES FOR THE SEASON

Cideries around Virginia are creating innovative, balanced, and fresh beverages sure to delight your taste buds. Give the gift of Virginia cider this year. 
 

Gift Ideas from Virginia Cideries 

$ – Treat your special someone to an evening of drinks and music at Potter's Craft Cider.  

$$ – Plan a trip along the Nelson 151 Craft Beverage Trail, which includes three cideries. 

$$$ – Book a getaway to the Omni Homestead Resort and visit nearby Troddenvale at Oakley Farm, where the cider is made from apples grown on-site. 
 

SEASONAL SPIRITS

As the birthplace of American spirits, Virginia has a bourgeoning distillery scene, with dozens of distilleries now calling the Commonwealth home. Making spirits like bourbons, whiskeys, vodkas, and gins, these distilleries offer the perfect holiday gift for that cocktail-loving friend or family member. Pair it with a signature Virginia cocktail recipe and you’re sure to beat out Santa for the best gift of the holidays.
 

Gift Ideas from Virginia Distilleries 

$ – Get them all the fixings to make a Virginia specialty cocktail. 

$$ – Go to Mount Vernon to tour and taste whiskey at George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill.

$$$ – Plot your own course on a getaway along the Virginia Spirits Trail. 
 

Keep the holiday cheer going by exploring more things to do during the holidays in Virginia.