Ready for a weekend of endless exploration and rich culture, all while stopping by to try some local #VaSpirits at a few of Virginia’s best craft distilleries? If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve done the research for you – here’s your guide to a “spirited” adventure in Northern Virginia.
Scroll for a complete list of distilleries to visit (itinerary included) and recommendations on lodging, food and activities to enhance your stay. Everything we mention below is conveniently mapped out here.
SIPS
Northern Virginia is every craft spirits lover’s dream with so many distilleries to choose from! Each of these 15 producers add something unique and special to your visit to the region. Use this itinerary to start your journey and manipulate based on your ideal starting point and final destination.
A. Smith Bowman Distillery
Right outside Downtown Fredericksburg sits A. Smith Bowman, pouring passion into every glass for the last 90 years. Until the 1950s, A. Smith Bowman was the sole legal whiskey producer in the Commonwealth. Visit one of the most award-winning distilleries, take a tour of its production facilities and learn more about the rich history of distilling and barrel-aging here.
- 1 Bowman Dr, Fredericksburg, VA 22408
- (540) 373-4555
- Website
Belmont Farm Distillery
Notably featured on the hit Discovery Channel show Moonshiners, Belmont Farms Distillery has a pour for everyone. Stop in to try some award-winning spirits, tour the operation, meet Master Distiller Chuck Miller and pick up Moonshiners Tim Smith’s famous Climax Moonshine.
- 13490 Cedar Run Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701
- (540) 825-3207
- Website
Catoctin Creek
Enjoy the uniquely pure and clean flavor profiles at Catoctin Creek, located in Purcellville. Founders Becky and Scott Harris pour their all into quality, hand-crafted rye whiskey bottles. Enjoy a flight, learn more about the distilling process and fill your own bottle with the hands-on “Catoctin Creek Filling Station.”
- 120 W Main St, Purcellville, VA 20132
- (540) 751-8404
- Website
Copper Fox Distillery – Sperryville
Love the smokiness of a good whiskey? Visit Copper Fox for its fruit-wood-forward flavor profiles and innovative malting process. Copper Fox is one of five distilleries in the nation to floor malt its barley to properly develop its single malt whiskey. Stop in for a sip of award-winning spirits, while enjoying the views of the Blue Ridge right from the tasting room.
- 9 River Ln, Sperryville, VA 22740
- (540) 987-8554
- Website
Dida’s Distillery
This California winery turned Virginia distilling family business creates a unique pour with 100% grape-based spirits. Wine is the true inspiration for Dida’s operation, housed at Rappahannock Cellars in Huntly. Thirsty for both wine and spirits? Visit the tasting room for a sip of each, while enjoying the views of the countryside and vineyards.
- 14437 Hume Rd, Huntly, VA 22640
- (540) 551-8141
- Website
Droumavalla Farm
Nestled in Leesburg, Droumavalla is a multi-venue event space, winery, brewery and distillery. Droumavalla has just begun to distill its first batch of whiskey and is waiting for the perfect time for its product to mature. Keep this on your radar if you’re looking for a new favorite whiskey to try, and in the meantime, enjoy the rest of what it has to offer.
- 14980 Limestone School Rd, Leesburg, VA 20176
- (703) 777-3267
- Website
Falls Church Distillers
This family operation is grounded in a passion for making quality spirits. Located just outside the nation’s capital in the suburbs of Falls Church, this distillery offers tasting flights, cocktails and tours. You can expect a wide range of small-batch, ultra-premium spirits from vodka and gin to rum, brandy and whiskey.
- 8420 Kao Cir., Unit A, Manassas, VA 20110
- (703) 858-9186
- Website
Flying Ace Distillery
Flying Ace works to bring its customers the freshest farm-to-glass experience possible at its distillery and restaurant. Visit the property for a beautiful view of Furnace Mountain, enjoy live music and the on-site restaurant then pick up a unique bottle of craft spirits for your shelf.
- 40950 Flying Ace Ln., Lovettsville, VA 20180
- (540) 579-2007
- Website
George Washington’s Distillery at Mount Vernon
George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill are fully functioning reconstructions of President Washington’s original production facilities. The two-story distillery is open seasonally (weekends April – October), producing small-batch whiskeys and offering tours diving into the deep history of Washington’s estate and his role in spirits-making in Virginia and the U.S.
- 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
- (703) 780-2000
- Website
KO Distilling
Sip on KO’s Bare Knuckle Straight Bourbon Whiskey while sitting on the patio, taking in the Manassas scenery. Learn about all aspects of its operation, from mash to the bottle. Co-founders Bill Karlson and John O’Mara love to share the space with their community and converse with fellow spirits lovers.
- 10381 Central Park Dr., Ste. 105, Manassas, VA 20110
- (571) 292-1115
- Website
Lost Whiskey
“We think whiskey and architecture are key and compatible ingredients to life.” At Lost Whiskey, no story, nor barrel, is the same. Visit the warehouse for tastings of spirits and BBQ and enjoy the specially curated space and attention to detail — the perfect place to enjoy a glass of Virginia.
- 2811 Merrilee Drive Suite D, Fairfax, VA 22031
- (703) 304-1159
- Website
Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery
Housed in quaint Middleburg, Mt. Defiance adds a spin on traditional recipes and classic spirits. Known for its large portfolio of distilled gems, each visitor can find something to love. Visit the tasting room for a flight to find a new favorite, and enjoy a game of Trivia from time to time.
- 207 W. Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20118
- (540) 687-8100
- Website
MurLarkey Distilled Spirits
Share the simple pleasures of locally produced craft spirits with friends and family at MurLarkey. 100 percent “farm-to-flask,” the group here supports local Virginia farmers and sustainably hand selects high-quality materials for their premium spirits. Take a mixology class with Master Distiller Papi, or be a distiller for a day with a hands-on experience that takes you through the distilling process.
- 7961 Gainsford Ct., Bristow, VA 20136
- (571) 284-7961
- Website
Old House Vineyards
A once-abandoned Alfalfa Hay farm is now one of the region’s most beloved distillery-winery-brewery combos. Visit the Old House tasting room and one-of-a-kind World War II museum, featuring the family’s veteran ties to the war.
- 18351 Corkys Lane, Culpeper, VA 22701
- (540) 423-1032
- Website
Orkney Springs Distillery
Made with mountain spring water from the Orkney Spring, this distillery is dedicated to the natural botanicals and extracts that go into making a quality spirit. Reserve an appointment for a tasting to remember and enjoy the surrounding scenery of Springfield.
- 7701 Southern Dr Ste A1-R, Springfield, VA 22150
- (540) 339-7665
- Website
DINING
Northern Virginia is a hot spot for local eateries. Here you’ll find farm-to-table options and quality dishes from some of the world’s best chefs. There are way too many to list them all, but here are a few suggestions to get you started.
- Indulge in hand-crafted pasta at Trattoria Villagio while you sip wine with friends and hang out under the stars on their trattoria.
- Want to feel like a NoVA local? Check out The Sandwich Shop for their expansive menu that has something for everyone.
- The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm is the perfect spot for dinner with a view. Neighboring right next to Flying Ace Distillery and Droumavalla Farm, this luxury spot is the place to end a romantic getaway exploring Northern Virginia.
- Take a step back in time at Hunter’s Head Tavern to enjoy its locally sourced menu and historical gastropub.
- After sipping Mt. Defiance’s spirits, walk on over to King St Oyster Bar for a plate of oysters to share.
- Dine at It’s About Thyme for a charming European ambiance and a variety of menu options for everyone’s preferences.
- End the day with a flavorful Greek dinner at Katerina’s Greek Cuisine after exploring your favorite distilleries in NoVA.
- Splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience at one of the DMV’s only 3 Michelin Star restaurants, The Inn at Little Washington in the town of the same name. And if three stars are a little too much to reach for, try their more casual sister Patty O’s Cafe for a fantastic weekend brunch. Make sure to leave time to stroll the grounds of the Inn’s “compound” and the plethora of art galleries lining the streets.
No matter where you end up, be sure to ask for “Virginia Made” from the local bartender!
For more ideas as you explore Virginia near the nation’s capital, visit here.
STAYS
From quaint and historic bed & breakfasts to boutique inns, you’ll find the perfect place to extend your adventure. We’ve found a variety of special options for a memorable stay in Northern Virginia.
Check out one of these unique B&Bs for a cozy night after a day of exploring:
- Hidden View Bed & Breakfast
- Manassas Junction Bed & Breakfast
- West Park Gardens
- Smithfield Farm Bed & Breakfast
- Red Fox Inn & Tavern
A bit of boutique and (a lot of) luxury:
- Stone Manor Boutique Inn
- The Inn at Little Washington
- The Watermark Hotel
- Goodstone Inn
- Salamander Resort & Spa
EXPERIENCES
While the spirits are the star of your Northern Virginia adventure, you can’t miss out on the fun, history and culture that surrounds you while exploring. Here are a few of our favorite places to help enhance your trip.
Museums Galore:
- The Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail – Learn about the history of the heart of Virginia.
- Shannon Air Museum – For any aviation enthusiasts, this one’s for you!
- Gari Melchers Home and Studio – An art historian’s dream for 18th-century pieces and decor.
- James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library – Explore the country’s largest collection of artifacts about James Monroe and enjoy the views of the University of Mary Washington, housing the library on their campus.
While you’re exploring NoVA’s museums, you may as well make a stop in D.C. and visit the world’s largest museum, research and education complex. The Smithsonian Institution has 21 museums and education centers for free — there’s something for everyone!
Worthy pit stops:
- Cossey Botanical Park – Walk around Cossey Botanical Park for the views and beauty.
- Bees & Trees Farm – Before you take your sips at Old House Vineyard, stop by Bees & Trees Farm to say hi to Tigger and Eeyore, its two most popular barn animals.
- Tysons Corner Center – Get your shopping fix at Tysons Corner Galleria with over 300 shops and restaurants.
- Middleburg, VA – Known as The Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital, the charming, tiny town of Middleburg offers the best of small-town America: local art museums, historic landmarks and one-of-a-kind antiques.
For more guides and resources, head to virginia.org.