Editor’s note: No need for a plane ticket. Put that passport away. This story is part of a series that features regional attractions outside of the Williamsburg area that can be driven to on a tank of gas or less. Buckle up and hit the road.
It’s the most common question craft beverage makers in the Historic Triangle hear: “Where else do I go in town to get a good drink?”
The answer has changed in recent years, thanks to a growing local craft beverage scene.
Along with The Williamsburg Winery and AleWerks Brewing Company — both of which have been operating in the Historic Triangle for more than a decade — Brass Cannon Brewing Company, Virginia Beer Company, Silver Hand Meadery, Williamsburg Distillery and Copper Fox Distillery have all opened since 2012.
Within an hour’s drive of Williamsburg are three more wineries: Saudé Creek Vineyards, New Kent Winery and James River Cellars Winery. Billsburg Brewery will be the newest addition to the region when it opens at the James City County Marina.
Related: James City County breaks ground on new marina brewery
All of these local establishments are now linked by more than a collective passion for artisanal beverages. The Williamsburg Tasting Trail is an awareness initiative sponsored by local breweries, wineries and distilleries, as well as the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance.
When patrons inquire about other places, “we have a brochure to hand them,” said Phil Norfolk, co-founder of Brass Cannon.
The Williamsburg Tasting Trail has an interactive website that is readily accessible on smartphones and provides detailed driving directions. The option to download and print hard-copy maps is also available on their website.
According to Norfolk, there are now so many choices nearby that craft beverage fans often customize their self-guided tours.
“We get a lot of people come in that are hitting all three breweries in one day,” Norfolk said. “Other people sometimes choose to do just the wineries or the distilleries.”
For groups whose designated driver is unable to tag along, there are options for transit along the trail. A few taxi companies, not to mention ride-sharing services, are well established in greater Williamsburg.
A couple businesses are likewise offering guided tours that provide transportation, including Taste Virginia, based in Virginia Beach, and Drink Williamsburg, located in the Historic Triangle.
Owner Lance Zaal said that Drink Williamsburg opened in October 2016, and business has been “surprisingly better than expected.”
Part of the appeal of local craft beverage producers is that each brings creative, novel offerings to drinkers’ palettes. Williamsburg Distillery, for instance, makes rum, gin and bourbon using ingredients and techniques that create historic versions of the spirits.
Silver Hand Meadery offers numerous varieties of mead, an ancient drink made by fermenting honey and other adjuncts.
While the region’s craft beverage manufacturers have carved out individual niches, there is a healthy amount of collaboration among them, according to Karen Gattuso, manager of Copper Fox’s Williamsburg distillery, which shares barley malted and smoked onsite with area breweries.
“You can taste what we make with the malt, then go to a place like the Virginia Beer Company and try a brewer’s interpretation of it,” she said.
Related: Virginia Beer Co., barely a year old, already named ‘best in class’
Gattuso said that many ideas are on the table to help encourage people to patronize multiple tasting rooms along the trail. Similar ventures in larger metropolitan areas provide incentives, such as a passport that can be redeemed for merchandise when validated and different locations.
Already a sizable portion of business comes from the Williamsburg Tasting Trail, said Copper Fox owner Rick Wasmund, and increasing that clientele benefits many local businesses.
“Nobody wants to drive a long way home after they’ve enjoyed themselves here in town,” he said.
If you go: Be sure to check out the Williamsburg Tasting Trail website in advance so you can plan out your itinerary. As always, please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.
Ben Swenson is an educator and writer who lives in James City County. His blog Abandoned Country chronicles sites of historic value that have been reclaimed by nature. Swenson can be reached at benswenson@cox.net
