While the early settlers constructed forts and houses in the great Williamsburg area, they also planted vineyards and brewed beers and spirits. The settlers believed that besides being a source of clean water, alcohol had numerous beneficial uses, such as providing energy to our bodies and other healing properties. Over the recent years, new alcoholic beverage producers have set up shops in the area and opened their doors to the public. Doing so has allowed locals and visitors from other places to indulge in premium-level handcrafted drinks. All these alcohol producers combined form the Williamsburg tasting trail.

What does the trail have to offer?

You will find award-winning wine and spirit distillers on the Williamsburg tasting trail. You also get to explore Virginia’s deep history, which dates back 350 years. 

Establishments on the Williamsburg tasting trail

All the breweries, wineries, distilleries, and meadery on this trail have shown superb dedication to their work, constantly improving and perfecting their processes. Additionally, they must only use high-quality ingredients and continued desire to enlarge their repertoire using new flavors and processes. Let’s look at them.

Williamsburg Winery

Ranked as the biggest winery in Virginia, the Williamsburg winery serves exquisite European-style wines and is famous for producing award-winning vintages. Williamsburg winery stands out because it offers delicious meals to complement your tasting experience. You can also stay overnight at Wedmore Place, a classy hotel with a European theme.

The winery even built a 1300-square-foot wine bar and tasting room at Merchants Square. 

• Location: 5800 Wessex Hundred, Williamsburg, VA 23185
• Phone: (757) 229-0999

Saude Creek Vineyards

Going north, you will find Saude Creek Vineyards. It’s a scenic vineyard on a hilltop on 22 acres of land producing some of Williamsburg’s top wines. Saude provides an ideal place to have a relaxing, mellow experience with your friends while sampling their drinks. Walking through the vineyard, you will have inspiring views of the infamous Pamunkey river. Saude is always full- on weekends, so if you want to interact and make friends, it’s an ideal time to visit. However, for a more private experience, you can book a weekday tour.

Most locals like Saude because their staff is amazingly courteous, and the wine is reasonably priced.

• Location: 16230 Cooks Mill Road, Lanexa, VA 23089
• Phone: (804) 966-5896

New Kent Winery

Kent is a family-owned and operated vineyard known for its impressive wines. The winery is made using reclaimed materials from buildings older than a century. These materials give New Kent a rusty European feel and look that’s hard to mimic. Additionally, their staff is personable and ready to answer all your questions while you sample their wines in the elegant tasting room. The winery tasting area is surrounded by incredible landscaping and patios.

• Location: 8400 Old Church Rd, New Kent, VA 23124
• Phone: (804) 932-8240

James River Cellars Winery 

Here is a winery with a wide variety of wines you can sample and plenty of activities for a wholesome experience. James River Cellars has events like “Sundays under the shade” and “Patio Fridays,” where you’ll taste their white, sweet, and red wines with meals.

• Location: 11008 Washington Hwy, Glen Allen, VA 23059
• Phone: (804)-550-7516

Upper Shirley vineyards

Upper Shirley is located on an expansive riverside on the outskirts of Charles City. The winery has 19 acres of land, producing up to 3000 premium wine cases yearly.

• Location: 600 Shirley Plantation Road, Charles City, VA23030
• Phone: (804) 829-9463

Silver Hand Meadery

Even though mead is a rare feature in many restaurants’ drinks lists, silver hand aims to change that by reinventing the historic drink. The company has many new and improved recipes to produce different drink varieties. Their current best-selling product is made using honey.

You can book a tour of Silver Hand to learn their complete production process and sample the mead and honey used to make the drink.

• Location: 224 Monticello Ave, Williamsburg, VA 23185
• Phone: (757) 378- 2225

Aleworks Brewing Company

Having more than 16 types of beer plus a host of other seasonal brews, Aleworks Brewing is quickly gaining traction amongst hosts and locals. Apart from its extensive beer collection, the company also makes tasty pretzels you can munch on while seeping your beer.

Aleworks opens its tap room daily from noon, so you can pass by to feel what they offer.

• Location: 189-B Ewell Road, Williamsburg
• Phone: 757-220-3670

Copper Fox Distillery

Copper Fox was among the first distilleries to floor malt their barley. As a result, the distillery produces elegant American Single Malts made using local barley. You can book tours in Copper Fox Distillery from Monday to Saturday between 10 am and 6 pm or Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm.

• Location: 901 Capitol Landing Rd, Williamsburg, 23185
• Phone: (757)-903- 2076

Brass Canon Brewing Company

Brass canon prides itself in offering exceptional-level beers, all handcrafted and ready on tap. A tour of the brewery will offer you an opportunity to learn its unique processes. Finally, you will sample some of their offerings in their tap room. 

It’s worth noting that their drink selections always vary, so if you visit the brewery this month, you will find new drinks on your next visit.

• Location: 5476 Mooretown Rd, Williamsburg, VA23188
• Phone: (757)-566-0001

Virginia Beer Company

By only producing limited edition drinks, Virginia Beer has maintained its spot among the best breweries in the area. The company also regularly hosts live bands plus food trucks to give visitors a wholesome experience. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday.

• Location: 401 2nd St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
• Phone: (757) 378-2903

FAQ

What are the best distillery tours on the Williamsburg tasting trail?

All the breweries and distilleries in Williamsburg will give you a remarkable experience, as most have friendly staff and numerous activities to keep you engaged throughout the tour. 

Do you need reservations?

Some alcohol producers are open to the public daily, and others on specific days. Therefore, it’s better to call ahead and book a tour for a more personalized experience.

Other things to do in Williamsburg

Apart from its thriving distilleries and breweries, Williamsburg has numerous tourist attractions. 

These include: 

• Colonial Williamsburg
• The Governors Palace
• George Wythe House
• Busch Gardens
• Berkeley Plantation 

Conclusion

For all bourbon, gin whiskey, beer, and wine lovers, you can be sure a distillery, winery, or brewery on the Williamsburg tasting trail will meet your needs. Some even offer food to go along with your drink.

At Distillery Nearby, we aim to provide sufficient information on the best tours and trails you should visit in the country.