Breweries Along the Shenandoah Valley’s Fields of Gold Trail

The Shenandoah Valley is one of the nation’s best agritourism destinations, and the regional Fields of Gold Farm Trail program promotes a self-guided tour of unique farm experiences, farm stays, and farm-to-table dining. The Shenandoah Valley also stands out in the craft beer scene. Breweries along the Fields of Gold Farm Trail showcase local ingredients, spotlight the region’s farming heritage, and provide picturesque views of the surrounding countryside. Here’s how to support local farms, learn about sustainable farming, access unique and wholesome entertainment, and, of course, sample some of the area’s award-winning craft beer!

Rockbridge County’s Incredible Views

Fields of Gold breweries in Rockbridge County stand out for delicious flavors and show-stopping scenery. You can’t beat the view and the relaxed atmosphere at Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery, which is known for tasty beer and wine and beautiful panoramas of the Blue Ridge. There’s indoor seating, but you’ll want to take your pint or flight to the outside picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, or spread a blanket to take advantage of the outdoors. The views stretch for miles! There’s plenty of room for kids to play, and the brewery welcomes dogs. Hungry? Bring a picnic and see the events page for live music and food trucks.

Augusta County’s Farm-to-Table Fare

Augusta County breweries along the Fields of Gold Farm Trail complement their exciting beer flavors with food options that emphasize the region’s agricultural bounty. You’ll have a true farm-to-table experience at Stable Craft Brewing, where visitors can enjoy craft beer and enticing farm-fresh agri-pub-style food. Among the flavorful appetizers, entrees, and burgers there are choices for vegetarians, vegans, and diners who are gluten-free. Explore the working farm’s grounds to learn about sustainability practices like its zero food waste initiative, tree planting, and use of brewing byproducts to water hops and feed local cattle. Stable Craft abounds with both indoor and outdoor spaces, and it often hosts live music, family-friendly events, and themed parties. Stay for the weekend by booking an onsite suite.

Harrisonburg Breweries Bring the Community Together

Harrisonburg Breweries along the Fields of Gold Trail celebrate community with lots of fun activities like artisan fairs, craft workshops, trivia, musical bingo, live music, and other special events. They also bring the community together for good causes like Brothers Craft Brewing’s monthly Cask-for-a-Cause events, which benefit local non-profits with the proceeds from a one-of-a-kind cask beer. Brothers hosts an annual holiday giving tree and continues the community focus with a lively calendar of music, events, and visiting food trucks. This family-owned brewery specializes in delicious beer made with local products and creates both production-scale brews and smaller experimental batches. 

Shenandoah County’s Unique Brewery Experiences

Want to sleep on the farm, work with your hands or explore? Shenandoah County’s Fields of Gold breweries provide unique experiences to their visitors like onsite accommodations and taprooms housed in architecturally interesting spaces in historic downtowns. Stop to refresh after an afternoon of fun, or stay busy all day at Swover Creek Farm Brewery, which calls itself “your clubhouse in the woods.” It’s an awesome spot to hang out and bond with your friends. Along with craft beer, you can get a wide variety of farm-crafted sausages and wood-fired pizzas with homemade pepperoni and bacon. Save room for ice cream made from Swover Creek berries. The gang can compete on a well-maintained 18-hole disc golf course, let the kids and dogs play, and rock out to the Swover Music Series on the outdoor stage. You can pick blackberries, black raspberries, and blueberries or buy them at the farm stand.

Fields of Gold breweries and nearby attractions provide chances for visitors to enjoy locally produced craft beer and food, admire world-class views, connect with the community, and have unique agricultural experiences. And since the Shenandoah Valley is home to over 30 breweries, consider expanding your craft beer experience. Stop at one of the 17 breweries along the Beerwerks Trail or click here for additional Shenandoah Valley locations.