There is nothing quite like fall in the Shenandoah Valley. It’s the perfect time to be outside. The temperature is cooler, the sunlight is golden, the leaves have a satisfying crisp underfoot, and nature is putting on a brilliant display of color.
And honestly, for beer lovers, one of the most exciting reasons to get outside is what’s waiting when you return.
If you’re planning to spend a day (or a weekend) hiking, biking or road tripping amidst the stunning landscapes of the Shenandoah Valley and nearby Shenandoah National Park, plan to quench your thirst at a taproom nearby – with 14 breweries on tap, you’ll have plenty of locations to choose from.
The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail (SBT) is located in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in and around the beer-friendly cities of Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro.
Fall is the perfect time to experiment with darker porters, some more flavorful spicy and fruit-soaked brews, and even some fresh hop beers.
While all the breweries offer fantastic flights of seasonal releases, here are a few fall beers to get you started:
Brothers Craft Brewing’s Barrel-Aged “Resolute”
Resolute greets you with a thick, chocolaty head followed by an unbelievably complex harmony of vanilla, oak, chocolate, espresso, and a rich malty base that each clamor for your attention.
Redbeard Brewing Company’s “Whipple Creek Harvest Ale”
This IPA is brewed exclusively with freshly gathered local Cascade hops. The harvest ale beckons with an earthy, floral nose and offers a dry, crisp palate due to the simple malt bill used to showcase the fresh hops.
Devils Backbone Brewing Company’s “Cran-Gose”
Based on the traditional Gose brewing style, the brewery added heaps of pureed cranberry to brew its refreshing Cran-Gose. Light and fruity, Cran-Gose is pink hued with a cranberry aroma and a naturally tart finish.
Stable Craft Brewing’s “Hop Harvest Ale”
A delightfully fresh, fall take on Stable Craft Brewing’s delicious pale ale. It’s made from the brewery’s own Cascade hops (which are grown and harvested at the farm brewery) and they are used in every process of the beer making, from the mash to the brite tank. Stable Craft’s Hop Harvest Ale possesses the wonderful aromas and flavorings of fresh grass and citrus.
Basic City Beer Co.’s Grinville Vanilla Stout
This mouthwatering stout is sure to please. Treat your taste buds to a double dose of vanilla – from Madagascar and Indonesia – which impart a buttery sweet, cocoa fruit essence within the foundation of a silky dark stout.
Ready to hit the trail? Information about what to do, where to stay, and special events is available on the website.
This Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail is brought to you by: Staunton, Augusta, and Waynesboro Tourism, Harrisonburg Tourism, and Lexington & The Rockbridge Area Tourism.
Please drink responsibly.
Hot tip! >> Make sure to subscribe to the Beerwerks email list, so you can be among the first to get the details on SBT’s new brewery passport, which will be unveiled later this year. Be sure to get your passport document stamped at each brewery you visit. Once you’ve collected six stamps, you’ll earn a custom-designed, collectible Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail t-shirt!
