As August ends and the final celebrations of Virginia Craft Beer Month wrap up across the state, the Commonwealth prepares for its next statewide celebration, one that is sure to warm the soul as cooler weather sets in. As declared last year by Gov. Terry McAuliffe, September is recognized as Virginia Spirits Month.
Beginning as early as Aug. 29, Virginia will enter its second annual, month-long celebration of its finest craft spirits producers. The Virginia Distillers Association has released a promotional video as well as a virtual spirits trail to help guide you in your celebration of Virginia Spirits Month. We are excited to share with you some of the highly-anticipated festivals, complimentary tastings, cocktail workshops and other events that will be taking place throughout the state.
Festivals
In celebration of Virginia Spirits Month, three large spirits festivals will take place in Roanoke, Virginia Beach and Washington D.C. this fall. Each festival features over a dozen local distilleries as well as opportunities for guests to speak with dynamic spirit makers, sample new spirits and sip on terrific cocktails.
2nd Annual Craft Spirits Showcase
This event will be held in Downtown Roanoke at 32 Market Square SE on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 2–5 p.m. Further information regarding event details and ticket purchases can be found here.
Virginia Spirits Festival
This all-inclusive tasting event will take place at The Passenger in Washington D.C. on Saturday, Sept. 30 from noon–6 p.m. Visit the event page for more information.
Coastal Virginia Spirits Soiree
Southeast Virginia’s first-ever spirit tasting event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 4–8 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Specific event details can be found online.
Local Events
Throughout September, select Virginia ABC stores will be offering complimentary tastings of locally produced spirits and selling exclusive bottles from Virginia’s greatest distillers. A commemorative “Virginia is for Lovers” trucker hat will be provided with the purchase of any bottle of Virginia Spirits as supplies last.
There are also 60 restaurants throughout the state that are celebrating Virginia Spirits Month by adding to their menus special cocktails handcrafted with Virginia spirits. You can even learn how to make your own spirit-infused concoction by attending exclusive cocktail workshops at several local distilleries.
Virginia Spirits in the Media
September also marks the debut of “Meet Virginia Makers”, a YouTube video series that showcases the outstanding craftsmanship of 22 Virginia spirit producers. The series seeks to provide viewers with an inside look into the production of whiskey, brandy and other spirits. Some of the featured distilleries include Catoctin Creek in Purcellville, Belmont Farm Distillery in Culpeper, Cirrus Vodka in Richmond, Ironclad Distillery Co. in Newport News and Ragged Branch in Charlottesville.
The Virginia Distillery Company in Lovingston was also featured in the PBS’ production of “Made in Virginia,” a documentary series that recognizes some of the exceptionally manufactured products throughout the Commonwealth. The series’ special on the Virginia Distillery Company that aired on August 24 explores the unique production process of their American Single Malt Whisky.
Be sure to check out the Virginia Distillers Association’s website for more information on distillery updates, news and events.
Author: Grace Silipigni