Scenic Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County
Craft Beer on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail
Lexington & Rockbridge County Breweries
<p>As you settle into your Adirondack chair at <strong>Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery</strong> with a kolsch and a mountain view, it's easy to appreciate the simple charms of drinking beer in the country. Until a camel walks by in the distance…Yep, camels, llamas, and other exotic creatures prowl the rolling hills below Great Valley, which overlooks the Virginia Safari Park near Natural Bridge. </p><p><br></p><p>Great Valley Farm is one of 19 craft breweries on the <a href="https://beerwerkstrail.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail</a>, which stretches south through the Shenandoah Valley from Harrisonburg to Natural Bridge. In Rockbridge County the trail also connects with Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery, Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen, and Heliotrope Brewery. </p><p><br></p><p>Small-batch beers are on tap at <strong>Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery</strong> in North Rockbridge, where gentle hills and small farms unfurl for miles. The brewery keeps its focus narrow, offering just six different beers, including a pale ale, a pilsner, and two IPAs. Beers are served in a cozy taproom adjacent to the vineyard's wine tasting room. Out back are picnic tables, chairs, and fire pits. The grounds are pet friendly. In warmer months there’s live music on Sunday afternoons. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Devils Backbone</strong> is no longer a small-batch brewery, but local live music, trivia nights, and Southern hospitality keep the vibe small-town. With communal tables inside and big tables on the deck, Devils Backbone is a festive post-hike gathering spot, whether you’re coming down from a hike on House Mountain or Crabtree Falls. The flagship Vienna Lager is one of 16 beers on tap. Gourmet pub grub is on the menu – don't miss the fish tacos. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Heliotrope</strong>, a brewpub in downtown Lexington, is the new kid on the block, but you wouldn’t know it from the students, professors, and locals packed elbow-to-elbow for the creative IPAs and artisanal woodfired pizzas. Order at the counter – the beer and pizza change regularly – then find a seat inside or at a picnic table in the alley. Beers come with creative names – we’re looking at you Zamboni Joyride – and feature local ingredients. Look for current beer and food menus on Heliotrope’s Facebook page. </p><p><br></p><p>The southernmost brewery on the Beerwerks Trail, <strong>Great Valley</strong> is renowned for its hilltop views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Virginia Safari Park. Sunsets are amazing too. The tap line-up changes regularly, but the Coffee Stout is always worth a try if it’s available. Wines from their vines are sold too. Live music and food trucks make regular appearances on weekends in warmer weather.</p>
Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery Great Valley has gained a solid reputation among locals as the “go to” spot for quality beer and beautiful scenery. The Baileys pride themselves on keeping quality as the number one goal in everything they do from the beer to customer service. As one customer put it “this is beer made by people who love beer.”
Great Valley has gained a solid reputation among locals as the “go to” spot for quality beer and beautiful scenery. The Baileys pride themselves on keeping quality as the number one goal in everything they do from the beer to customer service. As one customer put it “this is beer made by people who love beer.”
Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery On-site we have 24 different wines available for sale plus six beers on tap at our new small-batch brewery and tap room. We also have a gift shop and several types of cheeses, crackers, and salami for sale. The cheeses include fresh Chevré, cheddar cheese balls, and local cheese form Mt. View Farm.
On-site we have 24 different wines available for sale plus six beers on tap at our new small-batch brewery and tap room. We also have a gift shop and several types of cheeses, crackers, and salami for sale. The cheeses include fresh Chevré, cheddar cheese balls, and local cheese form Mt. View Farm.
Devils Backbone Brewing Company - Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen is located on a beautiful hillside in Lexington. It’s home to a custom-built brewery, bottling canning lines, a taproom with fast-casual dining, and an outdoor beer garden. Reservations preferred, especially for patio domes. Reserve online.
Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen is located on a beautiful hillside in Lexington. It’s home to a custom-built brewery, bottling canning lines, a taproom with fast-casual dining, and an outdoor beer garden. Reservations preferred, especially for patio domes. Reserve online.
We brew small-batch, artisan ales and lagers, utilizing Virginia and North Carolina malt and our own house culture of locally foraged, native Rockbridge County microflora. We aim to produce beers that are uniquely representative of our Shenandoah Valley home. Similarly, our kitchen staff create artisan pizzas and salads from local, farm-fresh produce. Our motto is Pax Soles Fermentum, which loosely translates to “Peace, Sunshine, and Fermentation.” This is referenced not just in our name, but in our logo, which combines the astronomical symbols for the sun and the earth.