Staunton’s Craft Beer Scene

Staunton’s Craft Beer Scene

Virginia’s brewing legacy spans over 400 years, stretching back to Jamestown where fermentation provided a safer alternative to local water. Today, the brewing tradition has evolved into a sophisticated industry of over 300 independent breweries prioritizing quality ingredients and artisanal craftsmanship over mass production efficiency. Furthermore, craft breweries function as community hubs, where the experience of gathering with others is as important as the beer. Virginia recognizes American Craft Beer Week (May) and Virginia Craft Beer Month (August) for the economic and cultural impact of these small-batch producers.

Staunton sits at the heart of Virginia’s craft beer movement. Named one of USA Today’s Top Ten Small Town Beer Scenes in 2024, Staunton offers brewpub culture, small-town hospitality, year-round festivals, and lots of terrific beer. It’s also a great spot to hop on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, which connects 19 breweries within an hour’s drive of one another.

Plan Your Adventure

The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail runs through Rockbridge, Augusta, and Rockingham Counties. You’ll find quick sips at local watering holes, relaxing afternoons on farms, and modern industrial spaces to hang out with friends. The Trail is celebrating its 10th anniversary of “craft breweries, local flavor, scenic Shenandoah Valley views, and the communities that have made the Trail such a special experience for visitors.”

• Pick up your Beerwerks Passport at a Beerwerks brewery or the Staunton Visitor Center. Get it stamped to earn this year’s commemorative “Drink in the Shenandoah Valley” t-shirt (requires eight stamps).  

• For groups, The Carriage provides a 14-seat brewery tour bus equipped with karaoke and party lights, ensuring a safe, coordinated tasting experience.

Community Watering Holes

Drop in for a beer at one of Staunton’s relaxed neighborhood taprooms. Hungry? Bring a snack, or order delivery from your favorite restaurant.

• Since reopening in 2012 as Staunton’s “first brewery post-Prohibition,” Queen City Brewing has established itself as a reliable neighborhood fixture. It maintains an extensive tap list (over 30 beers) available in pints, mini pints, or flight paddles of eight. The space is designed for casual gatherings, with patio seating and weekly open mic nights. 
• Redbeard Brewing Company combines modern equipment with traditional techniques, offering 10–14 rotating taps. The dog-friendly beer garden and renovated taproom host everything from karaoke to ‘Groovin’ in the Garden’ live music events headlined by popular regional bands.

• PRO RE NATA recently expanded its award-winning Crozet-area operation with a new Staunton location, PRO RE NATA+ brews a line of flagship beers as well as a rotation of seasonal flavors. The tap room serves beer, cider, wine, and cocktails. The brewery also serves pizza, salads, sharables, and more. Look for live music on Friday nights.

• Known for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, Seven Arrows Brewing serves an approachable lager core while maintaining depth with rotational seasonal brews. Visitors love pairing the beer with lunch, dinner, and late-night menu items from onsite Nobos Kitchen. Visitors can spread out both in the taproom and the various outside spaces, including a big deck and a beer garden with fire pits and picnic tables. Check the event schedule for live music and more, including trivia: “Brains, beer, and bragging rights.”

Family & Outdoor Enthusiasts

We get it. Sometimes when taprooms are small, it’s hard to mix craft beer and kids. Fortunately, farm breweries and families are often good fits. From open spaces to run and toss balls, to farm animals to visit, to kid-friendly menus, farm breweries along the trail can satisfy everybody in your family unit.

• The Alpine Goat Brewery specializes in European-style beers and regional favorites, and pays particular attention to fostering a community “beer-hall” vibe “where strangers become drinking companions.” This kid- and dog-friendly venue features plenty of room to “romp in the grass,” along with mountain views, live music and other events, and food trucks on the weekends.

• Stable Craft Brewing integrates brewing with sustainable agriculture. This working horse and hops farm offers an expansive taproom, event space, and even onsite farm accommodations. Outside, the grounds feature decking, fire pits, and lawn games. The site is designed for all ages, offering space to spread out while enjoying live music or seasonal celebrations. And if you’re interested in learning about the beer-making process, you can sign up for a tour!

• Raphine’s Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery is an easy and beautiful drive from Staunton. You’ll love the wine and carefully crafted small-batch beers as well as the classic farm setting. The space has indoor and outdoor seating. Feel free to pack a picnic. The venue hosts food trucks and the Uncorked live music series on Sunday afternoons. 

Staunton Restaurants Serving Virginia Craft Beer

You don’t need to go directly to the brewery to get craft beer. Many Staunton restaurants also serve it. 

• Grab a table and a pint at Baja Bean Co., Shenandoah Pizza & Tap House, or one of many downtown restaurants that set up outdoor dining spaces during Staunton’s weekly Shop and Dine out Downtown.

• Rainy day? No worries. Indoor craft beer stops include Mill Street Grill, Marino’s Lunch, The Depot Grill, and Byers Street Bistro.

Staunton’s craft beer scene is an active component of the region’s culture, economy, and community life. Quench your thirst and support independent brewing!