There's no denying that Charlottesville is becoming increasingly well-known for its local reds and whites, but don't let that direct all of your attention away from its ambers, pilsners and lagers. The Charlottesville area is home to several microbreweries, which make and sell award-winning artisanal brews, play host to performances by local bands, festivals and craft fairs, serve inspired cuisine and conduct tastings and tours.

In Charlottesville proper, beer-lovers are blessed with several brew-friendly establishments. One such place is South Street Brewery, which is a microbrewery located two blocks from The Downtown Mall in an old hay and grain warehouse that was built in the 1800's. Another is Beer Run, a restaurant and specialty beer store which always has the best brews of the Charlottesville area on tap and on its shelves.

The hills and mountains west of Charlottesville are dotted with wonderful hiking trails, vineyards, inns and... microbreweries. Starr Hill, which could be considered the Charlottesville area's own beer giant, is located in Crozet, and supplies local establishments all over Central Virginia and beyond with its award-winning beers. Afton's "farm brewery," Blue Mountain Brewery, grows its own hops for its beers and sits between vineyards on The Monticello Wine Trail. Nelson County's newest microbrewery, Wild Wolf Brewing Company, boasts five new brews and could be considered the most kid-friendly brewery in the area (They will fill your growler with root beer if you like!).

Perhaps most notably, at the foot of the Wintergreen Ski Resort in Roseland, Virginia, lies Devils Backbone Brewing Company, which was recently recognized for its excellent brews by receiving the 2010 World Beer Cup Champion Brewery and Brewmaster awards in the Small Brewpub category. The brewery boasts a phenomenal menu (Tip: Not many people know that DBB has a brunch menu, but they do, and it is spectacular!), and even has a large wine list for those who prefer something else to beer.

Most of the Charlottesville area's local brewpubs offer free or very affordable tours and tastings, and would make the perfect stop on your next stay. Come back and visit the Charlottesville Welcome Book often for the latest on local brew news. Also, check out our calendar for events for great dates at these breweries and other wonderful Charlottesville attractions.
-- Ryan Babarsky