The Virginia Beer Company

If you are looking for a place with soul and excellent taste in Virginia, then The Virginia Beer Company is a must-stop on your itinerary. This modern craft brewery, located in the dynamic Edge District of Williamsburg, has become a true magnet for connoisseurs of quality drinks and a cozy atmosphere.

The Virginia Beer Company. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Founded in 2016 by alumni of the local College of William & Mary, the brewery embodies the idea of harmony between business and community benefit. The establishment occupies a spacious 10,000-square-foot building dating back to the 1960s, which formerly belonged to a telephone company. Today, under high industrial ceilings, bold beer varieties are born, making the brand famous far beyond the borders of the USA.

The facility includes not only production workshops with its own laboratory but also a stylish tasting room (taproom) and a spacious outdoor beer garden. The industrial interior design, combined with warm hospitality, creates a unique space where old brewing traditions meet modern bottling technologies.

For those planning a visit to this welcoming spot, we have prepared the current contact information. You can contact the company representatives directly to inquire about the availability of specific beer varieties or to book a table for a large group.

Below are the main details to help you find your way and quickly locate the brewery on the city map.

The main reason to come to The Virginia Beer Company is, of course, the tasting. Visitors are offered a wide selection of craft beer: from classic flagship varieties to bold experimental new releases brewed in small batches. You can order a flight to try several types at once and find your favorite flavor.

The atmosphere here encourages casual socializing. You can take a table in the cozy taproom or head out to the beer garden, where groups of friends and families with pets often gather. The brewery adheres to the philosophy of "Beer – People – Purpose", so here you are not just a guest, but part of a large and friendly community that supports local charitable initiatives.

In addition to relaxing, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the production process itself. Thanks to the open layout and the professional approach of the staff, you can get an idea of how the two brewing systems function and how the modern bottling line works. This place is ideal for those who appreciate not only the final product but also the passion that the masters put into every can of beer.

Getting to this popular spot is easy, as it is located in the Edge District, right on the border of the city of Williamsburg and York County. The exact address for your navigator is: 401 2nd St, Williamsburg, VA 23185. If you are traveling by car, it is most convenient to use GPS coordinates to build an accurate route via Google Maps.

For those who prefer public transport, local buses run in the area; however, many tourists choose a taxi from the city center—it is fast and affordable. Additionally, the location is within walking distance of some parts of the historic center, making a stroll to the brewery a pleasant addition to your sightseeing day.

The history of The Virginia Beer Company is inextricably linked to the strong friendship between two like-minded individuals — Chris Smith and Robby Willey. They met during their student years while studying at the prestigious College of William & Mary. It was then that they came up with the idea to create not just a business, but a project that combined their passion for craft beer, travel, and philanthropy.

Serious work on the concept began between 2007 and 2010. For the sake of the dream, in 2012, Chris and his wife Erin made the bold decision to leave their stable jobs and return to Williamsburg to fully dedicate themselves to finding a suitable location and developing unique recipes.

The path to opening was challenging: searching for the perfect space took over a year, and several potential deals fell through at the last minute. However, in late 2014, they managed to acquire a building constructed in 1960 that formerly housed the C&P Telephone company. The founders breathed new life into the industrial building, transforming old workshops into a modern community hub.

The official opening took place in 2016. Since then, the brewery has become a symbol of the revival of the city's industrial spaces, proving that old walls can become a home for innovation and creativity while preserving the historical spirit of the area.

To fully experience the atmosphere of the establishment and enjoy the taste of local drinks, a typical visitor is recommended to set aside 1 to 2 hours. This is quite enough time for a leisurely tasting of several beer varieties from the current menu and a look at the interior.

If you plan to stop by on a weekend when community events are held in the beer garden or live music is playing, it is worth staying longer. Many guests spend an entire evening here, chatting with locals and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the taproom.

The brewery is open to guests daily; however, the operating hours vary depending on the day of the week. From Monday to Thursday, the establishment is open from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. On Friday and Saturday, the doors are open longer — from 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM, and on Sunday, visitors are welcome from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Please note that operating hours may change on holidays or during special private events. Before your visit, we strongly recommend checking the current information on the company's official website.

A visit to the brewery can easily be combined with exploring other iconic sites that Williamsburg is famous for. Its location near the historic city center allows tourists to create a rich itinerary that includes both educational tours and active recreation at theme parks.

Exploring the surroundings will significantly enrich your trip experience, as world-famous open-air museums and thrilling attractions are just a few kilometers away. Here is a list of nearby sites worth visiting: