The 3 Best Breweries Around Winchester

Winchester’s craft‑beer scene continues to blossom, with local breweries offering everything from crisp lagers to experimental sours and barrel‑aged stouts. According to the Brewers Association, craft breweries contributed nearly $30 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, reflecting a surge in small‑batch and community‑focused brewing – and the Shenandoah Valley is no exception. Whether you’re drawn to farm‑stead malts or modern hop profiles, these Star Awards finalists deliver fresh pints and neighborhood vibes on tap.

Chilly Hollow Brewing Company

Set on a converted dairy farm in Berryville, Chilly Hollow Brewing Company emphasizes sustainable practices—brewing with local barley, solar‑powered equipment and spent‑grain donations to area farms. Their taproom menu rotates through farmhouse ales, rye IPAs and a year‑round flagship lager. Visitors can tour the brewhouse, sample beers in the refurbished barn setting, and relax on picnic tables overlooking rolling fields. Seasonal events—like spring “Mash-Out” picnics and autumn barrel tastings—invite community participation in the brewery’s agrarian roots.

Vibrissa Beer

Vibrissa Beer operates a cozy taproom downtown, offering a core lineup of approachable styles – from a crisp pilsner to a balanced pale ale – alongside rotating experimental batches. Their website spotlights small‑batch releases, including fruit‑infused sours and a bourbon‑barrel porters, all brewed on a 10‑barrel system. The taproom’s communal tables, mural‑covered walls, and frequent food‑truck collaborations make it a hub for both casual drinkers and dedicated beer enthusiasts seeking new flavors.

Winchester Brew Works

Winchester Brew Works blends local history with modern brewing techniques in its 19th‑century mill building on Cameron Street. Their core offerings include a robust amber ale and a hop‑forward West Coast IPA, complemented by seasonal specialties such as a smoked‑malt porter and a citrus‑pale wheat. The brewery’s event calendar features trivia nights, live music and “Brew Lab” sessions, where patrons sample unconventional ingredients and vote on future small‑batch recipes. With a second‑floor tasting room overlooking the old millrace, WBW pairs scenic views with fresh local beer.

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