The James River Brewing Company Music Festival, Scottsville, VA

Scottsville, Virginia boasts its very own brewery, James River Brewing Company, where you can sample a bevvy or two crafted by brewmaster Kelby Barnhill. Sip the subtle notes of the Vanilla Porter, the depth of the 1865 Smoked Ale, the English mild River Walker, and the English bitter River Runner. If you’re looking for the perfect opportunity to visit this small microbrewery with its unique libations, then mark your calendars for an upcoming James River Brewing Company Music Festial! 

On May 17, 2014, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., a number of local musicians will be bringing their talents to James River Brewing Company’s Beer Garden for a springtime music festival:

The Larry Keel Experience:  This band is a “Virginia-based alternative bluegrass ensemble headed by flatpicking guitar champion.”

Those Manic Seas: These musicians play a combination of post-rock and shoegaze, and while two of their band members are a standard drummer and a bass player, their “lead singer” is one-of-a-kind—a mannequin with a TV for a head. 

Tara Mills: This singer/songwriter hails from Charlottesville and plays folk and roots music that is inspired by a rich bluegrass tradition.

Jimmy Stelling: This singer is not only a talented musician, but also a gifted craftsman as well. He makes some of the world’s finest banjos and knows how to play a lively tune on them! 

Book your room at High Meadows Vineyard Inn, and get ready for an evening of beer tasting, live music, great food, and fun company.

Virginia’s Brew Ridge Trail

There’s no doubt that we love our Virginia wine, but it’s certainly not the only fantastic libation to be found in the area. We also happen to be close by to excellent, award-winning breweries. With the farthest brewery at 30 to 40 minutes away from High Meadows Vineyard Inn, the Brew Ridge Trail (clever name, yes?) is at your service:

Blue Mountain Brewery is a farm brewery that grows its own hops and “sits in the shadow of Appalachia’s Blue Ridge Mountains in Afton, Virginia” (Blue Mountain Brewery). Sip the light, German-style Kolsch 151 or the Dark Hollow Artisanal Ale, aged in charred oaken barrels. (Also, you can find more Blue Mountain Beer at their Barrel House in Arrington, VA.) 

Devils Backbone Brewing Company: Devils Backbone has won Small Brewpub and Small Brewpub Brewer of the year in both 2012 and 2013. And not only are their gold medal beers delicious, but their menu items are as well. Feast on fish and chips, pan seared salmon, a Bavarian pretzel, or a turkey enchilada burger, then enhance the flavors with sips of your chosen brew. 

South Street Brewery: Located in a 19^th century warehouse, South Street Brewery a great variety of fresh, local brews. Sample the juxtaposition of coffee and beer with an Espresso Porter. Taste tradition with the Absolution Ale, modeled after a 17^th Century English beverage. (They also carry several varieties of hard cider, if you’d prefer.)

Starr Hill Brewery: Starr Hill’s Master Brewer Mark Thompson, states, “It’s no secret that our mission is the Gift of Great Beer…I’m a steward of the product that enhances this thing we call life.”  Starr Hill lives up to its claim as a “Gift.” Sip a year-round Starr Pils, a seasonal Snow Blind, or a glass of the Monticello Reserve Ale.   

Wild Wolf Brewing Company: Wild Wolf is the “home of howling good beer.” With a stunning mountain setting, house smoked meats on the menu, and, of course, delectable brews, you’re in for a treat. From the Alpha Ale to the Howling Pumpkin, your taste buds won’t be disappointed!