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!

Thank-you!!

I can't believe it's been so long since we posted anything on the blog! Scottsville has been so busy, High Meadows included...starting in the summer of 2010, with a simple Groupon offer (if you don't know what Groupon is - sign up now - it's fun, and you can get some really great deals!) we have been at nearly 80% occupancy ever since. For a small B&B, that is life changing. So many projects are completed, or started, or in the works - all thanks to the over 2,000 new guests we have seen in just over a year! We have so many new friends, guests who are returning again and again - and now, Scottsville (on the James - see above) is getting some great new dining and shopping options...the Brewhaus, the James River Taphouse, Amici's, Slice of Heaven - all either up and running or soon-to-be.

Did you notice the beer theme? For such a small town, in the heart of Monticello wine country, we are blessed to have among us a few very talented brewmeisters...and a committed group of community members determined to see an annual beer tasting festival succeed! This past year, we incorporated into our 4th of July festivities - and it was great. Onward and upward!

News at High Meadows - summer garden was kind of a bust, despite the rain, it was still quite hot. So, now, turning the soil to prepare for fall planting - kale, collards, spinach, garlic - all to enjoy over the next few months as it cools down.

We are soooo busy still - but October is open, and if you want a nice place to relax in the fall, you can't get better than High Meadows in October and November...and don't forget a winter escape - a nice present for the holidays.