Touring Trails are an easy and convenient way to enjoy what Nelson County has to offer. The Brew Ridge Trail and the Nelson 151 trail are great ways to sample award-winning craft beverages in the area. Along Route 29, follow Nelson County’s newest craft beverage trail, Nelson 29.

Scenic drives include the Nelson Scenic Loop, and for those seeking outdoor adventures, try Fish Virginia First, the Kids in Parks Track Trail, and Watchable Wildlife Loops (for birders and wildlife watchers).

Brew Ridge Trail

The BREW RIDGE TRAIL is a self-guided tour featuring six of the nation’s best craft breweries. With everything from lagers to stouts, there’s something for everyone along the trail. The six breweries along the Trail include Blue Mountain Brewery, Blue Mountain Barrel House, Devils Backbone Brewing Company, South Street Brewery, Starr Hill Brewery, and Wild Wolf Brewing Company. Four of the breweries are in Nelson County along scenic Route 151; Starr Hill is in nearby Crozet, and South Street Brewery is in Charlottesville.

The self-guided tour allows you to check out all of our breweries at your leisure. Each brewery offers Sample Tastings of their craft beers, allowing you to try out a variety of what they produce. Otherwise, draft beer and bottled beer are generally available, and growler fills can be purchased for selected brews. Start planning your trip, using the Trail Map on the website, and you’ll be sipping in no time!

Nelson 151

Located at the base of the Blue Ridge, Route 151 is Main Street for the Rockfish Valley. This northern part of Nelson County is home to 5 wineries, 3 breweries, 1 cidery, cozy Bed & Breakfasts, friendly farmers, spectacular views, and so much more.

ALONG THE TRAIL (north to south) you’ll find: Afton Mountain Vineyards, Veritas Vineyard & Winery, Blue Mountain Brewery, Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery, Flying Fox Vineyard, Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery, Wild Wolf Brewing Company, Bold Rock Hard Cider and Devils Backbone Brewing Company.

Follow the TRAIL MAP along scenic Route 151 and find out why Nelson County is THE destination for Virginia wine, mead, craft beer, hard cider, local food & outdoor recreation lovers!

Nelson 29 Trail

Nelson has a new craft beverage trail! Nelson 29 is named after the Route 29 corridor that travels through the middle of the county.  This route, conveniently located between Charlottesville and Lynchburg, is host to the 20 miles between Arrington’s Blue Mountain Barrel House and DelFosse Vineyards and Winery in Faber. Those traveling Nelson 29 will also experience Mountain Cove Vineyards,  Lovingston Winery , Virginia Distillery Co, and Brent Manor Vineyards.  For those venturing off of the 29 corridor, there is even more to see and do! Check out the website for information on specials & events, or contact the Nelson County Visitors Center for more information.

Blue-Ridge-Fruit-Loop

From May until December, taste & tour the places that grow the freshest fruits and berries in Nelson and Amherst counties. Select from a wide variety of apples, Asian pears, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, strawberries, sweet cider, fruit jams, jellies, and more! From pre-picked (fruit) or pick-your-own (fruit or berries), find your favorites while enjoying spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Visit all 11 farms: Blue Ridge Fruit Company, Critzer Family Farm, Dickie Brothers Orchard, Drumheller’s Orchard, Fitzgerald’s Orchard, Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery, Morris Orchard, Saunders Brothers, Seamans’ Orchard, Silver Creek Orchards and Silver Creek & Seamans’ Orchards.

The Virginia Spirits Trail

Here in Virginia, we take great pride in putting our souls into every bottle of distilled spirits because we know that small batches take time, heart, and spirit. We believe in farm to bottle, continuously focusing on the small batches. Every bottle is unique; it is 750ml of one-of-a-kind liquid art, crafted from grains to glass, right here in the Commonwealth.

As the birthplace of American distilled spirits, Virginia’s heritage has taught us to chase the undiscovered. We invite you to visit our distilleries, meet our spirits’ caretakers, the craftsmen and women who are eager to welcome you with warm hospitality, while sharing anecdotes behind every barrel of Virginia whiskey, behind each bottle of Virginia gin, behind every glass of Virginia brandy and more.