A great way to spend your weekend in Fredericksburg, Virginia is at one of the many wineries and distilleries that surround it. The geographic location makes this part of Virginia a celebrated producer of wine, beer, and spirits alike. What follows is a sampling of just a few of the wineries, breweries and distilleries neighboring Fredericksburg.

1. The A. Smith Bowman Distillery

The Bowman Distillery ranks among the oldest distilleries in the United States. It is best known as a family-owned bourbon distillery, and was founded in 1935 by Abram Smith Bowman. The Bowman’s began producing bourbon on their farm at the tail end of prohibition, and it is that recipe which is still used in their famous Virginia Gentleman variety. The original location of the Bowman distillery was in Northern Virginia, but it was moved to Fredericksburg in the 1980’s. Since the 1930’s, the Bowman’s have begun producing gin, vodka, rum, tequila, whiskey, and scotch.

2. The Hartwood Winery

The Hardwood Winery is relatively new-only twenty years old-but its family owned aesthetic has taken it far since it first opened in 1989. Their wine is available locally in Fredericksburg, and has been proven to be a hit amongst locals and competitions alike. They are situated in the outskirts of Fredericksburg in what is known as the “densest deer population” in Virginia. They host a variety of functions throughout the year including Barrel tasting, Mid-Winter and Mid-Summer Fests, dinners, and open houses.

3. Mattaponi Winery

The Mattaponi Winery began as a Christmas tree farm, and grew into a winery several decades ago. They are a small, family-owned winery with a foot in most festivals and fairs throughout Virginia. Their name is inspired by the three rivers they reside by-the Matta, Po, and Ni.

4. Blue and Gray Brewing Company

The Blue and Gray Brewing Company offer something for the beer-drinkers-and they do it well. They offer tours throughout the week, including Saturdays, and feature free sampling of their wide variety of brews. Blue and Gray are best known for their Falmouth Pale Ale, Fred Red Ale, Classic Lager, and Stonewall Stout, but they have added several seasonal beers to their menu, including Spiced Winter Ale for November through January, Chocolate Raspberry Stout for January through February and Virginia Hefeweizen for May through September.

5. Lake Anna Winery

The Lake Anna Winery is situated in a beautiful stretch of land just three miles out of Fredericksburg. They sponsor a variety of events beginning in May, including jazz festivals, bluegrass parties, a Renaissance Fair, and themed dinners. Lake Anna’s wide varieties of award-wining wines are even better when taken in along side its breathtaking vineyard.