Charlottesville Breweries That Every Beer Lover Should Check Out This Fall

As a true beer aficionado, you can’t argue that beer is the perfect beverage year-round, but there’s something extra special about a märzen during Oktoberfest or even some amber ales with hints of maple.

Once autumn arrives, there’s a whole selection of seasonal beer that needs to be celebrated and enjoyed. What better way to check out some of your favorites by going on a weekend beer tasting tour. Check out some of our recommendations and a few safety and planning tips to consider before you visit your favorite Charlottesville area brewery.

Decipher Brewing

Veteran-owned Decipher Brewing is keeping their autumnal brews “hush-hush” until their Oktoberfest, but they’ve revealed that you can expect a Kolsch style and a märzen brew. Whether you show up on Star Wars Trivia Night or for a darts tournament, Decipher always has something going on and lots of brews in the works.

Check out their page for more information on upcoming fall brews and other information like hours.

Meriwether Springs Vineyard and Brewery

You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the history behind the Meriwether Springs Vineyard and Brewery. Head to the Explorer’s Bar for a Little or Big Tasting of flights. Some crowd favorites are Megtoberfest and Bohemian Rhapsody.

Have some wine lovers in your group? There’s a big selection of wine for them, too. Split a wood-fired pizza, walk around the estate, and take a growler home.

Hardywood Pilot Brewery & Taproom

Hardywood Brewery & Taproom always has a selection of about 16 or so brews on draft and in rotation. Whether you’re craving something autumnal like the Farmhouse Pumpkin or a higher ABV like the Bourbon Cru, there’s great options for every beer lover. Hardywood also has Kombucha and nitro coffee for non-beer fans or designated drivers.

Check their site for an updated draft list before you go.

Champion Brewing Company

With brew names like “Wheeze The Juice” and “Trustafarian” you can’t pass up the opportunity to check out Champion Brewing Company. The taproom is open all weekend long until 11 pm, so whether your planning a brewery taproom tour or just want to make a day of it, Champion is a great place to stop.

Planning Tips and A Few Things to Consider

Most responsible beer aficionados know that it’s never a good idea to get behind the wheel after having a few, but it’s a reminder that bears repeating. If you’re planning on drinking, whether it’s at one Charlottesville brewery, or a few around the area, don’t drive. Avoid your risk of an alcohol-related accident by designating a sober driver or using a rideshare service. Don’t forget that even if you’re buzzed, you can get a DUI. You can always head to a brewery on a whim, but to make the most of your trip make sure you know which breweries are open and when. Some brewery sites are bare bones, so you might be better off calling for hours, event information, and other useful info.

About the Author:

Landon Biehl is an avid craft beer enthusiast. In his free time, if he isn’t outdoors, you can find him enjoying some of the newest brews. You can find more of his writing by visiting goodhomehealth.net