Thursday, September 29 was the grand launch of the Shenandoah Spirits Trail. The announcement in Woodstock, Virginia took place at the Woodstock Brew House. In addition to media presence, wineries, cideries, distilleries and breweries were represented. Also in attendance were two local Virginia politicians who spoke of the importance of the trail to the community.

According to the moderator Jenna French, the initiative for this unique trail was the collaboration of several area tourism specialists who were seeking to tie together the wineries, cideries, breweries and distilleries in the region. It was noted the importance of the beverages industry in promoting tourism, and thus increasing the economy of the region. The associations working to create the Shenandoah Spirits Trail included: Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitor Services, Rockingham County Economic Development and Tourism, Shenandoah County Tourism, and Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Woodstock Brew House, Virginia

The Woodstock Brew House was an ideal location to hold the announcement. Karl Roulston, one of the owners, spoke about this location as a gathering spot for people. The large room was filled with numerous tables and seating. A large area overlooks numerous stainless steel tanks. At the back of the facility, a counter was available where one can order from a long list of artisan craft beers.

The Shenandoah Spirits Trail offers an unusual trail map; it is a fold-up pocket map. The facilities noted on the map range from slightly northeast towards the southwest. The farthest north participating facility is a cidery, Winchester Ciderworks. Reaching south the farthest is the new winery, Marceline Vineyards. The trail begins near Winchester, Virginia and continues down to a short distance south of Harrisonburg.

Below is a list of Shenandoah Spirits Trail participants by category.

Wineries

James Charles Winery
Valerie Hill Vineyard
Cedar Creek Winery
North Mountain Vineyard & Winery
Shenandoah Vineyards
Muse Vineyards
Cave Ridge Vineyard
Wolf Gap Vineyard
Winery at Kindred Pointe
3rd Hill at DeMello Vineyards
Bluestone Vineyard
CrossKeys Vineyards
The Purple WOLF Vineyard
Marceline Vineyards

Cideries

Winchester Ciderworks
Old Hill Cider

Distilleries

Garofalo Artisan Liqueurs
Gingerwolf Distillery (opening late 2016)

Breweries

Escutcheon Brewing Co.
Winchester Brew Works
Alesatian Brewing Co.
Woodstock Brewhouse
Swover Creek Farm Brewery
Wolfe Street Brewing
Pale Fire Brewing Co.
Brothers Craft Brewing
Three Notch’d Brewing Company

Wine Trail Traveler has visited many of the Shenandoah wineries and recently visited the two distilleries. Check out our review articles with photos and watch for the new articles that will be added soon.

Cheers!
Kathy