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Drink it in

Tour and taste your way across Virginia’s wine, brewing and distilling country.

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In the countryside overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Mountain Brewery has been brewing Full Nelson Pale Ale and other concoctions with hops grown on-site since 2007. It has become a popular stop, thanks to the large beer-garden-esque patio, locally sourced food and, of course, the stellar view.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

Blue Mountain Brewery has sprouted up in the heart of Virginia's wine country. Free tours of the small farm brewery are offered on weekend afternoons, and guests can also settle in at the bar for a sampler of the offerings.

Blue Mountain Brewery has sprouted up in the heart of Virginia's wine country. Free tours of the small farm brewery are offered on weekend afternoons, and guests can also settle in at the bar for a sampler of the offerings.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

In Sperryville, you'll find Copper Fox Distillery, a rustic distillery that has been making whiskey since 2006. Shown: A whiskey bottle is hand-dipped into hot wax to seal it; it's later imprinted with a C for Copper.

In Sperryville, you'll find Copper Fox Distillery, a rustic distillery that has been making whiskey since 2006. Shown: A whiskey bottle is hand-dipped into hot wax to seal it; it's later imprinted with a C for Copper.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

Rick Wasmund, right, the chief executive of Copper Fox, learned the craft in Scotland and now produces single malt whiskey that visitors can pick up in the distillery store. Here, he leads guests on a tour of the site.

Rick Wasmund, right, the chief executive of Copper Fox, learned the craft in Scotland and now produces single malt whiskey that visitors can pick up in the distillery store. Here, he leads guests on a tour of the site.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

A grain storage unit announces the presence of Devils Backbone Brewing Co. in Roseland, Va. The brewery has won a reputation as a producer of award-winning beers; at the 2010 World Beer Cup, Devils Backbone was named champion brewery, and brewer Jason Oliver was named top brewmaster in the small brew pub category.

A grain storage unit announces the presence of Devils Backbone Brewing Co. in Roseland, Va. The brewery has won a reputation as a producer of award-winning beers; at the 2010 World Beer Cup, Devils Backbone was named champion brewery, and brewer Jason Oliver was named top brewmaster in the small brew pub category.

Fritz Hahn / The Washington Post

Devils Backbone Brewing Co. is nestled on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where it hosts mountain bike races and trail running races in the summer, as well as outdoor concerts. (Don’t miss the day-long Summerfest on Aug. 27.) The lodge-like feel inside beckons visitors to stay and taste a bit.

Devils Backbone Brewing Co. is nestled on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where it hosts mountain bike races and trail running races in the summer, as well as outdoor concerts. (Don’t miss the day-long Summerfest on Aug. 27.) The lodge-like feel inside beckons visitors to stay and taste a bit.

Fritz Hahn / The Washington Post

On a hill nearly a thousand feet above sea level, Afton Mountain Vineyards in Afton grows several varieties of grapes, including Sangiovese. Afton Mountain is one of few Virginia wineries attempting Italian-style wines.

On a hill nearly a thousand feet above sea level, Afton Mountain Vineyards in Afton grows several varieties of grapes, including Sangiovese. Afton Mountain is one of few Virginia wineries attempting Italian-style wines.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

Robert Graham and his wife, Janneil Graham, of Chester, Va., partake in a wine tasting at Afton Mountain Vineyards. The winery has been growing grapes since 1979, but recently reopened in 2010 with a new tasting house. The winery is a short trip from Blue Mountain Brewery, so a stop at both is a must.

Robert Graham and his wife, Janneil Graham, of Chester, Va., partake in a wine tasting at Afton Mountain Vineyards. The winery has been growing grapes since 1979, but recently reopened in 2010 with a new tasting house. The winery is a short trip from Blue Mountain Brewery, so a stop at both is a must.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

Summer visitors to the wineries and breweries in central Virginia can easily find other activities, including peach picking at Chile's Peach Orchard in Crozet. Looking for a fine, locally sourced dinner? Add Staunton Grocery to your itinerary.

Summer visitors to the wineries and breweries in central Virginia can easily find other activities, including peach picking at Chile's Peach Orchard in Crozet. Looking for a fine, locally sourced dinner? Add Staunton Grocery to your itinerary.

Fritz Hahn / The Washington Post

Come fall, adding a leisurely jaunt up Skyline Drive is a must; pictured is the view from one of its many overlooks. Near Afton Mountain Vineyards, Veritas Vineyard and Blue Mountain Brewery is the Afton entrance to the legendary park (find the entrance at Route 250 and Interstate 64). Wineries say fall is busy season, as visitors who come to see the fall colors via Skyline Drive also stop in to taste the local wines.

Come fall, adding a leisurely jaunt up Skyline Drive is a must; pictured is the view from one of its many overlooks. Near Afton Mountain Vineyards, Veritas Vineyard and Blue Mountain Brewery is the Afton entrance to the legendary park (find the entrance at Route 250 and Interstate 64). Wineries say fall is busy season, as visitors who come to see the fall colors via Skyline Drive also stop in to taste the local wines.

Lavanya Ramanathan / The Washington Post

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