The Virginia Distillers Association’s (VDA) Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow will return for a third stop on its inaugural statewide tour to celebrate the outstanding craftsmanship of Virginia spirits. Having completed two of its five spirited festivals, the association announced that its third celebration will commence at The Mariners’ Museum in Newport News on Saturday, Feb. 10 with the theme Virginia Spirits are for Lovin’.
The Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow kicked off at the Virginia Distillery Company in Lovingston in November 2017. This initial spirits jamboree not only celebrated the state’s stellar bourbons, rums, vodkas and gins, but also the women who love the Commonwealth’s whiskey, while donating proceeds from bottle sales to the Nelson County Domestic Violence Task Force. The Women Who Love Whiskey event featured tastings from eight Virginia distilleries and plenty of food and fun.
One month later, the Roadshow landed in Fredericksburg for its exclusive Holiday Tour. Much like its preceding stop, the Roadshow featured tastings of both spirits and cocktails crafted from eight Virginia distilleries, beer from Afton’s Blue Mountain Brewery, live music, catered local cuisine and more.
On Saturday, Feb. 10, the Virginia Spirits are for Lovin’-themed Roadshow will land in Newport News, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The Mariners’ Museum will host another eight Virginia distilleries, Norfolk’s Smartmouth Brewing Co. and food from area restaurants including Supper Southern Morsels, Gosport Tavern, The Public House and Still. Admission costs are $25 for one ticket, $45 for two tickets or $60 for three tickets. Designated driver tickets are $20.
“Our first two Roadshows have been a great success,” explained Gareth H. Moore, VDA president and CEO of Virginia Distillery Company. “Consumers from Lovingston to Fredericksburg spent hours chatting with distillers, sampling homegrown spirits and enjoying local food. We’re thrilled to have the chance to bring the fun to lovers of all-things-local in Southeastern Virginia.”
The last two Roadshows will take place in Richmond and Culpeper on Saturday, March 31 and Saturday, May 19 respectively.
Visit the Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow website for the latest information on Roadshow dates, times and locations.

Author: Grace Silipigni