Bedford Virginia Wineries and Breweries Worth Visiting This Weekend

Hickory Hill Vineyards: Bedford’s Wine Pioneer

As the oldest commercial vineyard and winery at Smith Mountain Lake, Hickory Hill Vineyards offers a taste of Bedford’s winemaking heritage. The Furrow family planted their first vines in 1984 and opened the winery in 2001. Their dedication to quality has earned them over 70 medals in international wine competitions.

Visitors are welcomed to the charming 1923 Farmhouse Tasting Room where you can sample their award-winning selections while enjoying serene vineyard views. Their signature Smith Mountain Lake Series wines pay homage to the beautiful nearby lake.

Peaks of Otter Winery: Family-Friendly Farm Experience

For a delightful family-friendly winery experience, Peaks of Otter Winery & Orchards delivers with its picturesque farm setting and unique fruit wines. Located with stunning views of the Peaks of Otter mountains, this charming establishment offers more than just wine tasting.

Their specialty is fruit wines made from on-site orchards, including unusual varieties like peach, apple, blackberry, blueberry, plum, and pear. Don’t miss their famous “Kiss the Devil” chili pepper wine for something truly distinctive. The property features farm animals, orchards, creeks, and ponds that children and adults alike will enjoy exploring.

Beale’s: Craft Beer & BBQ in Historic Setting

Housed in a beautifully renovated former mill in downtown Bedford, Beale’s offers a perfect combination of craft beer and delicious BBQ. Named after a mysterious local legend of missing treasure from the 1800s, this brewery brings history and modern craft brewing together in a welcoming space.

Their beer lineup features year-round favorites like the Gold Lager (a Vienna-style lager) and Beale’s Red (an Irish red ale), alongside rotating seasonal specialties. The full-service restaurant serves mouthwatering BBQ, burgers, and sandwiches that pair perfectly with their brews. With indoor and outdoor seating options, it’s a great spot for families—they even offer a kid’s menu and play area.

Ramulose Ridge Vineyards: Premium Wines with a View

Family-owned Ramulose Ridge Vineyards offers premium small-batch wines in a relaxed setting with sweeping views of their meticulously maintained vineyard. Founded in 1995, this Moneta gem produces handcrafted wines using sustainable farming methods that showcase the unique terroir of Bedford County.

Wine enthusiasts will appreciate their diverse selection, from crisp whites to robust reds. Their signature Cabernet Franc and Viognier varieties highlight Virginia’s wine strengths. The extensive outdoor patio provides the perfect spot to enjoy a wine flight while taking in panoramic views. For cigar aficionados, they also offer a fine selection of premium cigars.

Apocalypse Ale Works: Innovative Brews in Forest

As the first brewery in Forest since Thomas Jefferson’s time, Apocalypse Ale Works has made a name for itself with creative, apocalyptic-themed brews. Their spacious facility includes a tasting room, covered deck, and large backyard with plenty of seating and kid-friendly activities.

Beer enthusiasts will enjoy their flagship offerings like the “Final Judgment” IPA and “Red Hoppocalypse” amber ale, alongside seasonal specialties and experimental small-batch creations. They also produce a line of hard seltzers for those seeking lighter options. While they offer limited snacks, guests are welcome to bring their own food, order delivery, or enjoy offerings from the rotating food trucks that frequently visit.

Graham Ordinary Meadery: Historic Honey Wines

For something truly unique, visit the Meadery at Graham Ordinary near the Peaks of Otter off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This historic mountain lodge dates back to the late 1700s and offers visitors a glimpse into both Colonial history and the ancient art of mead making.

Established in 2022 by the Graham family, the meadery crafts traditional honey wines using honey sourced from their own beehives and local producers. Visitors can explore the honey trail to see the beehives and learn about the important role bees play in our ecosystem. Their mead varieties range from traditional to fruit-infused, offering something for every palate.

Weekend Itinerary Suggestions for Bedford Virginia Wineries and Breweries

Saturday: Mountain Views & Craft Brews

• Morning (10am-12pm): Begin at Peaks of Otter Winery for fruit wine tasting and farm exploration. Purchase a bottle of their signature fruit wine to enjoy later.
• Lunch (12:30pm-2pm): Head to Beale’s for craft beer and delicious BBQ in downtown Bedford.
• Afternoon (2:30pm-4:30pm): Visit Graham Ordinary Meadery to experience historic mead making and honey production.
• Evening (5pm-7pm): Finish at Apocalypse Ale Works for evening brews and possible live music or events.

Sunday: Lakeside Wine Trail

• Morning (11am-1pm): Start at Ramulose Ridge Vineyards for premium wine flights with vineyard views.
• Lunch (1:30pm-3pm): Bring a picnic to enjoy at Hickory Hill Vineyards with their award-winning wines.
• Afternoon (3:30pm-5:30pm): Complete your weekend at Burnbrae Vineyards in their restored log cabin tasting room.

Whether you’re sipping a fruit wine at Peaks of Otter, enjoying a craft beer at Beale’s, or sampling ancient-style mead at Graham Ordinary, you’ll experience the passion and craftsmanship that define Bedford’s beverage culture. The welcoming atmospheres, stunning scenery, and exceptional drinks make this region a must-visit destination for your next weekend adventure.