Covering two picturesque counties–Mecklenburg and Halifax–the SoVa Craft Beverage Trail features 11 distinct venues, including 7 wineries, 3 breweries, and 1 distillery. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, this trail is the perfect blend of Southern hospitality and craft culture.
But that’s not all–there’s a passport challenge! Visit at least 6 of the 11 stops, collect your digital stamps, and you’ll be entered to win a $25 credit to your favorite stop on the trail. Plus, Visit Clarksville and Halifax County Tourism have partnered to offer a Micro-Shuttle service, running between three of the venues every Friday through November 29th. It’s an effortless way to enjoy the trail, including a delicious lunch, all while someone else does the driving!
Micro-Shuttle Schedule
Fridays through Nov 29th, 2024: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Seats 12
Stops: Woodbine Vineyards (Buffalo Junction) | Factory Street Brewing (South Boston) | Springfield Distillery (Halifax)
Make your reservations now to secure your seat and enjoy the ultimate craft beverage experience with ease! Price includes one wine, one whiskey and one beer, plus lunch!
SoVa Craft Beverage Trail Stops
1. American Way Country Wines
13750 Highway 47, Chase City, VA 23924
Specialty: Handcrafted fruit wine using estate-grown fruits and traditional methods.
American Way Country Wines offers a cozy and unique tasting experience with fruit wines like blackberry, peach, and even tomato wine! Located in a rustic, welcoming space, this family-run winery uses homegrown fruits for their diverse selection.
2. Bright Meadows Farm Vineyard
1181 Nathalie Road, Nathalie, VA 24577
Specialty: Family-owned vineyard housed in a restored 1883 Milk Barn.
Nestled on a former 19th-century tobacco plantation, Bright Meadows Farm is known for its rustic charm and southern hospitality. Visitors can enjoy a walk through 10 acres of grapevines or relax in the scenic picnic area. Their wide selection includes 11 different wines made from American grape varietals, perfect for every palate.
3. Hunting Creek Vineyards
2000 Addie Williams Trail, Clover, VA 24534
Specialty: Small, family-owned vineyard with sustainably produced wines.
Hunting Creek Vineyards is a boutique winery nestled in the heart of Southern Virginia, offering an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Established in 2002 by Milt McPherson and Sandy Ligon, the vineyard grows Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Viognier grapes across five acres of scenic farmland. The philosophy at Hunting Creek is centered around taking the wine “from the ground to the glass,” with every step of the winemaking process carried out on-site.
4. Lake Front Winery
3655 Highway 58, Buffalo Junction, VA 24529
Specialty: Sweet wines and sangria in a welcoming environment.
Located near Buggs Island Lake, Lake Front Winery offers sweet wines and even wine slushies for visitors. The venue is ideal for those looking for a laid-back tasting experience with scenic views. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy wine and casual events including a regular schedule of live music!
5. Rosemont of Virginia Winery
1050 Blackridge Road, La Crosse, VA 23950
Specialty: Estate-grown, handcrafted, and award-winning wines.
Nestled on a 450-acre estate that has been in the Rose family since 1858, Rosemont of Virginia Winery is known for its award-winning, handcrafted wines. The vineyard, established in 2003, produces a variety of wines, including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and their signature red blend, Kilravock. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings while soaking in the beautiful views of the estate, which also serves as a popular venue for weddings and events. Rosemont combines old-world charm with modern winemaking techniques, offering a truly unique experience in Southern Virginia.
6. Three Sisters of Shiney Rock Winery
5484 Shiney Rock Rd, Clarksville, VA 23927
Specialty: Native American grape wines and fruit wines.
Three Sisters of Shiney Rock Winery, owned by sisters Beth Graham, Susan Coates, and Kay Candelora, is a charming, family-operated vineyard located in Southern Virginia. Established in 2011, the winery specializes in crafting wines from Muscadine and Scuppernong grapes, which are native to the Southeastern U.S., as well as blackberry and other fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with tastings available every Saturday. The vineyard’s standout wines include “Sweet Nannie” and “Voluptuous Maiden,” both of which highlight the unique flavors of the region’s grapes.
7. Woodbine Vineyards
1142 Hite Dr, Buffalo Junction, VA 24529
Specialty: Farm winery offering a diverse selection of wines.
Woodbine Vineyards is a charming farm winery nestled on 150 acres along Buggs Island Lake. The vineyard was established in 2018 by the Young family, and since their first release in 2020, they have grown to offer a variety of wines, including Chardonel, Pinot Grigio, and Cabernet Franc. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the vineyard’s scenic outdoor seating area or in the barn’s unique tasting room, where each guest has their own private stall. The winery is known for its relaxed atmosphere, welcoming both pets and families. Charcuterie boxes and fresh local fare are available, making it an ideal spot for a day out.
8. Backyard Brews & Bites
1391 W Danville St, South Hill, VA 23970
Specialty: Family-friendly beer garden with local craft beers.
Backyard Brews & Bites is a vibrant, family-friendly beer garden offering a diverse range of local craft beers and ciders from Virginia and North Carolina. Alongside the brews, their menu features comfort food like Boar’s Head deli sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, and signature 100% beef hot dogs. The venue also hosts live music on weekends and provides plenty of activities for kids, making it the perfect spot for both adults and families to unwind and enjoy a casual meal in a laid-back setting.
9. Buggs Island Brewing
101 East 2nd Street, Clarksville, VA 23927
Specialty: Craft beers inspired by Buggs Island Lake.
Buggs Island Brewing is the first brewery in Mecklenburg County, offering a wide range of craft beers in a relaxed and welcoming taproom. Founded in 2016, the brewery quickly became a local favorite, known for brews like the Kerr Lake Kölsch–a crisp, refreshing beer perfect for sipping by the water–and the Mainsail Amber Ale, a malt-forward beer with caramel notes. Located in Clarksville, on the shore of Buggs Island Lake, the brewery frequently hosts live music, food trucks, and special events, with one of the best lakeside views around. With a commitment to quality and community, it’s no surprise that Buggs Island Brewing won the 2022 Virginia Living Magazine award for Best Brewery.
10. Factory Street Brewing Company
210 Factory St, South Boston, VA 24592
Specialty: Locally crafted brews in a historic setting.
Located in the heart of South Boston, Factory Street Brewing Company is a family-friendly brewpub set in a restored 1920s tobacco prizery. The brewery offers eight locally crafted beers on tap, including popular selections like Exes and Oats Oatmeal Stout and the Double Aught Belgian Ale. The spacious taproom and outdoor seating area create a welcoming atmosphere for socializing, enjoying live music, or playing games. With a strong connection to South Boston’s rich history, Factory Street Brewing is a perfect blend of local heritage and craft beer culture.
11. Springfield Distillery
9040 River Road, Halifax, VA 24558
Specialty: Handcrafted spirits, including whiskey, moonshine, and bourbon.
Located in Halifax County, Springfield Distillery is a family-owned distillery known for its handcrafted, small-batch spirits made from locally sourced ingredients. Set in a log cabin dating back to the early 1800s, the tasting room provides a cozy and rustic atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a range of whiskey, bourbon, and moonshine offerings. Guests can relax on the wrap-around porch, often accompanied by live music and food trucks on weekends. For those looking to extend their stay, Springfield offers cabin rentals on-site, making it a great destination for a weekend getaway.
How to Get Started on the Trail
- Grab your passport: Pick up your digital passport at any of the trail locations or download it here.
- Collect stamps: Earn stamps by visiting at least 6 of the 11 stops.
- Win big: Once you’ve collected your stamps, you’ll be entered to win a $25 credit at your favorite stop! A drawing will be held monthly on the first Monday and the winner will be notified by email.
Plan Your Visit Today
Whether you’re an aficionado of wine, beer, or spirits, the Southern Virginia Craft Beverage Trail has something for everyone. With the Micro-Shuttle service running through November 29th, it’s never been easier to explore the trail safely and in style. Book your tickets, grab your passport, and set off on a Southern Virginia craft beverage adventure!
The SoVa Craft Beverage Trail is a regional initiative between Mecklenburg County Tourism and Halifax County Tourism. If you are a craft beverage producer or venue and would like to be a partner on the trail, please contact Tina Morgan, Mecklenburg County Tourism Coordinator.
Special thanks to Visit Clarksville for their exceptional efforts in helping to bring the SoVa Craft Beverage Trail to life. Their dedication and hard work were instrumental in creating this exciting new experience for locals and visitors alike.
