Fermentation Farm Trail now open for visitors
IAN STALKER
A Central Virginia county is showcasing an indisputable link between area farms and fermentation to those wanting to quench their thirst in the jurisdiction.
The area is now home to the Fermentation Farm Trail, which features six breweries, cideries, and wineries in Louisa County, and emphasizes the agricultural aspects of the spirits industry, with each destination a working farm growing its own beverage ingredients.
Tourism authorities say the six have a shared focus on recognizing the history and geography of the area and a commitment to implement sustainable practices that preserve the land.
“We thought it was important to demonstrate how breweries, wineries, and cideries are agriculture-related at the core,” says Tracy Hale Clark, executive director of the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce.
The stops are all within a 16-kilometre radius of one another and all are family friendly breweries, cideries, and wineries that have a comfortable tasting room, outdoor areas, and scenic views of the rural landscape. On weekends, most have festivals, and events with live music, food trucks, and small business vendors.
“We looked at the assets in our community and built the trail around that concept. The love of all things craft!,” says Hale Clark.
There are similar trails revolving around alcohol in Virginia that Clark says are “proving to be a significant draw to bring visitors” into their areas.
The Fermentation Farm Trail was designed in spring 2021 and launched in spring of 2022 with five of the current six venues. October 2022 saw the opening of Everleigh Vineyards, and an official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held.
“The Fermentation Farm Trail was created with a purpose close to our hearts – to showcase the agricultural essence of the craft beverage industry in Louisa County,” Hale Clark states. “This trail highlights the strong connection between our destinations and the land they cultivate. Each stop on the trail is a working farm, dedicated to growing the finest beverage ingredients while prioritizing sustainable practices to preserve our environment for generations to come.
“The trail is a result of a collaborative effort that involved the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce, individual businesses, and the support of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Our shared vision was to provide visitors with an authentic and immersive experience, embracing the farm-based nature of our region. By uniting breweries, wineries, and cideries on this venture, we aim to introduce visitors to the unique history, geography, and passion that make our craft beverages exceptional.
“We are still in the growth and awareness phase and see great potential”
Agritourism is a growing and highly profitable business sector according to the Virginia Tourism Corporation, which cites a 2017 study by Virginia Tech, which noted that, “Agritourism is a fast growing and important part of the new Virginia economy, injecting millions of dollars into rural and suburban communities across the Commonwealth.”
“Our vision is the Fermentation Farm Trail will be the enticing aspect to get people to come and explore the flavours – and find all the additional assets in our community, including Lake Anna, farm fresh food, history and growing artistic community,” Hale Clark says.
“We are still in the growth and awareness phase and see great potential.”
The trail is year-round, although there will be “some minimal closures” during the off season.
Hale Clark says Virginia is “very well known for craft beer, wine and cider. Our area continues to grow with new wineries and breweries and we anticipate being a significant attraction being centrally located between 3 major airports: Northern Virginia, Richmond International and Charlottesville Airport Authority. And, we have the Louisa County Airport that brings incharters and private aircraft daily.”
Meanwhile, Hale Clark says there are numerous aspects to her jurisdiction that visitors will appreciate.
“Louisa County is a diverse community with history, rural-flavour and home to Lake Anna, the second largest lake in Virginia,” she reports. “We are also home to Bluegreen Vacations Shenandoah Crossing Resort. We welcome visitors from all over and would love to invite our neighbours to the north to join us on the Fermentation Farm Trail!”
