Edible Blue Ridge Spring 2023

Clockwise from top left: Chiswell Farm & Winery, Knights Gambit at sunset, Stinson Vineyards flight, Starr Hill Brewery.

friendliest you’ll meet in the region. No mat ter their location, Starr Hill always uplifts their community; you’ll regularly find a beer on tap whose proceeds go towards a local charity or non-profit and they are true pioneers for the craft brewing industry in Virginia. Stinson Vineyards and Grace Estate are also local favorites. Stinson’s friendly staff, vines growing right along the patio and neighboring flower garden make for a scenic setting as you try their orange wine. Grace Estate has abundant indoor and outdoor seat ing if you’re traveling with a large group. If you’re staying the night in a B&B or with a friend, we suggest picking up dinner from l’etoile Catering . You may have already sa vored the Gresges’ cooking if you’ve attended a UVA event or a local wedding. Vickie and Mark stock their front porch coolers with a variety of soups and take-and-bake options (a recent visit saw roasted sweet potato soup and chicken par mesan on the menu). Make a stop as you head home so you don’t have to worry about prepar ing dinner after your fun-filled day. Pro Re Nata has become a destination brewery in the region. What started as a brew house and taproom has gradually expanded to Before you leave town

shipping containers in the back, a play area for kids and a resident food truck — Dino’s Pizza and Grill can be found onsite Thursdays-Mon days. Besides their in-house brews, you’re able to purchase VA cider, wine and canned cock tails and hard seltzers. Pro Re Nata is pet- and family-friendly, making this a popular post hike destination. Whether you’re drawn to hiking and win eries or have grandparents visiting and want a day of adventure, Crozet has something to offer everyone. Despite its small size, we only touched on a few of the many treasures this town has to offer. We hope you’ll discover a few more on your own. Tag us in your photos @edibleblueridge when you unearth a new one.

If you’d like to opt for a kid-free evening, amble along the gravel drive that leads to Chiswell Winery . Housed in a historic home, this winery has charm, delightful wines (try their sparkling rose) and incredible views as you sit and sip in one of their Adirondack chairs. If the neighborhood watering hole is what you’re after, head over to Starr Hill Brewery on Three Notch’d Road. Listen to the locals chat as you try a flight of their sours or Ramble On (IPA) with their bartenders, some of the

Starr Hill photo: Starr Hill Brewery

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