Celebrate America’s 250th with a Taste of Virginia in Your Glass

Producers of Virginia wine, beer and spirits are offering limited edition commemorative bottles to toast American independence.

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Food & Dining

When it comes to toasting 250 years of American history, there are plenty of options for filling your glass with Virginia-made libations that underscore the Commonwealth’s role in that illustrious story.

While Virginia may be the birthplace of presidents, it’s also the birthplace of American wine, beer, and spirits — all of which can claim historic legacies that date to the earliest days of the colonies. Indeed, many of the nation’s historic milestones were toasted — or plotted — with a glass in hand.

With that history in mind, Virginia’s innovative brewers, distillers, and winemakers are honoring America’s 250th anniversary with limited edition products.

Virginia Distillers: Celebrating the Spirit of 1776

Nine Virginia craft distillers collaborated to create a limited-edition set of three spirits with historic importance to the Commonwealth: Botanical Gin, Aged Rum, and cask-strength Four Grain Whiskey.

The Virginia Spirits 250th Celebration Trio Pack was crafted as a collector’s release designed to showcase the depth, creativity and craftsmanship of Virginia spirits.

The project brought together blending teams from across the state from Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery, Virago Spirits, Vitae Spirits, Belmont Farm Distillery, Ironclad Distillery, Catoctin Creek Distilling Co., Virginia Distillery Co., Reservoir Distillery, and Chesapeake Bay Distillery.

The box and labels were designed by Mark Todd, a Norfolk-based artist who was commissioned by the Virginia Spirits Board. The artwork centers on the James River, and showcases the diversity of Virginia’s mountains, heartlands, and coast.

The project highlights the creativity and strength of Virginia’s spirits industry while honoring its rich traditions, said Carly Fiorina, national honorary chair of the VA250 Commission.

“From the ideas debated in our historic towns to the moments that shaped a nation, America was made in Virginia,” Fiorina said. “As the birthplace of American spirits, Virginia continues to carry that legacy forward.”

The trio packs are available for purchase in Virginia ABC stores. In addition, in-store tastings will be held throughout the summer. You can find locations for tastings via this map.

Virginia Winemakers: Crafting Patriotic Vintages

Virginia’s history with wine dates to the earliest days of Jamestown. The Founding Fathers were well known for their appreciation of Madeira, the wine they poured to toast the signing of the Declaration Independence. And Thomas Jefferson’s desire to establish winemaking in America continues to reverberate today in Virginia’s flourishing wine industry.

To honor that history, winemakers across the state have released special bottles. A pair of wineries near Alexandria teamed up with Fairfax County’s 250th Commission to produce two limited release commemorative wines.

The Winery at Bull Run in Centreville produced the white wine, called Independence. Crafted from Verdelho grapes, it has the right balance of sweetness and acidity to pair with summertime fare. Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton produced the companion red wine, a blend called “250.” Both wines are available in the tasting rooms and for purchase by the bottle while supplies last.

Mount Vernon: The home of George Washington is offering an exclusive Magnum 250th Special Edition Petit Verdot, crafted by Muse Vineyards. Made from estate-grown Petit Verdot, it combines vintages from 2022 and 2023. This wine is grown, aged, and bottled in the Shenandoah Valley on land originally surveyed by George Washington. Only 500 bottles have been released, and they feature Charles Wilson Peale’s 1780 portrait of George Washington on the label.

Monticello: At Thomas Jefferson’s home, the winemaking team at Jefferson Vineyards has crafted two limited-edition varietals — a 2024 Chardonnay featuring artist John Trumbull’s painting, Declaration of Independence, on the label and a 2024 Merlot featuring artist Jean Leon Gerome Ferris’ painting, Writing the Declaration of Independence, 1776, on the label.

Situated near the historic colonial capital, the Williamsburg Winery has created a VA250 Series that includes a Virginia Chardonnay and a Dry Rosé. The Virginia Red Wine Blend in the series is sold out. The wines are part of the larger Road to Revolution Collection, focused on various aspects of the revolutionary era.

Virginia Brewers: Follow a Revolutionary Brewing Trail

The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild is sponsoring a Revolutionary Brews™ Beer Trail that features historically inspired beers across the state. It’s part of a collaborative partnership with VA250 to celebrate Virginia’s brewing heritage.

“More than 250 years ago, revolutionary ideals were discussed at local taverns, placing Virginia craft beer at the center of American history,” said Cheryl Wilson, Executive Director of VA250.

You can find a revolutionary brew near you by going to the interactive map here.

In Fairfax County, brewers joined forces to create a Fairfax 250 Collaboration Beer. It’s a Hazy IPA and comes in a series of four commemorative cans that are available at participating taprooms throughout the county. You can find details here.

In Stafford County, seven breweries are offering special beers created to honor the 250th anniversary — plus a commemorative growler. You can find details here.

Jane Fullerton Lemons is a Virginia-based writer and recovering Washington journalist focused on wine and travel. A 2026 fellow at the Wine Writers Symposium in Napa Valley, she shares stories of the people and places behind the bottles, while also helping American consumers understand agriculture and how it impacts their lives. You can follow her work here.

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