Woods Mills
Nelson County, Virginia
“Wood Ridge Farm Brewery will host a Grand Opening on Saturday, September 10th at 11:00am at its taproom (165 Old Ridge Road, Lovingston, VA 22949). Wood Ridge Farm Brewery is in the Wood’s Mill section of Nelson County near the intersections of Routes 29 and 6.
Although Wood Ridge Farm Brewery is the first farm brewery in Nelson County, it is the fifth brewery in Nelson County. One of Nelson County’ tag lines is “Nelson County – More Breweries than Stoplights”. Wood Ridge Farm has over 300 acres in grain production; all wheat, barley, rye and oats used by the Brewery are malted and roasted on the farm at the Wood’s Mill Malt House. Wood Ridge Farm Brewery is the only brewery in Virginia which grows, malts and roasts 100% of the grains used in its ales and beers. This use of our own, Virginia-grown grain for the beer makes Wood Ridge Farm distinctive in the Virginia (and American) beer scene. The Brewery will also be using some of the Farm’s hops and yeast in its product.
‘Farm-to-table’ has become an important element of the local food movement. We have adapted this to the world of beer, and our motto is ‘From the Dirt to the Glass’. Through regular weekend tours, Brewery staff will show guests the steps taken to produce that tasty liquid in their glass (from the farm fields to the malting house to the brewing vessels to the taproom pints).
The Brewery itself is housed in a distinctive two-story building constructed of lumber from Wood Ridge Farm. There are 12 different types of lumber that make up the floorboards of the first floor alone. The tap house overlooks the Farm with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background. Both the upstairs and downstairs taprooms have remarkable 270-degree views of Nelson County’s scenic beauty. The rocking chairs on the second floor balcony overlooking the fields and will be especially popular on weekend days.
The head brewer is Nicholas Payson, formerly of Winnetou Brauerei of Mount Airy, NC. He was trained in Germany and worked at several breweries in Germany.We look forward to contribute to the excellence of the Virginia Craft Beer scene and to add to Nelson County’s Brew Ridge Trail”
