Whether you are visiting Richmond, VA (better known as RVA to locals) for business or pleasure, you are sure to find something fun to do, something delicious to eat, and something tasty to drink. As a Richmond native, I may be biased, but I think it’s one of the most interesting places you could ever visit and I feel lucky to call this place home. 

Richmond is unique for many reasons but one of its main attractions these days is the craft beverage scene – RVA is now a BEER destination. Beer enthusiasts from all over the world come to taste Richmond, one beer at a time – that’s where we come in! 

My name is Branden Whitten and I am the Founder/Chief Fun Officer of RVA Brew Crew. As a woman in a typically male-dominated industry, I feel extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to start a small business that I am truly passionate about. Before I get carried away talking about all of the amazing spots here in RVA, let me give you a little background on myself and RVA Brew Crew.

I was born and raised right here in Richmond and absolutely love this city! After college, I immediately moved back home and eventually landed at an IT company where I had several roles throughout my tenure with the most recent being in Marketing. I celebrated 5 years with that company in February of 2018 and in April of 2018, a week before my wedding, I was laid off. At the time, I was absolutely devastated but it turns out that devastation was actually a blessing in disguise. I knew I wasn’t 100% happy with my role within the Marketing department but I was comfortable; I was just kind of going through the motions. Being laid off quickly pushed me out of my comfort zone and I am incredibly thankful for that push. My husband and I went on to have the most beautiful wedding followed by an amazing honeymoon where we spent a lot of time talking about our future. My husband likes to tell people that “Lola” (our beloved Brew Crew bus) was our honeymoon baby.

The idea behind RVA Brew Crew had been something my husband and I talked about but, at the time, we were both employed with full-time jobs and so that’s all it was – an idea. We love going to breweries with family/friends both near and far and those breweries that are further away from our house, we don’t get to as often as we’d like. There’s always the question of who is going to drive and Uber/Lyft isn’t always an option because of location and/or our group size. With the craft beer scene exploding in the past decade, we really thought Richmond needed something like RVA Brew Crew. After I was laid-off, I decided that was the time to give that “idea” a try.

Here at RVA Brew Crew, we provide safe and festive rides to breweries, cideries and wineries in and around the Richmond area. Our 14-passenger, climate-controlled, modified school bus will pick-up/drop-off at the location of your choice, you may bring alcohol and snacks aboard, and customize your itinerary. 

Now back to the RVA beer scene. Since there is such an abundance of brewery options, we’ve found it easiest to split the city into 3 different sections: Scott’s Addition, Eastern, and Western. Check out each area and make a plan for your next adventure with us!

Scott’s Addition

Scott’s Addition is Richmond’s craft beverage scene hub and is the city’s fastest growing neighborhood. This area alone is home to 13 breweries, cideries, distilleries and a winery. Scott’s Addition also home to businesses, a boutique bowling alley, cinema, shuffleboard bar, barcade, retail shops, and more. If you’re looking for an area of RVA that has something for everyone, look no further than Scott’s Addition. This area can be walkable if you’re able to find parking and if the weather is perfect.

Scott’s Addition Breweries

• Ardent Craft Ales
• Bingo Beer Co.
• Blue Bee Cider
• Buskey Cider
• Canon & Draw Brewing Company
• Castleburg Brewery & Taproom
• Cirrus Vodka
• Garden Grove Brewing & Urban Winery
• Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
• Isley Brewing Company
• Main Line Brewery
• Strangeways Brewing – Scott’s Addition
• Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop
• Tabol Brewing
• The Veil Brewing Co.
• Three Notch’d Brewing Company
• Vasen Brewing Company
• Virago Spirits

Eastern RVA

When I think of “east” Richmond, I primarily think of the actual city limits, however, for the sake of grouping, “east”, in this context, means locations east of Arthur Ashe Boulevard (Scott’s Addition area). This grouping includes neighborhoods such as The Fan District, Museum District, Manchester, Shockoe Bottom, and Fulton-Hill. The Eastern brewery options are perfect for those looking for a “city-vibe”. You can enjoy amazing skyline views and really get a historic feel. Breweries in this grouping are all relatively close (about a 10 or less drive between most locations).

Richmond’s Eastern Breweries

• Legend Brewing Co.
• Richbrau Brewing
• Stone Brewing
• Triple Crossing Beer – Downtown
• Triple Crossing Beer – Fulton Hill

Western RVA

Richmond’s Western Breweries

• Fine Creek Brewing Company
• Hardywood Park Craft Brewery – West Creek
• Kindred Spirit Brewing
• Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery
• Midnight Brewery
• Strangeways Brewing
• The Answer Brewpub