Virginia Beer Company

The Virginia Beer Company, affectionately known as VBC, has cemented its place as a cornerstone of Williamsburg's craft beer scene since its founding in 2016. The story began with co-founders Chris Smith and Robby Willey, who met at the College of William & Mary and shared a passion for craft beer, philanthropy, and community. After pursuing separate careers, they returned to Williamsburg with brewmaster Jonathan Newman, who brought experience from larger production breweries. Their combined vision led to the establishment of VBC at 401 Second Street, revitalizing a 1960s building and focusing on "Beer • People • Purpose" – a mantra evident in their commitment to quality brewing and active philanthropy within the community they cherish.

Williamsburg Virginia Craft Beer Festival Breweries Virginia Beer Company

VBC's beer offerings are a testament to both quality and creativity, made possible by a unique dual brewing system that integrates a large 30-barrel production system with a 5-barrel pilot system for experimentation. This allows them to maintain a solid core lineup of year-round favorites like Free Verse IPA and Elbow Patches Oatmeal Stout, while also consistently pushing boundaries with a rotating selection of limited-edition beers. These experimental brews span a wide range of styles, from hazy IPAs and barrel-fermented Saisons to sour ales, barrel-aged imperial stouts, and innovative lagers, ensuring there's always something new for patrons to discover.



Beyond the brews, The Virginia Beer Company offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Their taproom and spacious outdoor beer garden are a hub of activity, featuring a rotating schedule of local food trucks to pair perfectly with their diverse beer selection. Live music is a regular occurrence, especially on weekends, creating a lively backdrop for guests to enjoy their beverages. As a prominent fixture in Williamsburg's "Edge District," VBC contributes significantly to this burgeoning culinary and entertainment destination, drawing locals and tourists alike to experience a dynamic environment built around great beer, community engagement, and a good time.

THE IMPORTANT STUFF

BURGERS

VBC hosts daily food trucks at its taproom and beer garden, creating a constantly fresh and flavorful addition to its craft‑beer lineup. The trucks vary weekly—from tacos and Hawaiian fare to BBQ and artisanal pies—often pairing with live music, trivia. Food Truck Lineup

BEERS

VBC offers a dynamic and thoughtfully curated beer lineup that highlights both year‑round standbys and boundary‑pushing small‑batch experiments. Their four flagship beers—Free Verse (a tropical, approachable IPA), Wrenish Rye (an amber ale with rye spice and hop brightness), Elbow Patches (a smooth oatmeal stout with coffee and chocolate notes), and Saving Daylight (a citrusy American wheat brewed with grapefruit and orange peel)—form the core of the taproom experience

BANDS

VBC in Williamsburg brings the beat with a robust live music lineup curated throughout the week. From Friday nights (6–9 pm) to Saturday evenings (typically 6–9 pm) and Sunday afternoons (around 2–5 pm), their beer garden and taproom when it’s chilly.

VBC GALLERY