The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild (VCBG) was formed in December 2010 with the mission to create the best environment in the United States for independent craft beer businesses to manufacture and headquarter their operations. The VCBG organizes craft brewers around four primary focuses: government affairs, marketing & tourism, farm breweries, and quality & operations. VCBG members also have access to business services focused on training, retaining great talent, reducing operational costs, and maximizing profitability and productivity.
The VCBG is an affiliate of the Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) and works in partnership with the Brewers Association.
Virginia Craft Brewers Guild Leadership Council
Chairman: Bill Spence, St. George Brewing Co.
Vice Chair: Jason Romano, Lake Anne Brew House
Government Affairs Committee
Brewery members in the Government Affairs Committee advise the Leadership Council and advocate for pro-brewery Virginia public policies. This committee’s work focuses explicitly on Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) regulations and legislation.
Co-Chair: Chris Smith, Virginia Beer Co.
Co-Chair: Mark Benusa, Fine Creek Brewing Co.
Tourism & Marketing Committee
Brewery members on the Tourism & Marketing Committee dedicate themselves to expanding independent craft beer in the marketplace. This group collaborates with the Virginia Tourism Corporation to promote the Virginia Craft Beer industry throughout the Commonwealth. Through this, the committee develops tasting room standards, peer networks, tourism promotions, economic development relationships, a professional beer festival series, and an annual craft beer competition.
Co-Chair: Neil Burton, Strangeways Brewing Co.
Co-Chair: Craig Nargi, Stable Craft Brewing Co.
Farm Brewery Committee
As farm breweries expand, the Farm Brewery Committee aims to protect Virginia’s rural character. The committee also promotes agricultural resources for the brewery supply chain, protects rural structures from overdevelopment, and co-manages the development of a beer festival in partnership with the State Fair of Virginia.
Co-Chair: Dave St. Clair, Swover Creek Farms & Brewery
Co-Chair: Janell Zurschmeide, Dirt Farm Brewing Company
Quality & Operations Committee
The Quality Committee focuses on sharing best practices, brewery safety, quality assurance, lab services & equipment vendors, employee development & training, and finance. This peer-focused group coordinates its quality assurance and safety training with the Manufacturing Skills Institute, Brewers Association, and Master Brewers Association. The committee initiated its own quality and safety training certificate and is working on a Brewer Technician Certification. The committee also coordinates with Virginia’s community colleges and universities. Finally, the committee hosts an annual quality seminar and is working toward regional quality workshops.
Co-Chair: Brian Faivre, New Realm Brewing Co.
Co-Chair: Matt Mullett, Richbrau Brewing Co.
Guild Advisors
Operations Advisor: Julie Tridente, Precarious Beer Co.
Distribution Advisor: Taylor Smack, Blue Mountain Brewery
Mike Pensinger from Parkway Brewing accepting his 2024 Best In Show Cup
Virginia Craft Beer Cup Leaders
The Virginia Craft Beer Cup competition is independently judged using BJCP rules. The competition is only open to independent Virginia craft breweries that are Guild members. The Virginia Craft Beer Cup is professionally managed by VCBG staff, leaders, and an independent head judge.
Advisor: Bill Butcher, Port City Brewing Company
Advisor: Eric McKay, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery