CONTACT: Jenna Wines
jwines@vacraftbrewersguild.com

Guild Announces New Pro-Am Collaboration Category for the 2026 Virginia Craft Beer Cup 

–Virginia Craft Brewers Guild Launches Competition to Highlight Innovation & Collaboration Across the Commonwealth- 

RICHMOND, VA—The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild (VCBG) is proud to introduce a new Professional–Amateur category for the 2026 Virginia Craft Beer Cup, the Commonwealth’s premier craft beer competition. This new category highlights the shared creativity of Virginia’s craft breweries and homebrewers by inviting teams to co-develop a beer brewed on professional equipment exclusively for the Cup competition. 

Each collaboration team will consist of one licensed Virginia brewery and one amateur homebrewer. All entries must be brewed together on the brewery’s system, brewed specifically for this competition, meet state and federal requirements, and fit an established BJCP beer style. Certified judges and industry professionals will evaluate the beers through blind judging based on technical merit, style accuracy, and overall quality. 

“Homebrewers have always been an essential part of Virginia’s craft beer culture,” said Stacie Gordon, Executive Director of the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild. “This new category strengthens the connection between our professional brewers and the homebrewers who push boundaries, experiment boldly, and help drive the innovation this industry is known for.” 

Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be awarded, and winning teams will be recognized at the Virginia Craft Beer Summit & Gala on Monday, August 10. 

Entries close on Friday, May 15, 2026. View the eligibility requirements and registration details here.