As a craft beer drinker I am most definitely not stuck in a rut. Sure, I have my favorite year-rounders and seasonals that frequently inhabit the fridge, but I’m always on the hunt for something new. Getting to hunt in new territory is one of the great parts of vacations.  My most recent vacation took me back to my home town in the New River Valley of Virginia. And that means a visit to Vintage Cellar in Blacksburg.

Vintage Cellar sits in a refreshed, but nondescript strip mall on Main Street on the way in to downtown Blacksburg. If memory serves, it was previously located in another not-so-refreshed strip mall on the other side of the street.  Regardless, step inside and you’ll be treated to an exceptionally good selection of beer and wine.  Not exceptionally good for southwest Virginia. Exceptionally good for anywhere.  I don’t know how many different brews they’ve got, but the number is in the hundreds.  Fortunately, you can purchase individual 12 ounce bottles so a tasting nut like me can put together a great mix and match package.  They’ll also ship if you happen to be in a state where that’s allowed. 

The selection of beer is heavily weighted with east coast breweries, out through the midwest and into Colorado. That was perfect for me because I have plenty of access in Montana to beers in the western half of the U.S.  They do have a smaller selection of west coast beers as well as a good number of Belgium and other European imports.  I chose several from Virginia breweries and a few from long time favorites Troegs and Weyerbacher (both in Pennsylvania).

And the wine?  I noticed it on my way back to the beer, but the tunnel vision and single track mind carried me straight to my goal. You can see it on the left in this picture.  I hear it is a great selection.  The next time you’re near Blacksburg, VA, take a trip to Vintage Cellar and be sure to allow plenty of time to explore.  Vintage Cellar earns a gigantic Growler Fills Seal of Approval.