Summer around here means long drives down country roads, windows down, and a quest for the next great pour. Whether you're craving a crisp local lager on a brewery patio or a glass of estate-grown red with mountain views, this region has quietly become one of the best craft beverage destinations on the East Coast. From the rolling vineyards of Loudoun County to the laid-back farm breweries of Montgomery County, there's a whole world to explore within a couple of hours of the Beltway.
We've put together a roundup of our favorite stops this season, organized by area so you can plan your perfect day trip (or weekend getaway). Grab a friend, pack some snacks for the ride, and let's get into it.
WASHINGTON, DC
Other Half Brewing | Ivy City, NE
This Brooklyn-born brewery's DC outpost near Navy Yard has the kind of sprawling, indoor-outdoor taproom you could easily lose an afternoon in, especially with an arcade tucked in the back for when the beer talk runs dry. They keep snacks like jerky, popcorn, and chips on hand, but don't hesitate to bring your own food or just have something delivered straight to your table. Leashed dogs are welcome to tag along everywhere but the rooftop patio, and if you happen to swing by on a Wednesday, stick around for trivia from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Right Proper Brewing Company Taproom | Brookland, NE
Right Proper's Brookland taproom drink menu goes well beyond their own beers, with a rotating lineup of guest taps, wines by the glass and bottle, and a full lunch and dinner menu to go with it – so this is a real sit-down-and-eat kind of stop rather than just a place to snack. There's a quiet, shaded patio for groups, a play area that makes it especially family-friendly, and a bottomless brunch option Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 4 pm if you want to make a whole afternoon of it.
DC Brau | Northeast
DC Brau holds a special place in DC's beer history – when founders Brandon Skall and Jeff Hancock tapped their first keg on Tax Day 2011, it marked the city's first true production brewery since Christian Heurich closed his doors in the 1950s. Today it's grown into an award-winning brewery with distribution well beyond the District, all while staying true to its roots with a laid-back taproom and a strong commitment to giving back to the local community. Stop by for growlers and cans to go, or just settle in for a pint at the place that helped put DC back on the beer map.
MARYLAND
Photos courtesy: Elder Pine Brewing and Visit Montgomery
Brookeville Beer Farm | Brookeville, MD
This sprawling Montgomery County farm-brewery is a go-to for groups, with wide outdoor lawns, picnic tables, and a wood-fired pizza menu that regularly gets singled out as a highlight. It's dog- and family-friendly throughout the property, with live music on weekends and tableside fire pits for cooler evenings. Expect it to get busy on weekends, so budget some wait time for that famous pizza.
Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Co | Gaithersburg, MD
Elder Pine's standout feature is its setting – a pine grove dotted with string lights and picnic tables that gives the whole property a magical, tucked-away feel. It feels worlds away from a typical brewery setting. The brewery is dog-friendly on its spacious patio (keep an eye out for Grizzly, the resident brewhouse dog), and a rotating food truck handles the eats. It's a great pick if you're looking for something a little more atmospheric than your typical taproom.
Stone Silo Brewery | Damascus, MD
Built around a restored 1931 stone silo on a 70-acre farm, Stone Silo brings a cozy, upscale countryside feel with sweeping farmland views from its covered patio. Dogs are welcome throughout the outdoor space, and food trucks rotate from Thursday through Sunday (or bring your own if nothing's scheduled). It's one of Damascus's newer additions, having opened in 2023, but it's already earning a reputation as a go-to gathering spot.
Rocklands Farm Winery | Poolsville, MD
Set on a historic working farm in Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve, Rocklands grows its own grapes and raises pasture-fed meats, giving its wine-and-charcuterie pairings a true farm-to-glass feel. The grounds rotate in food trucks (don't miss the wood-fired pizza), and weekends often bring live music in the converted barn spaces. One note for pet owners: dogs aren't permitted on the property, since it's an active working farm with livestock.
Sugarloaf Mountain Winery | Dickerson, MD
Hidden at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, this is the perfect post-hike stop – order a glass and settle onto the patio's café tables, string lights, and fire pit for a relaxing wind-down. Leashed dogs are welcome on the patio, and a rotating food truck (often wood-fired pizza) keeps things easy. Weekends bring live music, making it a popular pick for an unhurried summer afternoon.
Big Cork Vineyards | Rohrersville, MD
Big Cork is one of the state's most award-winning wineries, with 100 acres of estate vineyards producing over 25 types of wine. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the outdoor spaces (the staff even keeps water dishes on hand), and the grab-and-go market means you can pair your pour with gourmet cheese, freshly baked bread, and charcuterie without having to pack your own. Live music runs every Friday evening from 6 - 9 pm, making it an easy spot to turn into a full summer evening out, especially with panoramic views of Pleasant Valley as your backdrop.
VIRGINIA
Photos courtesy: Hawkley Brewing and Stone Tower Winery
Hawkley Brewing | Herndon, VA
With an astounding 5-star review, this is a fitting spot for the next great local beer story. The brewery offers outdoor seating where pets are welcome. While the kitchen sticks to light snacks, you're welcome to bring in outside food or grab a bite from one of their weekend food trucks. Catch trivia on Tuesday nights if you want to make a full evening of it.
Fair Winds Brewing Company | Lorton, VA
This Lorton staple is known for its spacious, air-conditioned taproom and big garage-style doors that open right onto a lively patio. Fair Winds welcomes leashed dogs outdoors, with rotating food trucks serving up everything from barbecue to tacos al pastor most days of the week. Don't miss the Howling Gale IPA, a fan favorite, and stick around for trivia or live music if your visit lines up with one of their regular events.
Chubby Squirrel Brewing Co | Fairfax, VA
The first of two breweries located downtown in the City of Fairfax, Chubby Squirrel touts serious beers and a relaxed atmosphere. Established in 2018, CSBC is a neighborhood brewery and pub. With new brews and fun food specials in addition to their pub menu, it’s always a bit different. Pets are welcome at their outside tables.
Commonwealth Brewing Co FFX | Fairfax, VA
Set right in the heart of Old Town Fairfax, Commonwealth doubles as a coffee bar by day and a 48-tap brewery by night, with wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas anchoring the food menu. Dogs are welcome on the patio (though not inside, per health code), making it an easy stop for an afternoon coffee or an evening pint. The expansive outdoor seating and central location make it a great jumping-off point for exploring the rest of Old Town.
Stone Tower Winery | Leesburg, VA
Perched atop Hogback Mountain with sweeping Blue Ridge views, Stone Tower is one of the most scenic wineries in Loudoun County, split between two tasting rooms – one family and dog-friendly, one members-only. While outside food is not permitted, you can pick up snacks, cheese boards, and wood-fired pizza from the on-site vendors and weekend food trucks. With 300+ acres of rolling vineyards, it's an easy spot to spend a full afternoon.
Breaux Vineyards | Purcellville, VA
Often called Virginia's Favorite Winery, Breaux sits on a sprawling 404-acre estate with vines climbing up Short Hill Mountain and long views of the Blue Ridge from the tasting room, Patio Madeleine, and landscaped terraces. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the outdoor seating areas (except the Orleans Patio and on ticketed festival days). Bring your own picnic to enjoy in outdoor areas only or order shareables, flatbreads, and sandwiches from their menu. Don't miss Dog Days at Breaux, a sporadic event that is paired with live music and dog vendors, if your visit happens to line up with it.
Crimson Lane Vineyards | Fauquier, VA
If you're looking for a day getaway to get out of the congestion of NoVA, Crimson Lane is a great escape. It’s tucked into the mountains near Linden; it offers an elevated, intimate tasting experience with panoramic Blue Ridge views from its cedar-clad tasting room. Reservations are required; the vibe leans more polished than casual, and it's worth noting this one is adults-only and not pet-friendly. The food menu (think empanadas and hummus plates) gets consistent praise, making it a great stop for a more refined date-day pour.
Hope Flower Farm & Winery | Waterford, VA
Part flower farm, part winery, and part event venue, Hope Flower Farm sits on 25 lush acres in Loudoun County, where you can sip wine while wandering pick-your-own flower fields (depending on the season). The winery pours a curated selection from Spain, Italy, France, and Napa alongside its own Jack Cat hard cider, and leashed dogs are welcome to roam the property right along with you. Outside food and picnics are encouraged too, so pack a basket, grab a glass, and settle onto the lawn or one of the patios for the afternoon. If you are going at a popular time of day, it’d be a great idea to pack a picnic blanket or some foldable seats!
WEST VIRGINIA
The Rusty Nail Winery | Martinsburg, WV
This small, family-owned farm winery sits just off Route 45 between Martinsburg and Shepherdstown, pouring a lineup of unique reds, whites, and fruit wines in a casual, no-frills setting. Established in 2018, it's a true hidden gem worth seeking out, especially on a quieter weekday when the husband-and-wife team has more time to walk you through their wines. If you’d like to attend an event, keep an eye out for their monthly Facebook announcement of their paint-and-sip.
