Taste the Trail: Experience What’s on Tap Along with the Best-Ever Soft Pretzel at Alewerks

This is the first in a series of posts highlighting The Williamsburg Taste the Trail Package that offers guests at Wedmore Place an opportunity to explore multiple award-winning wine, brews and even a mead unique to the Greater Williamsburg area.

Enjoying a glass of wine inside your room at Wedmore Place, at the Gabriel Archer Tavern or anywhere on the grounds of Wessex Hundred is a given at The Williamsburg Winery.

We invite anyone also interested in experiencing craft beer to sign up for our Taste the Trail Package, which includes several Williamsburg Winery amenities along with tasting passes to a local meadery and three nearby craft breweries, including Alewerks.

Alewerks Brewing Company is a trailblazer in these parts, brewing beer since 2006, long before it became en vogue. In 2020, the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association named Alewerks its Brewery of the Year.

“One of our strengths is we’re not just known for one beer,” said Michael Claar, Operations Director at Alewerks. “We have a broad portfolio that has some really strong brands that represent the entire spectrum of flavor.”

The sampler flight starts with the familiar, the Weekend Lager, moves to malty beers, the Tavern Brown Ale and Protocol Porter, transitions into more hop-forward beers, the Chesapeake Pale Ale and Superb IPA, and ends with a seasonal selection. These playful favorites are Shortcake through April followed by Tangerine until August when Pumpkin is revealed.

Passes are good for either Alewerks location, whether it’s the Brewery Taproom or the L.A.B. Taproom, where visitors can get an up-close look at a working brewery. The L.A.B., which stands for Little Auxiliary Brewery, specializes in small-batch beers you won’t find at the main taproom – experimental flavors that are eclectic and versatile.

As refreshing as the beer is, don’t leave without ordering the homemade half pound soft pretzel with beer cheese (also homemade), a treat so delicious you’ll wonder how you lived without it for so long.

Alewerks has 16 beers on tap, and they vary by location, so there’s no doubt patrons will find at least one favorite. Merchandise is for sale, too, including a genuine Alewerks Taphandle.

Ample outdoor seating is available at the Brewery Taproom, and an outdoor tent with heaters makes it toasty on chillier days. The L.A.B. offers indoor seating only.

Awesome beer, a yummy pretzel, and a six pack and souvenir to take home await you at Alewerks.