Nestled in the scenic countryside of Arrington, Virginia, Blue Mountain Barrel House stands as the crown jewel of the Nelson 29 Craft Beverage Trail. This impressive brewery and restaurant combines award-winning craft beer with breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain views, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors exploring Nelson County’s newest beverage trail.
A Modern Craft Beer Destination with Mountain Soul
Located at 495 Cooperative Way in Arrington, Blue Mountain Barrel House represents the evolution of Virginia’s beloved Blue Mountain Brewery. By 2011, Blue Mountain beer was in demand across Virginia at a rate that exceeded our capacity at the original Blue Mountain location in Afton. The next evolution for us became Blue Mountain Barrel House, a larger production-minded facility with almost tenfold capacity of our brewery in Afton.
But this isn’t just another brewery expansion. The founders chose a 15-acre spot in the south of Nelson County that has the stunning mountain views to match our Afton location, ensuring that visitors can enjoy both exceptional craft beer and the natural beauty that makes Nelson County special.
Award-Winning Beers and Barrel-Aging Excellence
What sets Blue Mountain Barrel House apart is its specialized focus on barrel-aged beers. With a unique brewhouse and a fluctuating temperature-controlled barrel aging room, Blue Mountain Barrel House operates one of the largest barrel-aging facilities on the east coast.
The brewery’s signature Barrel House Series features experimental brews alongside their classic, award-winning Dark Hollow Imperial Stout. All of these beers are made at the Blue Mountain Barrel House in Arrington Virginia, famous for its Barrel aging techniques.
Beer Highlights Include:
Core Series:
- Full Nelson Virginia Pale Ale – The flagship beer that put Blue Mountain on the map
- A Hopwork Orange – Orange-infused IPA bursting with citrus flavors
- Kölsch 151 – A crisp German-style beer perfect for Virginia weather
- Classic Lager – A pre-prohibition style lager
Seasonal Favorites:
- Juicy Moves – A juicy IPA that changes with the seasons
- Rockfish Wheat – A refreshing summer wheat beer
- 13.Five Oktoberfest – Their celebrated Oktoberfest lager
Barrel House Specialties:
- Dark Hollow – Award-winning barrel-aged Imperial Stout
- Spooky – Imperial Pumpkin Ale aged in bourbon barrels with cocoa nibs
The Smokin’ Barrel Restaurant: BBQ Meets Craft Beer
The newly opened Smokin’ Barrel Restaurant elevates the Blue Mountain Barrel House experience with house-smoked meats and American pub fare. The newly opened Smokin’ Barrel Restaurant at Blue Mountain Barrel house features a variety of house-smoked meats and American pub fare favorites to please every palate, along with a variety of wine and cider options.
The menu features everything from hand-rolled thin crust pizzas to house-smoked pulled pork, plus creative appetizers like their jumbo Bavarian pretzel served with house-made ale mustard or Full Nelson beer cheese sauce. Don’t miss their weekend brunch offerings available from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Live Music and Events: The Heart of Community
Blue Mountain Barrel House has become a community gathering place, hosting regular events that bring locals and visitors together:
Regular Weekly Events:
- Friday Cheers: Live music and fish fry specials every Friday 5:30-8! with no cover charge
- Wednesday Midweek Music: Live performances with $1 off beer and wine by the glass
- Steal the Glass Thursday: Monthly souvenir glass promotions
Special Annual Events:
- Hop Harvest Festival – Help pick hops and enjoy live music
- Spooky Release Party – Celebrating their famous barrel-aged Imperial Pumpkin Ale
- Low Country Boil – July 4th celebration with crawfish, shrimp, and live music
- Concealed Darkness Release – December party for their special reserve Imperial Stout
The Perfect Setting for Your Nelson 29 Adventure
Join us on the quiet end of Nelson County between Charlottesville and Lynchburg and relax in the very special setting of Blue Mountain Barrel House. The brewery offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with spacious outdoor seating with a fire pit and lawn games that make it perfect for groups and families.
The expanded facility features a larger tasting room with inside seating, ever-rotating draft beers, and a cornucopia of bottled offerings. Outside, visitors can enjoy the covered outdoor stage area where live musicians perform against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hours and Location Information
Address: 495 Cooperative Way, Arrington, VA 22922
Phone: (434) 263-4002
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Why Blue Mountain Barrel House Should Be Your First Stop on Nelson 29
As you begin your journey along the Nelson 29 Craft Beverage Trail, Blue Mountain Barrel House offers the perfect introduction to what makes this region special. Here, you’ll find:
- Award-winning craft beers you can’t get anywhere else
- Stunning mountain views that showcase Nelson County’s natural beauty
- Farm-to-table food that pairs perfectly with their brews
- Live music and events that bring the community together
- Family-friendly atmosphere with lawn games and open spaces
The brewery’s commitment to quality, community, and the beautiful Virginia landscape embodies everything the Nelson 29 trail represents. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a food lover, or simply someone who appreciates stunning scenery, Blue Mountain Barrel House delivers an authentic Nelson County experience.
Plan Your Visit
Blue Mountain Barrel House is located between Blue Mountain Barrel House in Arrington and Mountain and Vine Winery in Faber along the 20-mile Nelson 29 trail. The brewery’s location makes it an ideal starting or ending point for your craft beverage adventure.
With its combination of exceptional craft beer, delicious food, live entertainment, and breathtaking views, Blue Mountain Barrel House isn’t just a stop on the Nelson 29 trail—it’s a destination that captures the spirit of Virginia’s craft beverage scene and the natural beauty that makes Nelson County unforgettable.
Ready to experience Blue Mountain Barrel House for yourself? Check their website at bluemountainbarrel.com for current events, tap lists, and special releases. Follow them on social media for the latest updates on live music and seasonal beer releases.
