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Farm wineries, limited breweries and distilleries, cideries and tasting rooms, and the agritourism rules governing events on Virginia farms.
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A county-commissioned study by Agritecture LLC recommends changes to farm tax treatment, county zoning, support for working farmers and long-term infrastructure. Final recommendations go to the Board of County Supervisors this fall.
VHN Staff · · Northern Virginia
Kinder Bauernhof Farm and Chilly Hollow Brewing sued Clarke County in October 2023 over rules banning weddings, cover charges and advertised events. The owners confirm to VHN that the case has settled. Terms were not disclosed and no court ruled.
VHN Staff · · Shenandoah Valley
State law protects a specific list of farm winery activities from local ordinance, and sets a high bar before a locality can restrict the rest. Most disputes turn on the phrase 'usual and customary.'
VHN Staff · · Statewide
Del. Delores Oates convened VDACS Commissioner Charles Green and Virginia Tourism Corporation staff for an agritourism summit on August 28, with regulatory barriers and farmland preservation on the agenda.
VHN Staff · · Shenandoah Valley
A draft farm business ordinance would allow 30 events a year without a permit, cap by-right attendance at 150, and treat weddings as agritourism but not concerts. The board sent it back to staff on August 28.
VHN Staff · · Charlottesville
Supervisors voted to remove all caps on winery and brewery events in May, reversed themselves 15 days later, then handed the question to a nine-member committee that cannot reopen it. Wineries, breweries and distilleries come up on November 9.
VHN Staff · · Northern Virginia
