Our Story
Home has always been at the heart of The Virginia Beer Company’s story.
The brewery’s co-founders first met at the College of William & Mary. Their time together at university in Williamsburg – along with shared passions for philanthropy, community, and interesting beer – led to a decade-long journey to start a business together in a community they cherished and a field they loved.
While their careers carried them to other cities, the pair stayed in touch after graduation. Return trips to volunteer for their alma mater were plentiful, and Robby was the best man in Chris’s wedding to his wife (and fellow Tribe alum), Erin. After many long discussions over many brews, the idea to open a brewery together progressed one step closer to reality in 2012 when Chris & Erin made the move back to Williamsburg. Robby joined shortly after...and the race to open The Virginia Beer Company was on.
Quality Meets Creativity
As they drew up plans for Williamsburg’s second microbrewery, the pair put a focus on teaming with a brewer who could specialize in helping to create a rotation of high quality recipes right out of the gate. Jonathan joined the Virginia Beer Co. as Brewmaster in 2014, with a background working at production breweries both large and small. Ever since, he has helmed the team in charge of bolstering Virginia Beer Co.’s brewing programs in Williamsburg & Yorktown.
Not only did Williamsburg represent the town that brought the group together, but its rich history as Virginia’s colonial capital presented an opportune location for The Virginia Beer Company. In March 2016, the concept became a reality when Virginia Beer Co. opened its taproom & beer garden at 401 Second Street, revitalizing a building originally built in 1960 in what is now known as Williamsburg’s Edge District. With two brewing systems, an in-house lab, and a state-of-the-art canning line, the brewery has ever since put a focus on quality, creativity, and ever-changing variety.
The beer we brew is only as good as the people with whom we share it.
The Virginia Beer Company celebrated a decade in 2026. With a growing team and a desire to share even more beers & cheers, the brewery decided to launch a new brewpub concept as part of it's 10-year anniversary celebrations. The Kitchen, from the Virginia Beer Co. opened in Yorktown in early 2026! The brewpub features an in-house brewery, curated bar menu, outdoor patio & beer garden, and a full service restaurant concept.
We use our taprooms as gathering spaces to support the causes we believe in so we can give back to the community in which we live, brew, and play. As we grow, so does our support of local and national causes. Our amazing team is actively involved with an array of non-profit partners, and we proudly print our company mantra of BEER · PEOPLE · PURPOSE on every can we fill to highlight the positive role we expect to play in Hampton Roads and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. All are welcome, and we can't wait to welcome you soon!
