Loudoun may be famous for its craft beverage scene, but it turns out visiting your favorite drink establishments doesn’t have to be all about what they’re pouring.

 

Here we highlight five fun winery and brewery activities that go “beyond the brews”

 

Puzzle Competition, Solace Brewing Co.

Did you know competitive puzzling is a thing? Regulars at Solace Brewing in Sterling do. Up to 10 teams of four people each register to compete in these regular events, each given the same unopened new puzzle. When the clock starts the game begins. The winning team receives a $50 gift card to the brewery and there are prizes for second and third place too.

 

Dance the Night Away

On Wednesday evenings expert instructors April and Adam from Leesburg’s Dance Kings studio lead swing dancing classes in a private space at Lark. Perfect for beginners and seasoned dancers alike, there are salsa, samba and swing tunes to get the toes tapping and it’s a great way to meet – and dance with - fellow enthusiasts. Over in Bluemont meanwhile, scenic Bluemont Station Brewery & Winery hosts free weekly line dancing and line dance lessons every Thursday with Line Dance 4 You.

 

Painting Classes, Kalero Vineyard

This classy Purcellville winery partners with award-winning local artist Hope Hanes to teach regular pastel landscape painting classes. Known as Paint & Sip, Hanes’ classes teach basic pastel techniques to help participants bring a countryside scene to life. While the ticket comes with a glass of wine to help get the creative juices flowing, you don’t have to drink. A word to the wise: wear casual clothes since making art can be messy.

 

Read Between the Vines

At Breaux Vineyards’ aptly titled monthly book club, participants discuss a novel or non-fiction book with a wine-related theme. Tickets cost $15 and anyone can attend if they purchased and (ideally) read the book in question. Firefly Cellars in Paeonian Springs has hosted written word events in its cozy Cabin building in partnership with Leesburg’s Birch Tree Books and Williams Gap Vineyard recently hosted its inaugural annual Book Fair featuring several local authors. Don’t drink up – read up!

 

Trivia Night, October One Vineyard

While trivia nights take place at many Loudoun breweries – who doesn’t like a general knowledge quiz over a pitcher of Pale Ale? – October One in Leesburg is one of the wineries to host one. Attend on the third Thursday evening of each month for whip smart questions and great company in a cozy downtown space.

 

More Beer Events