Celebrate Holidays with Virginia Spirits

Virginia ABC, VDACS and Virginia Spirits Board partner to highlight Virginia distilled spirits this holiday season

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC), Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Spirits Board are encouraging adults to responsibly enjoy Virginia-made spirits during the holiday season. Consumers can select Virginia spirits for holiday gatherings, visit Virginia distilleries and tasting rooms, add Virginia-made spirits to their list for gift-giving to those 21 and older and choose Virginia spirits on Small Business Saturday, when consumers are encouraged to shop local. “Virginia’s distilled spirits industry provides jobs in urban and rural areas, promotes tourism, bolsters agriculture and forestry, and provides a significant boost to Virginia’s economy,” said David Cuttino, Chairman, Virginia Spirits Board. “As family and friends gather to celebrate the holidays or when folks are looking for the perfect gift, the Virginia Spirits Board encourages everyone to responsibly enjoy Virginia-made spirits this holiday season.”

Virginia distillers produce a range of spirits, from whiskey (such as bourbon, rye, single malt, and moonshine), gin, brandy, rum, and vodka, to other lesser-known spirits such as aquavit, pastis, absinthe, and various flavored liqueurs.

"Virginia ABC is proud to partner with VDACS and the Virginia Spirits Board to promote Virginia-made spirits and wine this holiday season," said Virginia ABC Chief Executive Officer Travis Hill. “Virginia’s in-state distilleries have seen rapid growth and many of their products have received local, statewide, national and global acclaim. The holidays and, specifically, Small Business Saturday are an ideal time to support some of the world’s best distilleries right here in the commonwealth.”

With an economic impact of more than $163 million and supporting nearly 1,500 full time jobs, Virginia’s distilled spirits industry is a major contributor to the commonwealth’s economy. In addition, thousands of visitors are attracted to the state’s distilleries each year, as the industry enjoys a growing popularity as an agritourism destination.

Virginia distillers source more than 70% of their ingredients from Virginia farms, including corn, wheat, barley, rye, potatoes and fruits. Many Virginia distillers also source finishing components such as new barrels and bottles or used cider, wine and beer barrels.

“Virginia’s agricultural producers have worked hard all year long to provide a bountiful harvest. I encourage everyone to join in thanking them for their dedication by enjoying Virginia grown products and Virginia-made spirits this holiday season,” said VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie. “When you buy local Virginia grown and made in Virginia products, you are helping to bolster local producers and your local economy.”

Three ways to support Virginia-made spirits during the holidays:
   1. Purchase Virginia-made spirits, mixers and wine by shopping in-store at any of Virginia ABC’s 397 locations or online for in-store or curbside pickup, or home delivery in select areas. 
   2. Plan a day trip with holiday guests to a Virginia distillery.
   3. Shop locally at a Virginia distillery store. 

Virginia ABC, VDACS and the Virginia Spirits Board encourage everyone to please celebrate responsibly. 

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The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) is a major source of revenue for the commonwealth, contributing more than $2.7 billion to the general fund in the last five years. Virginia ABC currently operates 397 state stores and provides alcohol education and prevention programs for people of all ages. Its Bureau of Law Enforcement oversees approximately 19,000 ABC licensed establishments. Now marking its 88th year, ABC remains committed to progress and innovation in carrying out its vision of bringing good spirits and excellent service to Virginia.

Web: www.abc.virginia.gov  Facebook: @VirginiaABC and @SpiritedVirginia  Instagram: @spiritedvirginia  Twitter: @VirginiaABC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virginiaabc

Established in 1877, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection, and encourages environmental stewardship. The agency is headquartered in Richmond and has several field offices, four regional diagnostic animal health laboratories, and a global network of representatives promoting Virginia products internationally.

Web: www.vdacs.virginia.gov  Facebook: @VaAgriculture  Instagram: @va_agriculture  Twitter: @VaAgriculture