It’s unofficially summer and the drinking is easy with a handful of big openings in the world of beer, wine and cider. And there’s more to come, too, with cult-favorite Aslin Beer Company moving its headquarters to Alexandria, The Lot opening in a former used car dealership in Clarendon, and The Garden, from the owners of Live Oak and Charlie’s on the Avenue, opening an outdoor beer garden in Del Ray. Already open: DC’s longtime beer mecca Meridian Pint officially moved to Arlington.
More Better Restaurant & Beer Hall
Open: Now
When German native Nils Schnibb first came to the country and was learning the English language he often used the term “more better.” He’s since turned his catchphrase into a beer garden in Round Hill. Scnibb (know for McDowell Brew Kitchen, SideBar) serves German fare, American classics and mashups: Breakfast schnitzel anyone? // 35246 Harry Byrd Highway, Round Hill
Slater Run Vineyards
Opening: June 1
Situated on land the family has farmed since the 1700s, Slater Run Vineyards’s first vintage debuted four years ago. With a separate tasting room less than 4 miles away, the winery itself now has a 70-seat, 3,000-square-foot space with 180-degree views of water, mountains and vines.
In conjunction with unveiling the new space, enjoy three bottle releases: Pinot Gris 2018, a limited run with 13 cases (it’s expected to sell out in two weeks); Roots 2015, a red blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot and merlot; and Rose 2018, the vineyard’s best-seller. Food includes cheese from a Pennsylvania Amish farm and charcuterie from Marshall’s Whole Ox. // 1500 Crenshaw Road, Upperville
Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery
Opening: June 7
After living in Germany for five years, Bonnie Branding says she “fell in love with the natural calm of breweries there.” In fact, her baby’s first public outing was at a beer garden to meet friends. After plotting the opening for a decade, Branding, with husband John, will open Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery.
Almost 20 acres on the estate are dedicated to growing wheat for the beers, with another couple set aside for fruits and vegetables. For the inaugural party, neighbor Market Table Bistro will cater food, and on the taps find German Landbiers (“a regional, rustic creation that translates to ‘country beer’ and would have varied from brewer to brewer in more pastoral times”): Found Artifacts Pilsner, Bear Witness Wit, Bygone Bitter, Bauernhof Alt (a traditional German red) and, of course, an American IPA, Tests of Time.
This fall, expect coolship beers, a European-style of spontaneous fermentation thanks to the open vat located in the upstairs of the property’s barn. // 38506 John Wolford Road, Waterford
Lost Boy Cider
Opening: June 8
After a health scare and needing to avoid beer and whiskey, Tristan Wright turned to cider. The former commercial banker is opening Lost Boy Cider with a grand opening weekend-long party: 10 taps filled with classic and modern hard ciders (try purple-hued Pixie Dust with passionfruit and butterfly pea powder), food trucks, merch and views of the mini orchard in the middle of Alexandria’s Carlyle neighborhood. // 317 Hooffs Run Drive, Alexandria