If You Love Craft Beer, You’ll Want To Visit These 10 West Virginia Breweries

Chestnut Brew Works started out in April, 2013, as a small brewery nestled in the woods of southern Monongalia county, about 10 miles south of Morgantown, WV. Chestnut’s master brewer put his Ph.D. in fungal biology to work understanding the science behind brewing’s key ingredient: yeast. Demand quickly outpaced supply, and after one year in business, this green-minded brewery expanded and added a taproom in the historic South Park area of Morgantown. The tap room is open Wednesday through Friday, 4 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., and Saturday, noon – 11:00 p.m.

Morgantown Brewing Company (MBC) is West Virginia’s oldest operating brewery. Alumni-owned and operated, they reopened in 2009 under new ownership. The team at MBC is committed to high-quality, on-premise craft brews that satisfy the evolving tastes of today’s responsible beer consumers. Currently, the brewery offers ten craft brews on tap with several seasonal and small-batch special brews released every week. MBC offers full-service dining, a large outdoor deck, and Fresh Beer for Home Use packaged in carry-out growler containers. Operating Schedule: Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 2:00 am; Sunday, 1:00 pm – 2:00 am. Tours Available on Monday Evenings and by appointment; tastings available by request.

Bridge Brew Works is a small brewery in Fayette County just south of Fayetteville off of Rt. 16 in the Wolf Creek Industrial Park. The two owners both started home brewing in 1995 and soon took it seriously. They decided the Fayetteville area would be a great place to brew. Their first batch of Long Point Lager was brewed in January 2010 in their new brewery. Most of their beer is distributed across WV in draught and can be found anywhere in the state. They also produce a small amount of specialty beers in bottles.

The oldest brewery in Preston county, Screech Owl Brewery is a micro craft beer brewery located of off I-68 exit 29 in Bruceton Mills, WV. Of their rural location, they like to say "You are either lost or looking for us when you come up the driveway." They are a small-batch brewer, using all natural ingredients, grain, mountain water, hops from around the world and the U.S. and yeast. As a small batch brewer, their beers are limited in quantity, and available only at the brewery.

Located in beautiful Berkeley Springs, WV, Berkeley Springs Brewing Company features a variety of non-filtered ales using the world famous waters of Berkeley Springs. The brewpub is family friendly and has a complete menu of in house prepared beer infused specialties. The bar offers a selection of WV-produced wines and spirits as well as fresh made kombucha and root beer on tap. They often have live music and their game room has a pool table and dart boards. They are a nonsmoking establishment.

Big Timber Brewing’s brewery and taproom is located in the heart of Appalachia, in beautiful Elkins, West Virginia. Their name pays homage to the surrounding forests and the industry that built the community. Started in 2014, their website says: "We make beer we love and enjoy doing it, creating a product that we, our town, and our state can take pride in. What started as a dream, became a reality in 2014 when our first keg went out the door, and our commitment to our beer, our community, and our dream continues to grow stronger everyday." Closed on Mondays, they are open Tuesday – Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday from 12:00 p.m. -- 10:00 p.m., and Sunday 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

"Get Out, Explore, Bring Beer" is their motto. The owners of Greenbrier Valley Brewing are proud of their West Virginia roots, and name their quality craft beers after local legends and mythical figures. Opened in 2012, Greenbrier Valley Brewing serves as a brewery and music venue.

Wheeling Brewing Company was created out of a passion by its owners to lead in the revitalization of downtown Wheeling, and to resurrect a rich history of micro-brewing in the area. What started out as a craft basement brewery, this local favorite has kept its cozy roots with a rustic micro-brewery and pub in the historic Centre Market District. Their cuisine is locally sourced, and the beer on tap all local. The brewmaster is always happy to talk to you about his craft.

Located in the heart of historic Wardensville, WV - known as the "gateway to WV" - the Lost River Brewing Company is a small brewpub serving its own beer and hearty pub fare not available anywhere else. They feature live music from local musicians on the weekends. Tastings Available Thursday, Friday 5 PM until closing Saturday, Sunday 12 PM until closing.

The North End Tavern & Brewery (aka "the N.E.T." to locals) offers many styles of locally brewed, craft beer and serves American pub-style fare as well as traditional German dishes. Established in 1899, the N.E.T. first opened its doors as a small neighborhood pub in Parkersburg’s North End. The N.E.T is known for its award-winning Amber Ale, Roedy’s Red and its legendary NET Burger. Over the last century, the N.E.T. became a Mid-Ohio Valley tradition, offering locals and visitors a friendly place to unwind while enjoying great food and drink. Tastings available. Schedule: Monday – Saturday; 8:00 am – 12:00 am Sunday, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Labor Day – Memorial Day); Sunday closed (Memorial Day – Labor Day)