New brews
It takes a champion to run the sales and marketing for family-owned winery Afton Mountain Vineyards, build-out an empty building in Belmont, brew hand-crafted beer, and raise a family. Somehow, Hunter Smith has managed to accomplish all of these feats, and the doors of Champion Brewing Company should open later this month. The soft opening was on November 17, with the first batch of beer brewed, kegs filled, and guests happy. For now, Smith will focus primarily on on-site sales, and some distribution for special releases. The opening lineup will include beers like Bavarian Hefeweizen, Russian Imperial Stout, and a dry-hopped American IPA. Smith will brew every couple of weeks to meet the much-anticipated demand. Find him at 324 Sixth St. SE.
Farm fresh
The Farmhouse at Veritas Vineyard & Winery is the latest addition to the gorgeous compound at the base of Afton Mountain. Since April, executive chef Jonathan Boroughs and chef de cuisine Joel Walding have been cooking up inventive breakfasts, which can be enjoyed either at the farm table, breakfast bar, formal dining room, or al fresco. Dinner on Friday and Saturday nights may be attended whether staying at the inn or not. Diners can nosh on a prix-fixe four-course menu with wine pairings from Veritas Vineyards for $85 per person.
The Farmhouse is already ranked a top inn around the world based on traveler reviews on bedandbreakfast.com, so now’s the time to get your foot in the door. Reservations can be made at veritasfarmhouse.com or by calling (540) 456-8000.