The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild (VCBG) selected Three Notch’d Brewing Company (3NB) from an extremely competitive field to host the Virginia Craft Brewers Fest (“The Fest”). The Fest has attracted nearly 4,000 craft beer enthusiasts over the last two years. The Fest is also the largest concentration of Virginia-only craft breweries in the Commonwealth with 88 participating breweries last year. Today, the VCBG is announcing that The Fest will not be held in 2019 and we are beginning a one-year process of reforming its format and selecting a commercial venue in a new market for 2020.
“VCBG is incredibly appreciative of Three Notch’d Brewing Company’s support and management of The Fest over the past two years,” said Brett Vassey, VCBG President & CEO. “They will forever be part of the legacy of The Fest.”
“Looking ahead, we are extremely excited to host future Three Notch’d inspired events and festivals across the Commonwealth of Virginia for craft beer fans to enjoy,” said George Kastendike, Three Notch’d Brewing Company CEO. “We are incredibly honored to have hosted the VCBF the last two years in the heart of downtown Charlottesville. With the joint efforts of the VCBG, we worked hard to enhance the overall Fest experience for the craft beer community by increasing brewer participation and launching the first ever sour and barrel-aged garden.”
Going forward, the VCBG’s marketing and tourism program will be expanding upon regional and specialized markets to provide both craft beer and non-craft beer consumers with access to our members’ world-class products. The VCBG will also be incorporating popular “Brewers Dinner” gatherings into its expanded regional festivals and events. The VCBG’s marketing and tourism program is unique and is purposefully crafted to generate brand awareness and business opportunities for members.
“The VCBG has created the first NASCAR event of its kind in the U.S., one of the few State Fair partnerships in the U.S., and is adding an entirely new sports venue through the Virginia International Raceway for members to reach new consumers,” said Neil Burton, Strangeways Brewing Company President (VCBG Leadership Council). “Reimagining The Fest is just part of our overall strategy to build our members’ brand awareness.”
