NEW CHARLOTTESVILLE-AREA CRAFT BEVERAGE PASSPORT PROGRAM LAUNCHES
CITY SELECT’S REGIONAL PASSPORT PROGRAM AIMS TO CONNECT VISITORS TO BREWERIES, CIDERIES AND DISTILLERIES
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (NOVEMBER 6, 2019) – City Select’s new edition of the Craft Beverages of the Blue Ridge guide launches a new regional passport program that aims to promote local breweries, cideries and distilleries while rewarding patrons with a free gift.
“We are the only local publication that highlights all the craft beverage businesses in the region,” said Roy Van Doorn, partner at City Select. “Virginia has had a record year in tourism, and Greater Charlottesville can attribute a large part of that to the craft beverage visitor. Craft Beverages of the Blue Ridge’s inaugural 18-member passport program connects the whole industry together and targets the same type of visitor. ”
According to data by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), Virginia’s libations visitors spend double the average on trips, and they are more likely to spend an extra night. Craft beer has played a significant role in increasing visitation to the region.
Craft Beverages of the Blue Ridge includes a beautiful, comprehensive map, locally reported stories and an exciting regional passport program. Passport participants collect stamps from six of the 18 member craft beverage producers. On the sixth stamp, they can exchange their completed passport to redeem glassware. It’s simple. Participants can share their journey with us by using the hashtag #BlueRidgeCraftBev on social media.
“The Charlottesville-area produces some of Virginia’s best beer, wine, spirits and cider,” said Bill Morrow, partner at City Select. “We hope to encourage visitors to stay in the area longer and try more of what the region has to offer through this program. Longer stays mean more meals and more shopping, which means more jobs and income for the community.”
“This region already influences trends in craft beverage production. Look at the impact Bold Rock, Devil’s Backbone and Starr Hill have had on the industry,” said Van Doorn. “We have innovative, world-class hard cider, beer and kombucha being produced on the same street. We want to clue visitors in on all the choices. Our guide does just that.”
Craft Beverages of the Blue Ridge can be found at most Charlottesville-area hotels, tourism centers, and member locations.
Guide & Map:
Craft Beverages of the Blue Ridge’s centerpiece pages features an all-new comprehensive map illustrating the abundance of craft beverage businesses that dot the region with over 40 highlighted.
The guide also features three articles telling the origin stories of Ragged Branch Distillery, Basic City Beer Co. and Potter’s Craft Cider.
Passport Members:
Over 40% of the region’s qualified business are members of the passport program with more expressing interest in joining in the next edition. Current members include: Basic City Beer Co., Blue Mountain Barrel House, Blue Mountain Brewery And Restaurant, Blue Ridge Bucha, Decipher Brewing Co., Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows, Devils Backbone Distilling Co., North American Sake Brewery, Pro Re Nata Brewery, Ragged Branch Distillery, Seven Arrows Brewing Company, South Street Brewery, Starr Hill Brewery, Virginia Distillery Company, Vitae Spirits, Wild Wolf Brewing Company (Nellysford), Wild Wolf Brewing Company (Charlottesville) and Wood Ridge Farm Brewery.
Passport Rules & Gift Reward:
The passport is free and can be found in the Craft Beverages of the Blue Ridge guide. Passport participants can purchase a serving at a craft beverage passport business and ask to have their passport stamped. On the sixth stamp, they can exchange their completed passport to an employee to redeem glassware. Participants must be at least 21 years old; only one stamp per person per visit is permitted and completed passports require six different stamps.
Additional language for terms and conditions will be added to the website brcraftbev.com in the coming months.
About City Select:
Since 2000, City Select has designed, printed and distributed visitor information about the Charlottesville community. Our visitor resources include miniature restaurant menus, an in-room lodging book entitled Discover Charlottesville, visitor maps, guides and brochures featuring local destinations such as the Monticello Wine Trail, the Charlottesville Historic Downtown Mall, Monticello, James Monroe’s Highland, Montpelier, Barracks Road Shopping Center and more.
City Select always encourages the use of a designated driver and drinking responsibly.
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