
Ragged Branch Distillery
Award-winning bourbon distillery with stunning mountain views and on-site beef sales. A must-visit for spirits and scenery lovers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, live music sometimes

Ragged Branch Distillery
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, live music sometimes

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Award-winning bourbon distillery with stunning mountain views and on-site beef sales. A must-visit for spirits and scenery lovers.
"The best bourbon I have tasted in this area, coupled with outstanding tasting room views."

🎯 Book Ahead for Weekends
Reservations are highly recommended for weekend visits to secure your tasting slot.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing some walking around the scenic grounds and tasting room.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bourbon Tasting Flights
Tasting Room
Sample up to four distinct bourbons and a rye whiskey, each with unique profiles.

Scenic Views
Outdoor Seating & Tasting Room
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding hills from the tasting room and patio.

Bourbon Cocktails
Bar
Savor expertly crafted cocktails like the Bourbon Margarita or Old Fashioned.

On-Site Beef Sales
Retail Area
Purchase high-quality, locally raised beef alongside your favorite bourbon bottles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tasting Experience
Embrace the Views & Bites
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Weekends
Reservations are highly recommended for weekend visits to secure your tasting slot.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing some walking around the scenic grounds and tasting room.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Patio
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the patio, making it a great spot for pet owners.
🥩 Don't Miss the Beef
Purchase delicious, locally raised beef to take home along with your bourbon.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Weekends
Reservations are highly recommended for weekend visits to secure your tasting slot.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing some walking around the scenic grounds and tasting room.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Patio
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the patio, making it a great spot for pet owners.
🥩 Don't Miss the Beef
Purchase delicious, locally raised beef to take home along with your bourbon.
📱 Check for Events
They sometimes host special events, live music, or themed weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ragged Branch Distillery for its exceptional bourbon, stunning scenic views, and welcoming atmosphere. The quality of the spirits, particularly the bourbons, is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with many calling it the best in the area. The tasting experience, including well-crafted cocktails and the option to purchase high-quality beef, adds to the overall positive impression. Some visitors note the rural location as a minor drawback, but the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive.
"Tasting in style. The fresh ingredients made in the cocktail mix were stupendous! The chef had picked fresh fruit and made a simple syrup with it flavoring it further with herbs. We always try the special drink as it includes seasonal fruit. The Bourbon Sour is also exceptional with the sour mix hand crafted by the chef with freshly squeezed juices. There are no shortcuts made here in excellence. The merch too isn’t to be missed. We love the soap!"
Kateri Event and Wedding
"Giving these guys 5 stars due to the quality of their 4 types of Bourbon (and 1 Rye whiskey) they have along with the outstanding tasting room with one of the best views in the area. This place is all about Bourbon so don't expect a kitchen, munchies or any other types of liquors (Rum, Vodka, etc.). The best you get is some water to cleanse your palette in between tastes. This place does tasting in flights of 3 so we did 2 flights and rather than repeat one of the liquors they gave us a taste of a Bourbon only available to their club. Debbie and I split on our favorite with her preferring the Wheated Bourbon and mine was the Cowboy Cut. I will say this distillery has the best Bourbon I have tasted in this area."
Rick Adkins
"Really nice place a bit off the beaten path. Ordered a flight with a great recommendation of numbers 2,3 and 4. Really enjoyed the bourbon #2 and the wheated bourbon #4. The rye #4 was excellent as well. The cocktail and mocktail were a hit too."
Wyatt Crossin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ragged Branch Distillery is located south of Charlottesville, VA. It's a bit off the beaten path, so using GPS is recommended. Many visitors note the scenic drive to get there.
While it's nestled in the hills, most visitors find it accessible with GPS. The journey itself is often described as beautiful.
Driving is the most common method. Consider carpooling if visiting with a group, especially if you plan on enjoying multiple tastings.
Public transportation is not readily available to reach Ragged Branch Distillery due to its rural location. A personal vehicle or rideshare is recommended.
There is ample parking available on-site for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend tastings and to guarantee a spot.
The tasting room is typically open from 12 PM to 6 PM, but it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most current hours.
Tasting flights are generally affordably priced, offering great value for sampling their various bourbons. Specific pricing can be found on their website or by inquiring upon arrival.
Yes, you can purchase bottles of their award-winning bourbon and rye whiskey directly from the distillery.
There isn't typically an admission fee to enter the grounds, but tasting flights and drinks will incur charges.
🎫 🥃 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy bourbon tastings, savor specialty bourbon cocktails, take in the scenic views, and purchase bottles and beef.
Yes, Ragged Branch is dog-friendly on their patio, making it a great spot to visit with your furry friends.
Ragged Branch specializes in bourbon and rye whiskey, with options like Wheated Bourbon, Cowboy Cut, and various aged releases.
While not a full restaurant, they often offer light bites like hot dogs and cookies, and sometimes have beef for sale.
The distillery boasts stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and countryside, a major highlight for many visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ragged Branch does not have a full-service restaurant. They focus on bourbon and may offer limited food items like hot dogs or cookies.
You can often purchase delicious, locally raised beef (steaks, ground beef, patties) and sometimes hot dogs or cookies.
Outside food policies can vary, but it's generally best to check with the distillery directly or plan to purchase their available snacks.
Yes, they typically offer mocktails and water, ensuring options for those not drinking alcohol.
The distillery's own beef is a natural pairing. For snacks, consider items that complement the tasting notes of bourbon, like cheeses or nuts (if allowed).
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic overlooks offering panoramic views of the hills are prime photography locations. The tasting room's rustic charm also makes for great shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the tasting room, but be mindful of other guests and staff.
While generally permitted, avoid intrusive photography that might disturb other visitors' experiences.
Visitors often capture the expansive landscape, close-ups of bourbon bottles and cocktails, and group photos enjoying the atmosphere.
Drone usage policies can vary and may be restricted for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to inquire with the distillery beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Lovers
🥩 Foodies & Bourbon Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Ragged Branch Bourbon
The distillery emphasizes a hands-on approach, from sourcing ingredients to the distillation and aging process. This commitment to craft is evident in every pour. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon aficionado or new to the spirit, the tasting flights provide an excellent opportunity to explore their diverse portfolio and find a personal favorite.
An Unforgettable Tasting Experience
Beyond the spirits, Ragged Branch also offers a unique retail experience. You can purchase bottles of their acclaimed bourbon and rye, as well as high-quality, locally raised beef from their own cattle. This dual offering makes it a destination for both spirits and gourmet food enthusiasts. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with the breathtaking scenery, contribute to a memorable visit that many describe as a highlight of their trip to Virginia.
Beyond the Bourbon: The Scenery and More
Adding to the appeal, Ragged Branch is a dog-friendly establishment, with a welcoming patio where canine companions can join their owners. This makes it an ideal destination for those traveling with pets. Furthermore, the distillery has a connection to local culinary delights, with mentions of delicious cookies from Fox Hollow Baking available for purchase, and even specialty cocktails featuring seasonal fruits. This blend of great whiskey, stunning views, and thoughtful amenities makes Ragged Branch a well-rounded destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit