24 products made by skilled, enthusiastic, and creative Virginians.
Photo by Fred + Elliott
Virginia is about history, horses, highways, politics, preppies, beaches, big business, crowds, culture, mountains, and so much more. And underneath it all, makers. So many skilled, enthusiastic, creative people making delicious food, thoughtful gifts, nourishing beauty items, and gorgeous décor. Made in Virginia is our annual celebration of those people and their products. To choose this year’s assortment of items to share with you, we requested samples or photos from hundreds of makers, including craft show and farmers’ market vendors, beverage producers, and suppliers recommended by chefs and gallery owners alike. When the entries arrived, the entire staff sniffed and rubbed, admired and sipped and nibbled. And argued. We had a points system, but people are surprisingly passionate about handmade soap. And jewelry. To say nothing of food. One staff member advocated loudly for cheese straws, while another argued just as strongly for vegan cheese. (Everyone else preferred popcorn.) In the end, we came to a consensus on 24 wonderful items that represent the depth of talent and breadth of creativity in Virginia. They are bold, unusual, outstanding—as are their makers. We hope you enjoy learning about the people and will try the products.
Meet the winners of our Made in Virginia 2019 Awards!
Drink
Eastern Shore Coastal Roasting Co., Eastville
Stable Craft Brewing, Waynesboro
Swallowtail Tea, Floyd
Tarnished Truth Spirits, Virginia Beach
Three Crosses Distilling Co., Powhatan
True Heritage, Keswick
Food
BS Grillin’ Company, Lynchburg
Farmstead Ferments, Scottsville
Geescakes, Henrico
Java Food Co., Cheriton
PrePOPsterous, Harrisonburg
Razzbourne Farms, Lexington
Home & Lifestyle
Alexander Brothers, Timberville
Hardwood Artisans, Elkwood
Naked Goat Soap Co., Hanover
Saint Virginia Handcrafted Textiles, Gainesville
Scarpworks, Suffolk
Tweed, Richmond
Style & Beauty
Bright Body, Richmond
I Spy Artisan Jewelry, Reston
Meanwhile Back on the Farm, Lynchburg
Shira Brooks Studio, Richmond
Watery Mountain Essentials, Warrenton
Wolfgang Beard Company, Richmond
Click here to meet the 2018 winners.
Click here to meet the 2017 winners.
Click here to meet the 2016 winners.
Click here to meet the 2015 winners.
Click here to meet the 2014 winners.
Click here to meet the 2013 winners.
Click here to meet the 2012 winners.
The Made in Virginia 2019 Awards were selected by the Virginia Living editors and originally appeared in our December 2019 issue. Look for these and other products made in Virginia in the Virginia Living Store.
