Valentine's Winter Brew Fest Highlights What Herndon Has To Offer

HERNDON, VA -- With Valentine's Day falling on Friday this year, that leaves the entire weekend open for couples to find new ways to celebrate their love. Those looking for some liquid libations and music in the heart of Herndon can head down to the Valentine's Winter Brew Fest.

"We have a really fun event that is not only helping to support the local businesses, which are the heartbeat of any town, but you also support a local nonprofit, which is Save the Sheepdogs Foundation," said Stephanie Wright, co-founder of Local Vibes, an event planning company for the service industry. "They're doing suicide prevention research for veterans and first responders." All proceeds from Saturday's event will benefit the charity.

Local Vibes is partnering with Mile 20 to present a Valentine's Winter Brew Fest on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 1-8 p.m., at The Breeze Restaurant and Sports Bar in Herndon.

The Brew Fest will be offering holiday-themed beers from several Northern Virginia brewers — Starr Hill Brewery, Rocket Frog Brewing Company and Väsen Brewing Company, as well as cider from Lost Boy Cider.

"Our focus was to try to find something for everyone, to find a Valentine's event that's fun for him and her," said Stephen Vides-Sanchez, Local Vibes co-founder. "We have ciders, which are gluten-free options for men and women. The ladies tend to like the ciders a little more as well. We also have a wine booth featuring Corbett Canyon, a California winery. And then we have the beer options, which is going to have a little bit of everything. The focus will be Valentine brews. For example, Starr Hill is bringing a featured beer called 'The Love."

Local artists will also be sharing their wares, including River-Sea Chocolates, jewelry from The Queens Necessities and a CBD booth offering essential oils, lotions and bath balms. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Rich and reggae band IWOR featuring Miguel Aubertin.

"Our main goal is to combine businesses and nonprofits through community events," Vides-Sanchez said. "One of our goals is to always provide that for as low as a cost as possible."

Tickets are $5 at the door, which gets you one tasting and one raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets are $4 each. Those wishing to sample more brews, spirits or cider, may purchase wrist bands for $20 individuals/$30 couples.