WV craft beverage summit set for April 8

Ground breaking brewer Todd Boera, of Fonta Flora Brewery in Morganton, NC, will keynote a meet up of West Virginia craft beverage producers and ingredient growers on Monday in South Charleston, WV.

The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) will sponsor “Craft: A Farm to Bottle Summit” on April 8 at the South Charleston Holiday Inn to gather a variety of statewide business interests to support growth in the emerging craft beverage economy – from soda and teas to beer, cider, wine and distilled spirits.

Participants will explore ways that craft production can engage various interests in agriculture, hospitality and tourism to build markets for this growing business sector.

“This event is a must for craft brewers, farmers, retailers and others in the region who are interested in becoming a part of this rapidly growing West Virginia industry,” said Bill Woodrum, director of entrepreneurship and agricultural innovations at RCBI. “Plus, it will provide attendees the opportunities to sample some of the unique and tasty beverages already produced here.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the commercial production of craft beverages which include locally-sourced ingredients is encouraged to attend.

Breakout sessions will include locally sourcing products and ingredients, legal and regulatory issues for bottlers, recent legislative changes affecting the craft beverage industry, and tips and resources for starting your own beverage company.

The Summit will run from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn & Suites (400 2nd Avenue SW, South Charleston) followed by a craft beverage tasting event, Pour It Forward, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. Register on Eventbrite website.

Boera and Fonta Flora Brewery are nationally known for using a wide variety of Appalachian and North Carolina-sourced grains, fruits, and other plants in making beer. Last year, the brewery added its own farm and a new farmhouse brewery to its operations.

For more information, contact Bill Woodrum at 304-781-1670.