In Virginia, distillery licenses are managed by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority. Because Virginia is a “control state,” the state technically owns all spirits, so getting a license often involves entering into a specific agency agreement with the state to sell your own product.

​Here are the primary types of licenses and the requirements to obtain them.

​1. Types of Distillery Licenses

​Standard Distillery License

​This is the general license for manufacturing distilled spirits. It allows you to manufacture, sell, and ship spirits to the Virginia ABC Board or to entities outside of Virginia.

  • ​Fees: Based on annual production volume:
    • ​\leq 5,000 gallons: $490
    • ​5,001 to 36,000 gallons: $2,725
    • ​Over 36,000 gallons: $4,060
    060 ​Limited Distiller’s License (“Farm Distillery”) ​Specifically for smaller operations located on agricultural land.
    • ​Requirements: Must manufacture 36,000 gallons or less per year.
    • ​Agricultural Rule: The distillery must be located on a farm and use agricultural products grown on that farm (or by the owner) for their production.
    • ​Benefit: These licenses often enjoy more protection from local zoning restrictions compared to industrial distilleries.
    ​Fruit Distiller’s License ​A specialized license for those strictly manufacturing spirits from fruit or fruit juices (like apple brandy or grappa). ​2. Mandatory Permissions & Agreements ​Having the license alone doesn’t let you sell to the public. You almost always need these additional layers:
    • ​Federal Permit (TTB): You must first obtain a Federal Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Virginia ABC will not issue a state license without this.
    • ​Distillery Store Agreement: To sell your bottles directly to customers at your distillery, you must be appointed as an “agent” of Virginia ABC. You essentially operate a “mini state store” on your premises and must sign a formal contract with the Board.
    • ​Remote Event Permit: If you want to sell bottles at festivals or off-site events, you must apply for a Distillery Remote ABC Store Privilege.
    ​3. General Requirements for Applicants ​To qualify for a license in Virginia, you must meet several “fitness” and operational standards:
    • ​Background Checks: All “related individuals” (owners, officers, and managers) must submit personal data sheets and pass a criminal background check ($15 fee per person).
    • ​Location & Zoning: You must provide proof that the location is properly zoned for distilling.
    • ​Public Notice: You are required to post a “Notice of Application” at the front of your proposed location for 10 days and publish the notice in a local newspaper.
    • ​Application Fee: There is a non-refundable $195 application fee in addition to the license fees mentioned above.
    • ​Timeline: On average, expect the process to take 60 to 90 days once the application is submitted.
    ​Note: Virginia is strict about the “Three-Tier System.” While you can act as your own retailer through a Distillery Store Agreement, the state still monitors inventory through the MIPS (Management of Inventory and Product Sales) system. ​Would you like me to find the specific application forms or a checklist of the documents required for the background check?