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Fairfax County is raising a glass to the nation’s 250th anniversary with commemorative wines, beer and whiskey produced by local wineries, breweries and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

The releases begin Sunday, April 19, when Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton and The Winery at Bull Run in Centreville debut two anniversary wines. Both wineries will hold launch events from noon to 5 p.m., complete with ceremonial toasts, winemaker appearances and remarks from county officials and a George Washington reenactor.

Paradise Springs, located at 13219 Yates Ford Road, has created “250,” a red blend. The Winery at Bull Run, at 15950 Lee Highway, will introduce “Independence,” a white wine.

Tickets to Paradise Springs’ “The Founder’s Toast” and Bull Run’s “Patriot Day 2026” cost $20. Admission includes tastings of both wines and a complimentary glass of either selection. Limited-edition bottles will also be available for purchase.

Paradise Springs will hold its commemorative toast during an opening ceremony at noon, followed by a meet-and-greet with the winery’s owners and winemakers. Guests can pose for photos with “George Washington” from noon to 2 p.m., while tastings will continue through 5 p.m.

At Bull Run, Washington will lead a toast at 3 p.m. Americana band Wicked Olde will perform from 2 to 5 p.m. Ticket holders can also enter the winery’s newly expanded Barrel Room Museum, which displays more than 200,000 Civil War-era artifacts.

Local brewers collaborate on anniversary IPA

The Fairfax County 250th Commission is also spotlighting the county’s breweries with “Fairfax 250,” a limited-edition hazy IPA scheduled for release over Memorial Day weekend.

Designed as an approachable beer representing the county’s diversity, the IPA uses hops sourced from around the world. Brewmasters from Bike Lane Brewing & Café, Bunnyman Brewing, Fair Winds Brewing Co., G34.3 Brewing Co., Hawkley Brewing, Lake Anne Brew House, Ono Brewing Co. and Settle Down Easy Brewing collaborated on the recipe.

Its cans will feature four designs highlighting the people, destinations and brewery culture associated with Fairfax County tourism.

The beer will be sold at participating taprooms while supplies last. A launch celebration and brewfest is expected in mid-June at Bunnyman Brewing’s Chantilly location, formerly occupied by Mustang Sally Brewing Company.

Mount Vernon prepares rare whiskey releases

George Washington’s Mount Vernon will join the anniversary beverage lineup with several limited-edition whiskeys beginning this summer, drawing on the estate’s history as the site of what was once one of the nation’s largest distilleries.

Planned releases include the Washington’s Generals Series, a premium rye whiskey with collectible label art, and Washington’s Bourbon Whiskey, described as the first bourbon made at Mount Vernon since Washington’s era.

The rarest release, Spirit of ’76 Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey, is expected around July 4. Only 120 to 170 bottles are planned. Additional small-batch whiskeys are scheduled throughout the year.

Visit Fairfax President and CEO Barry Biggar said the beverage program connects the county’s Revolutionary-era history with its modern wineries, breweries and other local businesses.

More anniversary events ahead

Fairfax County’s yearlong semiquincentennial celebration also includes several history, music and recreation events:

  • Revolutionary Ideas: The Fairfax County History Commission will hold a free conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 18 at the Fairfax County Government Center. The program includes lectures, trivia, awards and information tables for nonprofits and history organizations.

  • Horse Expo: Frying Pan Farm Park’s annual event returns from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 18. Freedom and Liberty, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s 250th Wild Horse and Burro ambassador geldings, will appear during their national tour. Food trucks, pony rides, demonstrations and other equestrian activities are also planned.

  • Echoes of a Nation: 250 Years in Memory and Song: George Mason University’s choirs will perform traditional work songs and Maurice Duruflé’s “Requiem” at 8 p.m. on April 28. General admission is $19 for the concert at the Center for the Arts on the university’s Fairfax campus.

  • Revolutionary War Weekend: Mount Vernon will host military reenactments, an artisan market, performances and demonstrations of 18th-century activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 2 and 3. Activities will range from rope making to artillery drills.