Virginia Foothills Distillery & CompanyCome on over

VIRGINIA FOOTHILLS DISTILLERY & COMPANY

Some things are
better shared.

Good bourbon. A good meal.
A place that makes you feel at home.

Blind Preacher bourbon shared around a table

TWO FAMILIES. ONE SHARED IDEA.

Craft meets
hospitality.

Virginia Foothills began with distillers Colonel Chuck and Christen Reinhold and restaurateurs Chef Craig and Donna Hartman.

Their shared vision brought the craft of distilling together with the warmth of a great gathering place, here in Orange County, Virginia.

With a commitment to local producers and the community around them, the team set out to create something that belongs to the foothills—and welcomes everyone who finds their way here.

Chuck & Christen
Reinhold

DISTILLING

Craig & Donna
Hartman

HOSPITALITY

THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT PERSONAL

A shared calling.
Different paths here.

Chuck Reinhold

DISTILLING & COMMUNITY

Chuck & Christen
Reinhold

Chuck and Christen bring the distilling side of the partnership. Together with the Hartmans, they envisioned a place that connects the craft of spirits with local producers and the community around them.

Chuck’s background includes service in the U.S. Army, Virginia National Guard, and Army Reserve. His community service also includes volunteering with the Gordonsville Volunteer Fire Company.

That thread of service runs through the distillery’s story: build something with care, and make it a place to gather.

Pictured: Chuck Reinhold · Orange County Chamber of Commerce
Chef Craig Hartman at the barbecue grill
Chef Craig Hartman
Donna Hartman
Donna Hartman

FOOD & HOSPITALITY

Craig & Donna Hartman

Craig’s path through Virginia kitchens includes Clifton Inn and Fossett’s at Keswick Hall. In 2010, he and Donna opened The Barbeque Exchange in Gordonsville, bringing a chef’s attention to detail to a welcoming barbecue restaurant.

Their work together extends across food and hospitality. At Virginia Foothills, that experience helps make the distillery feel like a gathering place. Next door, Exchange Café brings Craig’s charcoal-and-hickory cooking to the table.

Meet Exchange CaféCraig: The Barbeque Exchange · Donna: Charlottesville29, 2018

BUILDING SOMETHING THAT BELONGS HERE

Made with care.
Growing with Virginia.

2024

A welcome to the foothills.

The distillery’s grand opening was recognized in the Congressional Record in April 2024—a milestone for the two families and their Orange County business.

IN THE DISTILLERY

The next chapter is local.

The team has shared its distillers loading the mash cooker with locally sourced Virginia grain. Visit to see the place, meet the people, and ask what’s taking shape.

A look at the distilling work

A SENSE OF PLACE

The foothills
are our home.

Agriculture, craftsmanship, and southern hospitality are part of the story of Orange County. They’re also at the heart of Virginia Foothills.

Our name honors the place. Blind Preacher carries a piece of its history. And our tasting room is where we get to share both with you.

Come meet us

THE NEXT CHAPTER

Starts with
“come on in.”

Plan your visit