Tucked away on White Oak Road in the rolling hills between Culpeper and Orange, Virginia, lies a little-known yet thoroughly charming destination: War Craft Brewery. Located at 7851 White Oak Road, just a short hop off Highway 15, War Craft is more than just a spot for a weekend pint—it’s a gathering place with heart, vision, and a distinctly local flair. On a quiet afternoon, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the man behind it all: Bradley “Brad” Stepp.
War Craft gets its name from the “Winery at Rapidan”—hence the acronym “WAR.” Although today the brewery takes center stage, the property’s roots still stretch across the vines and orchards that surround the rustic taproom. Brad, a U.S. military veteran and the brewery’s owner, is a man who wears many hats: brewer, host, community advocate, and—if you ask the right questions—a walking encyclopedia of brewing techniques and Virginia ABC regulations.
Despite being originally from Stafford, Brad is deeply tied to the community here. His passion for craft brewing is matched only by his desire to create a warm, welcoming space for friends, families, and curious travelers. War Craft is decidedly family- and dog-friendly, and when I visited, the crowd reflected that spirit. Children darted around picnic tables, well-behaved dogs lounged near their owners, and the adults—though outnumbered—carried on easy, relaxed conversations.
Brad is nothing if not personable. Within minutes of arriving, I found myself engrossed in a casual yet enlightening chat about the regulatory quirks that come with operating a small brewery and an on-site (aspirational) distillery in Virginia. Though the distillery side of the operation isn’t currently active, the space is there—ready and waiting for the next stage of growth.
The tap list, at least during my visit, leaned more heavily on ciders than beers—a happy coincidence since I happened to be in a cider mood. Brad’s cider offerings are crisp and approachable, with just enough variety to appeal to different palates. And while the beer selection was smaller that day, Brad assured me that more brews were in the pipeline. Everything here is small-batch and lovingly crafted, with quality prioritized over quantity.
While I didn’t sample the food this time around (having just eaten), I was intrigued to hear Brad’s plans for the coming weeks. Homemade, oven-baked pizza is on the horizon, and not just any pizza—Brad proudly shared that he once had a master pizza chef on-site, and he’s picked up more than a few tricks of the trade. The thought of enjoying a hand-tossed pizza with a cider in hand, overlooking the orchard-covered hillside, is more than enough to warrant a return trip.
The taproom itself has a military-inspired aesthetic, balanced with what can only be described as rural chic. The building sits on a slight rise, offering guests sweeping views of the surrounding land. The interior is cozy and unpretentious, with nods to Brad’s service and his family’s contributions peppered throughout. Though I didn’t meet his wife or mother-in-law, their presence is certainly felt—Brad made it clear that War Craft is very much a family affair, with relatives regularly pitching in.
The sense of community here is palpable. Even on a slow day with a modest crowd, I was struck by how friendly and engaging everyone was. I’ve walked into plenty of breweries over the years, but few have made me feel so immediately at ease. The regulars were eager to strike up conversations, and the afternoon unfolded into a rich exchange of stories, laughs, and insights.
One important note: War Craft is only open Friday through Sunday, so you’ll need to plan your visit accordingly. But believe me, it’s worth the drive—even if you’re coming from farther afield. With its intimate setting, stellar hospitality, and promising plans for expansion, War Craft Brewery is the kind of place you stumble upon once and then find yourself returning to again and again.
If Brad’s pizza lives up to the promise—and I suspect it will—this might just become one of my regular weekend haunts. Whether you’re a beer nerd, a cider enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxed afternoon in the Virginia countryside, I encourage you to carve out a few hours and pay Brad a visit.
I’ll be back soon. Hope to see you there.