Copper Fox Distillery: Sperryville's Live Music Backup Venue

Copper Fox Distillery: More Than a Whiskey Stop in Sperryville

Most visitors to Sperryville know Copper Fox Distillery as the home of Wasmund's Single Malt Whiskey — an artisan spirit that's earned the small River District operation a devoted following well beyond Virginia. But this summer, the distillery has been stepping into a second role: an indoor venue for live music when Rappahannock County's unpredictable spring and early summer weather forces outdoor concerts inside.

Most recently, the distillery hosted a free concert by Rebecca Porter — her Sperryville debut, presented by RAAC (the Rappahannock Association for Arts and Community) — after cool and damp weather made the original outdoor setting impractical. The show moved indoors to 9 River Lane, where Copper Fox served cocktails, craft spirits, bottled water, spritzers, lemonade, and sodas to concertgoers. No outside alcohol was permitted, keeping the experience centered on the distillery's own offerings.

What Copper Fox Serves

The distillery's centerpiece is Wasmund's Single Malt Whiskey, an artisan spirit produced entirely on-site in Sperryville. Copper Fox is one of Virginia's pioneering craft distilleries, and its production method — using fruit wood smoke rather than peat — gives the whiskey a distinctive character that sets it apart from Scottish and Irish counterparts.

When hosting events, Copper Fox rounds out its bar with cocktails built on its house spirits, as well as lighter non-alcoholic options like lemonade and spritzers — making it a comfortable stop for visitors who aren't whiskey drinkers but want to be part of the scene.

A Flexible Venue for Sperryville's Arts Community

The distillery's willingness to absorb a weather-disrupted concert speaks to the tight-knit nature of Sperryville's River District. With RAAC's summer concert series running through the warmer months and The Marketplace's Collective Canvas art workshops filling Second Saturdays from June through November, the River District has quietly built a summer programming calendar that rivals larger Virginia towns.

For weekend visitors from the DC area, Copper Fox is worth building into an itinerary as a standalone tasting stop regardless of what else is happening. The distillery has historically offered tours, giving guests a look at the small-batch production process behind Wasmund's. Call ahead or check the website to confirm current tour availability and hours before visiting.

Getting the Most Out of a Sperryville River District Visit

Copper Fox sits on River Lane, the same short stretch of Sperryville's River District that houses several artist studios and galleries. A short walk connects the distillery to The Marketplace, the Confluence Gallery, and the broader cluster of food and arts vendors that make up the River District's walkable core. On a summer evening with a concert on the schedule, the whole district comes alive in a way that's genuinely unlike anything else within two hours of Washington, DC.

Arrive early to browse the River District galleries before a concert or event
Check RAAC's Facebook page for weather-related venue changes before heading out
No outside alcohol is permitted at Copper Fox events — plan to purchase drinks on-site
The distillery is a short drive from Old Rag Mountain trailheads if you're combining a hike with an evening out

Planning Your Visit

Venue: Copper Fox Distillery
Address: 9 River Lane, Sperryville, VA 22740
Phone: (757) 903-2076
Website: copperfoxdistillery.com
What's Served: Wasmund's Single Malt Whiskey, cocktails, spritzers, lemonade, sodas
Live Music: Hosts indoor concerts periodically — follow RAAC and Copper Fox social media for announcements
Admission to Events: Free (drinks purchased separately)

Hours and tour availability have not been independently verified for summer 2026 — call ahead or check the distillery website before visiting.