Loveland, Glen Allen

Bubbles rise toward the surface of their glasses in a frothy frenzy while all around them oenophiles swirl and sip Central Virginian varietals and Richmond-area restaurants fill the air with the smoky scents of grilled fare. At the second annual Flavor – Beer, Wine, & Food Festival, this fever dream takes shape as more than 40 brews from beer-makers large and small await their fans. While an international team of brewing all-stars such as Yuengling, Sierra Nevada, Sapporo, and Stella Artois flaunt their elixirs, solo operators from James River Homebrewers also appear, answering questions about DIY-distilling and keeping a crowd of drunken yeast under control.

Between sips, guests might stop by the stations of local restaurants including The Halligan Bar and Grill, O'Toole's Restaurant and Pub, and Keagan's Irish Pub and Restaurant. There, bar fare sizzles on grills, waiting to line stomach caverns so that tasters can keep sampling.