CRAFT DISTILLERY

Blue Shepherd Spirits

Luray,
Virginia
— Bourbon, Rye, Vodka

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🌾
Local Grains
Virginia farms to copper stills
👥
Founders Pour
Jason and Jennifer handle your tasting
🍺
Brewing Background
Beer expertise elevates whiskey fermentation
🏔️
Valley Location
Few craft distilleries in northern Shenandoah
🥃
Small Batches
Measured production allows quality experimentation
🏠
Neighborhood Feel
Local bar vibe over tourist destination
📞 (540) 316-0056
🌐 http://blueshepherdspirits.com/
📍 622 W Main St, Luray, VA 22835, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Shenandoah Valley Craft Right on Main Street

Blue Shepherd Spirits sits right on West Main Street in Luray, Virginia, just a few blocks from the famous caverns that draw thousands of visitors to this Shenandoah Valley town. Founded by Jason and Jennifer Cunningham in 2019, this craft distillery emerged from Jason’s background in brewing and the couple’s desire to create something uniquely their own in the heart of Virginia’s growing spirits scene. The operation runs out of a converted commercial space that they’ve transformed into a working distillery and tasting room, complete with custom copper stills and a cozy bar area where you can sample their handcrafted spirits. They focus primarily on bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka, with each batch carefully monitored by Jason who serves as both owner and master distiller. The Cunninghams didn’t just want to make spirits—they wanted to create a gathering place where locals and tourists alike could experience authentic craft distilling in an intimate setting. The distillery’s name pays homage to the pastoral landscapes of the Shenandoah Valley, and you’ll find that connection to place evident in everything from their locally-sourced ingredients to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere they’ve cultivated.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Brewing Meets Whiskey In Small Batches

What sets Blue Shepherd apart is their hyper-local approach in a region that’s still developing its distilling identity. Jason Cunningham brings brewing expertise to whiskey making, which shows up in his attention to fermentation details that many small distilleries overlook. They’re working with Virginia-grown grains when possible and have developed relationships with local farms to source ingredients, giving their spirits a distinctly regional character. The scale here is genuinely small—they’re producing measured batches that allow for careful quality control and experimentation. Their location in Luray also makes them one of the few craft distilleries in the northern Shenandoah Valley, serving both the tourist traffic heading to the caverns and a growing local community that’s hungry for authentic craft spirits.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Meet the Makers Behind the Copper Stills

You’ll walk into a space that feels more like a neighborhood bar than a tourist destination, which is exactly what the Cunninghams intended. The tasting room has a warm, unpretentious vibe with the copper stills visible behind the bar, so you can see where your spirits are actually made. Jason or Jennifer often handle tastings themselves, so you’re getting the story straight from the founders who can walk you through their process and philosophy. The tastings are conversational and educational without being overly formal—you’ll learn about their grain sources, aging process, and what makes each spirit distinctive. The space isn’t huge, so busy weekend afternoons can feel cozy rather than crowded, and you’ll likely end up chatting with other visitors about the spirits and the area.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Perfect Luray Addition After the Caverns

If you’re already in Luray for the caverns or exploring the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Shepherd makes for a perfect addition to your itinerary. It’s ideal for people who appreciate authentic craft distilling and want to meet the actual makers behind their spirits. Don’t expect elaborate tours or flashy production facilities—this is about quality spirits and genuine hospitality in an intimate setting. The experience appeals most to visitors who enjoy learning about the craft and talking with passionate distillers rather than those seeking a grand, tourist-focused operation. It’s also a great stop for bourbon and rye enthusiasts who want to discover Virginia spirits that aren’t widely distributed yet.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their website before visiting, as their hours can vary and they sometimes close for private events or production. Parking is available on Main Street, though weekend afternoons during tourist season can get busy. If you’re visiting other Luray attractions, plan your distillery stop for late afternoon when the tourist crowds at the caverns are winding down. Ask Jason about their aging process and future releases—he’s passionate about the craft and enjoys talking through their techniques with interested visitors. Don’t miss trying their rye if it’s available, as that’s where their brewing background really shines through in the final product.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Blue Shepherd Spirits — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to make a reservation for tastings?
Reservations aren’t required for regular tastings, but it’s smart to call ahead, especially on weekends when they might be hosting private events. Their hours can also vary based on production schedules.
Can I tour the production area?
Yes, they offer informal tours where you can see their copper stills and learn about their process. Tours are usually combined with tastings and led by Jason or Jennifer themselves, so you’re getting the story directly from the founders.
What spirits do they currently have available?
They focus on bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka, though availability can vary based on their production batches. Since they’re a small operation, it’s worth calling ahead to see what’s currently available for tasting and purchase.

GETTING THERE

Find Blue Shepherd Spirits

📍622 W Main St, Luray, VA 22835, USA

 — 

📞 (540) 316-0056

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