News Virginian
By: Bob Stuart
HERMITAGE — Craig Nargi has already carved an impressive niche in Virginia agritourism with his Hermitage Hill Farm & Stables, a venue for weddings and conferences and also a working horse farm near Augusta County’s Hermitage community.
Nargi has now added to his accomplishments. On Thursday, the ribbon was cut for the entrepreneur’s latest venture, Stable Craft Brewing Co. The craft brewery will eventually create 20 jobs and harvest 16 different beers from hops grown on the Hermitage Hill site. A sampling of the flavors include American Wheat Ale, Brown Ale, American Blonde and Oatmeal Stout.
Nargi said he expects to sell his products in both Virginia and West Virginia. He plans to expand his hops to more than 1,500 over the next year. Construction that began last September has led to a 10-barrel brewing system and a tasting room where food can also be served.
“The addition of the new reception space and the brewery tasting room embraces agriculture, the equestrian world and the nuances of a resort,” said Nargi in a press release. Nargi’s background includes more than a quarter century of work in the hospitality industry, including leadership roles at Keswick and Wintergreen.
He said the brewery project is the realization of three and a half years of work. He said consultants have helped, and said the project was also aided by a $250,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant that had to be matched.
Area, state and federal leaders joined Nargi for Thursday’s ribbon cutting of Stable Craft.
Sixth District Rep. Bob Goodlatte told Nargi “I commend you for taking the risk.” The congressman said he hopes Nargi is able to get wide distribution for his products.
Del. Steve Landes, R-Weyers Cave, said Stable Craft Brewing would offer Virginia products and attract visitors to the Shenandoah Valley. “This business follows what we are trying to do,” Landes said of Nargi’s efforts.
Augusta County Board of Supervisors Chair Carolyn Bragg thanked Nargi for his continued presence in Augusta County, starting with his 2006 purchase of Hermitage Hill.
The opening of Stable Craft will mean that Hermitage Hill is now a four-season location. The venue will be open year-round instead of a 30-week location hosting weddings, corporate and nonprofit outings.
You may contact Bob Stuart at (540) 932-3562 or bstuart@newsvirginian.com.
