There is “Love on Tap” in Virginia this month as our state celebrates the first annual Craft Beer Month. In a recent press release, Gov. Bob McDonnell’s office noted that there are some 40 craft breweries in Virginia now, and they join our 220 wineries in drawing tourists to the state.

Two pieces of legislation that went into effect on July 1 have helped to support the state’s craft brewers: House Bill 359, which lets manufacturers rent space in their brewhouses to small-scale beer makers, and Senate Bill 604, which allows Virginia breweries to sell beer and provide samples on their premises.

As part of the “Love on Tap” beer month, the Virginia tourism office has created an interactive map to help people find breweries and a site with information about travel packages and special events. The month will culminate in the first annual Virginia Craft Brew Festival, which is scheduled to take place Aug. 25 at Devil’s Backbone Brewery in Nelson County.

Here, taken from the press release, are some examples of the special craft beer-related packages on special this month:

Virginia Craft Beer Month Sunday Brunch at Blue Mountain Brewery
Celebrate Virginia Craft Beer Month with a delicious brunch menu featuring local sausage gravy over toasted buttermilk biscuits, veggie and sausage breakfast burritos, quiche of the day, waffles and more. Live music at 2:30 p.m.  Enjoy the brewery’s craft beers and stunning views of Blue Ridge Mountain views from an indoor seating area or the outside terrace. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. August 5, 12, 19, 26, 2012.

Virginia Craft Brewers Fest at Devils Backbone Brewing Company
Taste Virginia’s award-winning craft beers in an amazing outdoor setting with music, food and more at Devils Backbone Brewing Company, located in Roseland at the base of Wintergreen Mountain.  Craft brewers from around the state will be on hand to pour local beer and compete in the Virginia Beer Cup competition. August 25, 2012. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Craft Beer Dinner at Wild Wolf Brewing Company
Celebrate Virginia Craft Beer Month with the chef’s presentation of fresh seasonal dishes paired with Wild Wolf craft beers. August 28, 2012. 6:00 p.m.

Linden Row Inn Virginia Craft Beer Month Package – Richmond
Celebrate August Virginia Craft Beer Month at Richmond’s historic Linden Row Inn where guests will enjoy a one night getaway coupled with a selection of Virginia’s authentic craft beers. This package includes accommodations in one of the Linden Row Inn’s Main House rooms, a “mix pack” consisting of Legend Brown Ale (brewed in Richmond) and Star Hill JOMO Lager (brewed in Crozet), a souvenir Virginia is for Lovers bottle opener and free overnight valet parking as well as continental breakfast, in-town shuttle and more.  Rates start at $159, based upon double occupancy, exclusive of taxes and subject to availability.  Must be at least 21 years of age to purchase this package.  Available August 1-31, 2012. Reservations are available by visiting www.reservations.lindenrowinn.com or calling 800-348-7424.

Craddock Terry Hotel Brews and Shoes Package – Lynchburg
Beer and shoe lovers unite with Craddock Terry Hotel’s Brews and Shoes package.  The package includes a night in the historic boutique hotel, a renovated shoe factory, as well as a five flight sampler on-site at the Jefferson Street Brewery where guests leave with a 64 oz. growler filled to the brim of their favorite beer.  To top it off, the package includes a $50 gift certificate redeemable at either one of the hotel’s on-site award-winning restaurants where a selection of local beers is just waiting to be tasted.  Prices start at $209 for deluxe accommodations.  Available August 1-31, 2012. Guests must be 21 or older to book this package.  To book, visit www.craddockterryhotel.com or call 434-55-1500.

Hampton Inn & Suites Virginia Craft Beer Month Package – Richmond
Travelers who book this package will have no problem filling up with food while enjoying the best of August Virginia Craft Beer Month.  Package includes one night accommodations for two in a studio suite, one $25 gift card to Quaker Steak and Lube, in room “bar snacks” amenity featuring pretzels popcorn and peanuts as well as a hot breakfast buffet.  Take in visits to local breweries including Legend and Hardywood in Richmond. Rates start at $149 exclusive of tax and based upon availability.  Available August 1-31, 2012. For reservations, click here or call 804-576-1777.