The Thomas Jefferson Craft Beer Tasting will be held at Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest on Saturday, April 13. The tasting will feature six Virginia craft breweries, as well as local food vendors, artisans and craftsmen, and musical entertainment. This event offers beer enthusiasts an opportunity to sip their favorite beverages while relaxing at Jefferson's magnificent retreat.

While you enjoy the spring afternoon at Jefferson's personal retreat, be instructed in the art of malting and brewing! Mr. Jefferson studied the scientific pursuit of brewing craft beer - the type of experiment that he relished. Come learn, as did Mr. Jefferson, how to make your own home brews, courtesy of the Hill City Homebrewers. They will demonstrate home brewing methods and provide tastings of their own homemade fermented beverages.

The Thomas Jefferson Craft Beer Tasting will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. The price of admission includes a Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest custom beer glass while supplies last. Individual tastings are 5 oz., and the maximum number of tastings per individual is 20.

Participating breweries include: Apocalypse Ale Works, Blue Mountain Brewery, Devil's Backbone Brewing Company, Parkway Brewing Company, Starr Hill Brewery and Wild Wolf Brewing Company.

Admission is $30 in advance and includes 20 beer tastings. Day of admission is $25 for 10 beer tastings or $35 for 20 beer tastings. Admission and 10 beer tasting tickets are only available at the gate. Non-Tasting Tickets are $10 in advance and at the door.

Tickets are available at Poplar Forest by calling (434) 534-8120, or online at www.tjcraftbeertasting.com.

Sponsors for this event include: Progress Printing, Skyline Tent, The News & Advance, Blue Ridge Ice, Proforma Graphics, Kroger, Blue Ridge PBS and Accident & Injury Chiropractic Center (Dr. Jayson Funicello).

Must be 21 years or older to taste beers. The purchase of tasting tickets requires proof of age at the gate. The beer tasting will occur rain or shine. No refunds. This is an adult event; children's activities will not be available. Online tickets are available until midnight on April 12, 2013. Advance tickets available in the Museum Shop until 5 p.m. April 12, 2013.

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Poplar Forest is a National Historic Landmark recently added to the United States nominations to become a World Heritage Site. The property is regarded as an important example of historic restoration and archaeological research, and is open for tours, events and school programs daily March 15 through December 30, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Poplar Forest is also open for "Winter Weekends" mid-January through mid-March. Closed on Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For more information, visit www.poplarforest.org or call (434) 525-1806.