The End Of An Era: What Happened To Wild Wolf Brewing Company Nellysford And Its New Life As Three Notch'd 151
For over a decade, Wild Wolf Brewing Company stood as an iconic, essential stop on Virginia's famous Brew Ridge Trail, nestled in the heart of Nellysford. As of late 2025, however, the original Wild Wolf is no longer pouring pints. The popular Nelson County destination officially closed its doors in early 2022, marking the end of a beloved chapter for the Virginia craft beer scene and the mother-son duo who founded it. The good news? The stunning 13-acre property, which once housed their production facility and restaurant, has been acquired by a major player in the regional brewing landscape, promising a fresh, new experience for visitors along Route 151.
The closure was a significant moment for the local community, but the subsequent sale ensures that the historic site will continue its life as a thriving brewery destination. The legacy of Wild Wolf, built on a foundation of unique brews and a charming, rustic atmosphere, has paved the way for a new venture, solidifying the area's reputation as a must-visit spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Founders, The Vision, and The Wild Wolf Legacy
The story of Wild Wolf Brewing Company is inextricably linked to the vision of its founders, a dedicated mother-son team who turned a dilapidated piece of Nelson County history into a craft beer landmark. This section provides a brief biography of the key figures and the company’s origins.
- Company Name: Wild Wolf Brewing Company
- Location: 2461 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, Virginia (Route 151)
- Founding Date: November 2011
- Founders: Mary Wolf and Danny Wolf
- Mary Wolf Role: Business-savvy entrepreneur and co-owner. She oversaw the vision and business operations.
- Danny Wolf Role: Classically trained brewmaster and co-owner. He was responsible for the brewery's unique and award-winning beer portfolio.
- Original Property: They renovated a 100-year-old Nelson County schoolhouse into the restaurant and built an adjacent brewery on 13 acres of land.
- Status: Permanently Closed (Sale announced January 2022; officially closed January 30, 2022).
The mother-son collaboration was one of the few in the country at the time, combining Mary Wolf's business acumen with Danny Wolf's brewing expertise. Their initial goal was to create a unique destination for craft beer enthusiasts, renovating the historic schoolhouse to serve as the main restaurant and taproom. The brewery quickly became a cornerstone of the Brew Ridge Trail, attracting tourists and locals alike with its welcoming environment and picturesque setting.
Signature Brews and the Wild Wolf Beer Portfolio
While the atmosphere was a major draw, the quality of the beer cemented Wild Wolf's reputation in the Virginia craft beer scene. Danny Wolf’s dedication to a diverse portfolio meant the brewery offered everything from light, crisp lagers to robust, complex stouts. Their success was not just local; they received national recognition for their commitment to quality.
Among the most memorable and popular brews were:
- Nutty Wolf Ale: A malty and flavorful brown ale, often cited as a fan favorite, known for its chocolate and caramel notes complemented by hop flavor.
- Primal Instinct IPA: A higher-ABV India Pale Ale that catered to the hop-forward crowd, showcasing the brewery’s ability to produce popular, modern styles.
- Alpha Ale: An American Pale Ale that was a staple in their core lineup, offering a balanced and sessionable experience.
- American Stout: This particular brew earned top honors at the 2015 Winter United States Beer Tasting Championship (USBTC), demonstrating the technical skill of the brewing team.
Over their decade of operation, Wild Wolf expanded its offerings to include six core beers and a rotating selection of thirteen seasonal offerings, ensuring there was always something new for visitors to explore. The brewery's presence on Route 151, a scenic stretch through the Blue Ridge Mountains, helped put Nellysford on the map for beer tourism.
The Closure and The New Chapter: Three Notch'd 151
The news of the sale and subsequent closure of Wild Wolf Brewing Company hit the community hard in early 2022. After more than ten years of operation, the founders announced the sale of the Nellysford headquarters. While the specific reasons for the sale were not extensively detailed, the transition was swift, with the brewery serving its last pint on January 30, 2022.
The property was not destined to sit empty for long. The buyer was Charlottesville, Virginia-based Three Notch'd Brewing Company, a prominent and rapidly expanding force in the Virginia craft beer market. The acquisition included the entire 13-acre production facility and the historic restaurant space, giving Three Notch'd a significant foothold in the desirable Nelson County and Route 151 corridor.
What to Expect from Three Notch'd at the Former Wild Wolf Site
The acquisition was part of Three Notch'd Brewing Company’s larger expansion strategy, and their plans for the Nellysford location are ambitious, focusing on both production and hospitality. The new venture is being branded as Three Notch'd 151, a clear nod to its strategic location on the Rockfish Valley Highway.
The current status, as of late 2025, reflects a period of significant remodeling and renovation. Three Notch'd is not simply reopening the old brewery; they are transforming the space to align with their brand and enhance the visitor experience. While specific details on the final layout are still emerging, the key goals of the Three Notch'd 151 project include:
- Increased Production Capacity: Leveraging the existing production facility to increase the output of Three Notch'd core beers and seasonal offerings.
- Enhanced Hospitality: Renovating the restaurant and taproom space, which was originally the old schoolhouse, to create a modern and welcoming environment for travelers on the Brew Ridge Trail.
- Diversification: The acquisition was announced with "big plans across all types of bevs," suggesting the site may be used for more than just beer, potentially including seltzers, ciders, or spirits, tapping into the broader beverage market.
- Continuing the Tradition: By keeping the property as a brewery and restaurant, Three Notch'd is honoring the site’s history and its role as a key anchor in Nelson County's tourism economy.
The installation of the new "Three Notch'd 151" signage confirms that the project is moving forward, promising a grand reopening that will introduce a new era of craft beer to the Nellysford area. While the iconic Wild Wolf brand is now a cherished memory, its spirit of innovation and community will undoubtedly live on through the new establishment, ensuring that the legacy of the mother-son duo continues to influence the vibrant culture of the Brew Ridge Trail.
The Impact on the Brew Ridge Trail and Nelson County
The presence of Wild Wolf Brewing Company was instrumental in the growth of the Brew Ridge Trail, a collection of craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries along Route 151. Its closure and subsequent acquisition by Three Notch'd signifies a shift in the regional craft beer landscape but ultimately reinforces the area’s strength as a destination.
The transition means that the trail loses a beloved, unique destination but gains a powerful, established brand with a wide distribution network. This ensures that the flow of craft beer enthusiasts to Nelson County will continue, benefiting other local entities like Wintergreen Resort, the various cideries, and other breweries in the region. The story of Wild Wolf Brewing Company—from its founding by Mary and Danny Wolf to its current transformation into Three Notch'd 151—is a perfect example of the dynamic, ever-evolving nature of the Virginia craft beer scene.
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