Craft - A Farm to Bottle Summit 

To maintain momentum in the emerging craft-beverage economy – including the production of sodas, teas, beers, wines and spirits – the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) and the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition will present the second “Craft: A Farm-to-Bottle Summit” Oct. 23 in Fairmont.

Participants will explore ways that craft producers can partner with and engage various interests in agriculture, hospitality and tourism to build markets for this growing business sector, according to Bill Woodrum, RCBI director of entrepreneurship and agricultural innovations.

“This event is a must for brewers, farmers, retailers and others in the region who are interested in becoming part of this rapidly expanding market,” Woodrum said. “As an added bonus, attendees will have the opportunity to sample some of the unique beverages already produced in our region.”

Keynote speaker will be Charles Bockway, craft beverage aficionado and publisher of BrilliantStream.com, a website focused on the industry in West Virginia and surrounding Appalachian region. Bockway will moderate a panel discussion that will be led by DJ Cassell, co-owner and operator of Fairmont’s Rambling Root restaurant and brewpub.