2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co.

Where Halloween Magic Meets Sunday Open Mic Soul

Not many breweries can trace their origin to a Halloween snapshot, but 2 Witches isn't your typical establishment. The name comes from a cherished Polaroid of sisters Julie and Andrea Jefferson dressed as witches for Halloween—homemade costumes, childhood magic, and a photo that would eventually inspire their parents' retirement dream.

When Marvin and Caren Jefferson decided to start a vineyard, they knew exactly what to call it. After establishing their vineyard in Pittsylvania County's Callands area, their daughter Julie and son-in-law Ethan Brown explored small urban wineries and breweries in North Carolina and had a revelation: Why not bring both wine and beer together under one roof in downtown Danville?

In May 2014, 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. opened as Virginia's first combination winery and brewery—a groundbreaking concept for the state. What began with homemade Halloween costumes had transformed into a beloved community gathering place where craft beverages, live music, and genuine hospitality create something genuinely magical.

The Space: Industrial Charm Meets Community Warmth

Located in a converted warehouse on Trade Street, 2 Witches offers the industrial-chic aesthetic that craft beverage enthusiasts have come to love. The spacious taproom features high ceilings, exposed elements, and an open layout that accommodates both intimate gatherings and packed houses. Two separate counters serve wine and beer respectively, honoring the dual nature of the business.

But the real magic happens throughout the entire property. The outdoor patio provides fresh air and natural light, complete with a fire pit that creates ambiance on cool evenings. The stage—positioned to work both indoors during winter and outdoors during fair weather—serves as the heart of 2 Witches' commitment to live music.

The atmosphere strikes that rare balance between casual and crafted. Board games sit ready for customers seeking low-key entertainment. Free popcorn keeps energy up during long tasting sessions. The spaciousness means you're never cramped, but the vibe remains cozy and welcoming rather than cavernous and impersonal.

The Beverages: Family Craftsmanship in Every Glass

The Brewing Operation: Operating a one-barrel nano brewing system using all-grain recipes, 2 Witches typically maintains five rotating beers on tap each month. Head Brewer Justin Meadows, who joined the team in 2019, pushes creative boundaries while honoring the family's commitment to quality over quantity.

Top sellers include:

• Comeback City Kolsch - A clean, crisp Kolsch-style ale that's become the brewery's flagship
• Mojo Magic - An approachable amber ale with balanced malt character
• Orange You Glad I Didn't Say Witch! - A citrus-forward American IPA with clever naming

The brewery also experiments with fruit-forward sours—Peachin' Ain't Easy, Watermelon Kiss—that have won over customers who might not typically gravitate toward beer. When you purchase beer to-go, staff pull it straight from the tap, seal it, and label it into cans right before your eyes—a satisfying demonstration of freshness and craft.

The Wine Program: Grapes from the family's Callands vineyard produce wines that reflect Virginia's terroir. The selection includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Traminette, Muscat Blanc, plus seasonal offerings like Sangria and Strawberry wine. While the vineyard lost their Cab Sauv grapes several years ago, they've replanted and continue expanding their estate-grown wine program.

The wine counter offers tastings that let you explore the range before committing to a glass or bottle. For customers who find the house wines on the sweeter side, 2 Witches thoughtfully stocks visiting wines that offer different profiles, ensuring every palate finds satisfaction.

Open Mic Sundays: The Heartbeat of 2 Witches

Every Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, 2 Witches transforms into what regulars call "the heartbeat" of the venue. Hosted by the talented Matt Crowder (who also fronts the power trio BDE), Open Mic Sundays have become Danville's most consistent and beloved opportunity for musicians to share their art.

The Vibe: The venue describes it perfectly on their website: "a living-room jam where guitars, fiddles, and the occasional mandolin mingle with clinking glasses and easy laughter." Whether performers play inside the cozy taproom or outside on the patio beneath the big Danville sky, the atmosphere remains supportive, enthusiastic, and genuinely community-focused.

First-timers receive the same roaring applause as seasoned professionals. Listeners wrap each song in hometown love. The audience includes regulars who return weekly specifically for the music, newcomers discovering the event by happy accident, and fellow musicians waiting their turn while supporting their peers.

What Makes It Special: Unlike competitive open mics where performers vie for attention, Sunday at 2 Witches feels genuinely collaborative. Every chord strummed and every note sung contributes to keeping Danville's local music scene alive. The venue's explicit gratitude—"our little corner of Danville wouldn't be the same without your music and your hearts"—isn't marketing copy but authentic appreciation.

The four-hour window (2-6 PM) provides ample opportunity for multiple performers without running late into the evening. The Sunday afternoon timing works perfectly for families, musicians with day jobs, and anyone who wants to enjoy live music without sacrificing their entire weekend evening.

Live Music Beyond Open Mic

While Sunday open mics anchor the weekly programming, 2 Witches hosts live concerts most weekends throughout the year. Featured artists range from local favorites to regional touring acts, covering genres from blues-infused Appalachian soul to rock, Americana, and everything between.

Past and upcoming performers have included Ryan Greer bringing blues and soul from Roanoke, BDE (Matt Crowder's power trio), The League of Ordinary Gentlemen, and tribute acts like INTO THE VOID (Black Sabbath & Ozzy Osbourne tribute). The venue's commitment to "live concerts every weekend" demonstrates that music isn't an afterthought but central to the 2 Witches identity.

Special events add flavor throughout the year: Oktoberfest celebrations with traditional German festivities, Halloween parties that honor the venue's witchy namesake with costume contests and seasonal beer releases, silent disco events in partnership with Danville Riverview Rotary, and private Coven Club member gatherings featuring exclusive tastings and performances.

The Cauldron Food Truck & Dining Options

Head Cook Gabriel Bowman runs The Cauldron, 2 Witches' food truck that provides quality eats to complement the craft beverages. While the original taproom offered only cheese boards, pub snacks, and popcorn (with a BYOB picnic policy), The Cauldron has expanded food options significantly.

The menu emphasizes shareable plates and comfort food that pairs well with both beer and wine. Even when The Cauldron isn't operating, the BYOB picnic policy remains—feel free to bring your own food to enjoy with 2 Witches beverages, a policy that demonstrates the venue's commitment to community gathering over profit maximization.

The Family Behind the Magic

2 Witches remains genuinely family-owned and operated. Original dreamers Marvin and Caren Jefferson stay actively involved while Ethan and Julie Brown lead day-to-day operations. Business Manager Laura Brown (daughter-in-law) brings fresh energy and ideas to the team.

The family has grown beyond blood relations. Head Brewer Justin Meadows joined in 2019 and continues innovating the beer program. Cellarman Wesley Marshall maintains quality control and brewing operations. Head Cook Gabriel Bowman brings culinary creativity. This extended family approach creates workplace culture that customers can feel—staff members aren't just employees but invested stakeholders in 2 Witches' success.

The Coven Club: VIP Membership with Benefits

For devoted fans, the Coven Club offers VIP membership benefits. Members receive their own personalized silver mug (for beer) or wine glass stored at the venue, exclusive access to member-only events featuring special tastings and live music, advance notice of new releases and special brews, and the satisfaction of supporting a family business doing things right.

The club represents 2 Witches' approach to building lasting relationships rather than transacting with anonymous customers. Your personalized vessel waiting behind the bar transforms you from visitor to regular, from customer to community member.

What They Offer Musicians

For Open Mic Performers:

• Weekly consistency: Every Sunday, 2-6 PM, without fail
• Supportive hosting: Matt Crowder creates welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels
• Quality sound: Professional amplification for both indoor and outdoor stages
• Engaged audience: Listeners who came specifically for live music
• Four-hour window: Ample time for multiple performers
• Inclusive environment: First-timers and pros receive equal enthusiasm
• Beautiful setting: Industrial-chic taproom or outdoor patio with fire pit
• No pressure: Focus on music and community, not competition

For Booked Artists:

• Weekend concert opportunities: Regular featured performance slots
• Professional treatment: Family-owned venue that values musicians
• Built-in audience: Loyal customer base that supports live music
• Quality beverages: Access to craft beer and wine during performances
• Special events: Opportunities for festival-style bookings (Oktoberfest, Halloween, etc.)
• Promotion: Venue actively promotes concerts through website and social media

Hours & Practical Information

Taproom Hours:

• Monday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Thursday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Friday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Sunday: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Open Mic 2-6 PM)

Other Details:

• Parking: Street parking and parking lot available
• Wheelchair accessible
• Family-friendly (good for kids during daytime hours)
• Credit cards accepted
• No reservations required for general taproom visits
• Private event space available for rental

Part of the SOVA Beer Trail

2 Witches proudly participates in the Southern Virginia (SOVA) Craft Beer Trail, connecting craft beverage enthusiasts across the region. This membership demonstrates commitment to Virginia's craft brewing community and provides visitors with incentives to explore multiple breweries throughout southern Virginia.

The Verdict: More Than Just Beverages

What makes 2 Witches special isn't just the quality beer and wine, though both deliver. It's not just the open mic, though Sunday afternoons have become essential to Danville's music scene. It's the intangible magic that happens when family ownership, genuine hospitality, craft quality, and community commitment converge in one warehouse space on Trade Street.

Visitors consistently mention the same elements in reviews: great ownership, superb and genuinely nice staff, inclusive vibe where everyone feels welcome, and the unexpected delight of discovering live music while seeking craft beverages. The venue succeeds at being simultaneously a serious craft beverage producer and a welcoming community gathering place—a balance many establishments attempt but few achieve.

For musicians, 2 Witches offers what every performer seeks: a stage where your music matters, an audience that genuinely listens, and the knowledge that your performance contributes to something larger than individual entertainment. When the venue says "our little corner of Danville wouldn't be the same without your music and your hearts," they mean it.

So grab a pint of Comeback City Kolsch or a glass of Petit Verdot, settle into the taproom or find a spot on the patio, and feel the room glow with shared songs and good company. Whether you're strumming a guitar on Sunday afternoon, listening to a featured band on Saturday night, or simply enjoying quality beverages in good company, you're participating in the magic that began with a Halloween Polaroid and grew into one of Danville's most beloved gathering places.

The witches are brewing something special on Trade Street—and everyone's invited to the spell.