RETAIL: Tiny Bon Vivant Market Big on VA Brews

(Andrew Smith is the knowledgeable manager at Bon Vivant.)

By Jeff Maisey

The historic, small town of Smithfield is internationally known for its highly-prized hams, charming Main Street shopping, gourmet bakery, and the recent addition of The Fiddlin’ Pig, an English pub-style restaurant serving certified cask ales. 

Just up the road on Church Street is an unassuming three-room building known as a longtime oasis — Bon Vivant Market Wine & Brew of Smithfield.

Bon Vivant’s beer room features a world class selection of German, Belgian, and British bottles and cans. Held in equal regard are beers brewed in Virginia.

It’s website states, “We look for the best of the best. We look for hard to get and often overlooked styles. Got  a request? Give us a call or email.”

Take them at their word. Manager Andrew Smith and owner/proprietor Mike Adams love delivering obscure, small batch, limited edition beers for inquisitive customers as well as quality independent brands.  

On a recent visit, we found a plethora of beers from Virginia producers including Vasen, Beale’s, Nost Brewing Project, Aslin, Center of the Universe, Commonwealth, Big Ugly, Tradition, Oozlefinch, Benchtop, Afterglow, The Virginia Beer Company, Three Notch’d, Nansemond Brewing Station, and Cape Charles Brewing Company. 

The shelved are organized by beer styles. According to Smith, sours and hazy IPAs are the most in-demand by category. So, too, are seasonal releases. 

For Virginia breweries seeking a select spot on the beer shelf at Bon Vivant, Andrew Smith welcomes direct inquiries at [email protected] or ask your current distributor. 

Mike Adams opened Bon Vivant in 1995 and for three decades has developed a following that extends well beyond Smithfield town limits. 

Bon Vivant Market Wine & Brew of Smithfield, 1504 S. Church Street, Smithfield, 757.365.0932, bonvivantmarket.com