Guests enjoying a flight under the Gallaudet bison, Old Rag.
NoVa brewery celebrates deaf culture.
In the foothills of the Blue Ridge in Sperryville lies Veditz and Company Brewing, where beer and deaf culture are celebrated. The name—Veditz— honors Gallaudet University alum and one of the most ardent advocates of American Sign Language, George Veditz.
Owners Gregory Randall, Joey Seifner, and Amit Rupani are deaf. They opened Veditz in September 2023 to share their love of beer culture, as well as to spotlight the deaf community. From artwork by deaf artists to sign language on the menu, nearly every facet of the brewery celebrates the culture. The brewery also offers a gathering space for the deaf community, sign language courses, and entertainment. ASL interpreters and deaf performers are featured.
“We honor the complexity of our language with many of our beer names,” says Randall. “We are excited when a hearing person wants to understand the story behind the name, and proud when they order a beer using the signs.”
The Veditz team names their Strawberry Lemon Mint sour as their favorite drink on tap. Randall likens it to a strawberry daiquiri–with texture and pulp. “Our sours are refreshing, especially on a warm summer day,” he says.
Events fill the brewery’s summer calender, including a Juneteenth celebration with Strange Fruit Brewing, live music by The Chauncey Fortune Band on June 15, and a summer solstice celebration with a full day of live music on June 22. VeditzAndCompany.com
This article originally appeared in the June 2024 issue.
