Weather Advisory for the Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair
We are expecting unpredictable weather on Sunday, which may include rain, showers, and the possibility of thunderstorms or tornado threats. If a severe weather warning is issued, we will cancel the event for safety reasons.
In the event of rain, please know that:
The Grain Classroom talks are taking place indoors.
The vendor and exhibitor area will be located under a 40' x 60' tent.
You may need to move between covered areas, so please bring a rain jacket and prepare for potential wet conditions.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to celebrating our region’s grain heritage—rain or shine! Stay tuned for any weather-related updates.
Meet the farmers, millers, maltsters, bakers, brewers, and distillers who are revitalizing our region's grain heritage! The Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair is a free, family-friendly event at Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery on Sunday, March 16 from 11:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m..
Whether you're a passionate home baker, craft beverage enthusiast, or farmers market regular, this is your chance to connect directly with local grain producers and artisans. Join a free, expert demonstration on baking and cooking with local grains, shop a curated farmers market of local grain-based foods and beverages, and celebrate our region's agriculture with live music and truly local, craft beer.
Come discover the story behind your flour, bread, and craft beverages – all while learning how to incorporate local grains into your own home and kitchen!
The 2025 Grain Fair is hosted by Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery, an estate brewery that produces truly local land beer with regenerative agriculture practices and renewable energy.
Interested in being a vendor at the Grain Fair or a sponsor of the event? Click here to learn more!
Grain Classroom Schedule
Colvin Run Mill
A historic, working mill built around 1811. A beautifully restored example of 19th century water powered milling technology.
Jonathan Stevens, the Hungry Ghost Bread Book
An Offbeat Bakery’s Guide to Crafting Sourdough Loaves, Flatbreads, Crackers, Scones, and More
Maple & Rye Bakery
CGA member Maple & Rye will provide local & seasonal whole grain pastries.
Celebrate Indigenous Grains
CGA Program Coordinator Vanessa Bolin will share information about indigenous grains and resources for backyard grain growers.
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand
Shop a variety of local grains and flours from eleven different CGA members! This grain stand is operated in partnership between Common Grain Alliance & FRESHFARM.
Stroopwafel Sisters
Two sisters from the Netherlands who like baking stroopwafels! A stroopwafel is a buttery wafer split in half and filled with a rich caramel. They will be made on site with local grains.
Casa De Avila Tacos
Family owned taqueria from Guadalajara, Mexico offering street style tacos
Janie’s Mill
Artisan stone mill based in Ashkum, IL working with grains carefully selected for their taste, nutrition, and baking qualities. Grown and milled with love and care to ensure that they are good for you and your loved ones, and Earth.
Boxcar Burgers
Boxcar specializes in locally sourced burgers using only Frederick County raised beef.
Millet Magic Bites
Enjoy Indian foods made with millets, including dosa, paratha, and cookies.
Twin Bears Bakery
Artisan bakery based in Frederick, Maryland, specializing in naturally fermented sourdough bread and bagels.
Milling Grains On A Small Scale
Mark Woodward, serious home baker and CGA member, will offer demonstrations of table top milling accessible to home bakers and small operations.
Ujamaa Seeds: Culturally Meaningful Seeds
UJAMAA SEEDS is the entrepreneurial program of the Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance (UCFA). The mission of UCFA is to increase the number of BIPOC growers of heirloom seeds.
Grapewood
Farm
Organic small grain farm and stone-mill in Montross, VA. "Virginia Grown, Virginia Ground.
SOURDOUGH BAKING 101
Join award-winning baker, author, and teacher Tara Jensen for an engaging session answering all of your sourdough baking questions. Tara, author of A Baker’s Year and Flour Power, will discuss essential sourdough techniques and leavening methods, offering practical tips to help you bake with confidence. This interactive talk will include plenty of time for Q&A, making it perfect for beginners and sourdough enthusiasts alike.
11:30 A.M. — 12:30 P.M.
Tour Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery
Join co-founder, farmer, and brewer John Branding for a tour of Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery. John will share their unique approach to estate beer, rooted in regenerative grain farming and brewing within sight of the grain fields. See those grain fields where barley is grown for their Estate Beer and gain insight into how the farm and region influences flavor. Get a peek inside the brewhouse, located in a restored century-old Corn Crib barn, and learn about the small-batch brewing process. The experience concludes with a Wheatland Spring beer tasting.
12:30 — 1:30 P.M.
1:45 - 2:45 PM
Field Tour - See Local Grain Collaborations in Action!
Join us for a field tour hosted by Fireside Farm, Hanging Rock Hay and Grain, Meadow Bread, and Potomac Vegetables Farm to experience the full seed to pizza/bread cycle. Fireside Farm will walk you through a plot where oats and wheat are growing in rotation with vegetables. See the equipment used for field prep, seeding, harvest, and grain cleaning, including equipment shared with nearby grain and hay operation Hanging Rock Hay and Grain. Finally, get an inside peek into Meadow Bread's micro bakery, where local grains are milled into flour for bread and pizza. This unique tour will provide insight into Loudoun County's regional grain businesses and the collaborations that make the local grain economy possible.
Address is 15227 Berlin Tpke, Purcellville, VA 20132
From Wheatland Spring, take a right onto John Wolford Road. Take the first left onto Berlin Tpke (287). Go about 1/2 mi and turn right into a gravel driveway with a sign marking Potomac Vegetables Farms and Fireside Farm. Veer quickly to the left on the gravel road and go through the gate in the deer fence. Go about 1/2 on this gravel farm road through farm fields and you will see greenhouse structures and a big green barn. You will park on the grass in a designated parking area near the green barn. Follow the signs for parking.
Farmers Market and Exhibitors
Want to take home local grains of your own, grab a bite to eat, or meet local farmers, millers, and grain artisans?
Check out the organizations and vendors that will be at the fair!
Virginia Spirits Passport
Learn about the Virginia Spirits Passport, a free mobile pass that leads you through a discovery of more than 25 exceptional Virginia distilleries. Learn Virginia’s rich distilling heritage and the unwavering passion that drives our local distillers.