THE HISTORIC INN AT WARNER HALL CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE OPENING OF AUSTIN’S RESTAURANT & SERIES OF SPIRITED EVENTS
25th Anniversary of The Inn at Warner Hall & Opening of Austin’s Restaurant October 10-11, 2025
The grand staircase at Warner Hall
Founded in 1642 by Augustine Warner I, Warner Hall is one of Virginia’s most cherished and historic estates. Fresh from an extensive restoration and renovation, Warner Hall is commemorating its 25th anniversary as an Inn with the opening of Austin’s, an elegant new dining destination, and a collection of celebratory events.
"We're honored to write the next chapter in Warner Hall's remarkable story," says Bryan Guillot, CEO of Thomas Lee Group. "This beloved estate has always been a special place where history is alive. We look forward to honoring its legacy, and christening its future, during our inaugural weekend celebration - it will undoubtedly be spirited!"
Entering a new era as a luxury retreat and dining destination, The Inn at Warner Hall is hosting a weekend of events - October 10-11, 2025. Over the weekend, guests will explore Warner Hall's history - through the glass.
Noah Rothbaum, the country’s foremost whiskey expert and author of The Whiskey Bible, will headline events including the debut of Austin’s featuring a multi-course dinner; an oyster roast the iconic Bluestone Terrace with views of Severn River, and an American history and whiskey tasting class. “It’s exciting to be involved in a project that's directly linked to George Washington who was not only our first president, but also our first celebrity distiller - and the most prolific whiskey producer of the late 18th century,” says Noah Rothbaum. “I’m looking forward to drinking in the incredible history this fall!”
The George Washington Room
Itinerary of Events
Friday, October 10:
6:00pm - Opening celebration of Austin’s, The Inn at Warner Hall’s new, elegant destination restaurant - a special four-course dinner featuring Butter-basted Halibut with a silky tomato broth, Kale Salad with crispy farro & fresh cherries, Burrata with stone fruit and prosciutto, and more. A signature welcome whiskey cocktail and special beverage pairings will also be served.
Saturday, October 11
3:00pm - American History & Whiskey Tasting Class, led by Noah Rothbaum
5:00pm - Fireside River Roast on The Inn’s BlueStone Terrace including local, raw and roasted Rappahannock oysters, Pimento Mac & Cheese, a Little Gem Green Goddess Caesar, and so much more.
Booking your Tickets:
Reservations for the event series are $800 per couple and include the opening Dinner at Austin’s, American History & Whiskey Class led by Noah Rothbaum, Riverfront Roast - featuring Rappahannock Oysters - on The Bluestone Terrace, a signed copy of The Whiskey Bible, and commemorative gifts from Warner Hall, Sazerac Company and Filson, including valued at over $600.
Pre-paid reservations can be made by calling 800.331.2720.
The Fine Print:
Guests must be 21+; Warner Hall’s 25th Anniversary Event Series is $800 for two guests; Price does not include accommodations or transportation; Complimentary Parking is available at Warner Hall; Pre-paid reservations for the series can be made by calling 800.331.2720
AUSTIN'S AT WARNER HALL
Opening this Fall, Austin's presents an elevated dining experience within the historic The Inn at Warner Hall. Named in honor of Augustine Warner I, the original 17th-century proprietor of the estate, this sophisticated restaurant showcases seasonal American cuisine against the backdrop of stunning Severn River sunset views. Inspired by the rich history of the area, and the abundance of the Virginia Tidewater, the culinary team blends timeless Southern traditions with thoughtful, seasonal cooking that feels both rooted and refined.
Guests can savor exquisite dishes including creamy mushroom risotto, fresh-caught and simply grilled Chesapeake Bay seafood, and perfectly prepared Virginia steaks from Seven Hills Farm. Other standouts feature delicate seafood pasta, vibrant salads, and burrata with seasonal accompaniments. Austin's inviting dining room creates an atmosphere of refined comfort with warm lighting and plush seating.
The curated wine program highlights exceptional American producers while also featuring specialty selections from Italy and France. Austin's at Warner Hall brings a new style of refined and elegant dining to the Historic Triangle where seasonal ingredients and waterfront views combine to create an unforgettable dining destination.
ABOUT NOAH ROTHBAUM
From the Arctic Circle to Kentucky's rickhouses to Scotland's whisky distilleries, Noah Rothbaum has traveled the globe in pursuit of exceptional spirits. As one of the world's leading authorities on cocktails and spirits, he brings both expertise and accessibility to his craft - he's a Kentucky Colonel, James Beard Award winner, and author of acclaimed drinks books that have shaped the industry. Currently serving as Spirits Editor for Men's Journal and Editor-at-Large for Bartender Magazine, Noah’s next book, The Whiskey Bible will be published this fall.
His previous works include the celebrated The Art of American Whiskey, and he served as associate editor for the Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails. His media experience extends to editing the Daily Beast's Half Full section and co-hosting the podcast Life Behind Bars. In 2022, he was named a Fellow of the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits at the University of Kentucky. As Chicago magazine's former chief dining critic Jeff Ruby puts it, "Rothbaum knows drinking like Newton knew gravity, but he's not all high and mighty about it, creating laws and whatnot."
ABOUT THE INN AT WARNER HALL
Severn River
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Inn at Warner Hall is one of Virginia’s premier properties. Situated on 38-acres along Virginia's Severn River, Warner Hall was established in 1642 by Augustine Warner I, the great-great grandfather of George Washington who was also the ninth great-grandfather of Queen Elizabeth II. While the lineage of Augustine Warner I is prolific, other well-known descendants include his third great-grandson, Meriwether Lewis - the iconic American explorer, who led the Lewis and Clark Expedition through the uncharted American interior and four-time great grandson, General Robert E. Lee.
The Washington Suite
In celebration of its 25th Anniversary as an Inn, the historic estate recently underwent an extensive restoration and renovation. The storied property now features 11 luxuriously-appointed guest rooms; new, elegant dining destination, Austin’s; a relaxing wraparound porch; mile-long walking trail, and sprawling grounds with river views and centuries old oaks. Located near Colonial Williamsburg, and just one hour from both Norfolk and Richmond International Airports, Warner Hall offers modern amenities while preserving its history and heritage. For more information, visit www.warnerhall.com or follow @innatwarnerhall on Instagram.
Press release submitted by Warner Hall.
Exterior - The Inn At Warner Hall