Support Us Button Widget

Join the sourdough revolution in Northern Virginia

The bread type is reaching new heights in popularity, and we’re here to help you find the best loaves in NOVA, or start making your own.

two loaves of bread

Sourdough can blur the line between art and food.

Starter your engines. Sourdough is soaring in popularity, and according to Google Trends, so is interest in making your own — surpassing 2020’s pandemic-induced explosion in interest earlier this year.

If you’re among those baking some new habits into your life via flour and yeast, here are a few ways to get in on the action in NOVA:

  • Arlington Public Schools hosts frequent classes for beginners, the perfect way to get newbies introduced to the process.
  • Once you’re a little further along, Knead and Know will help elevate your sourdough game with more advanced lessonsand have your kitchen smelling delightful. Heads up: These sell out quick.
  • Or bring the party to you with a private class from The Flour District. Whatever the celebration, swapping flowers for flour would make a night to remember.

For those who prefer their loaves made by an expert, there’s a bunch of spots around town to get your fill of doughy goodness. We’re fans of Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe’s black forest sourdough rye, the classic sourdough loaves at Great Harvest Bread Co., and the spectacular fig and olive sourdough at Brutto Breads. If you want to sample the goodies from these spots, make sure to check out their ordering options. Sometimes, you need to plan ahead.

Pro tip: If you’re picking up some tasty treats at any of NOVA’s bakeries, from our experience, the apron-laden are typically willing to offer some friendly advice for beginner bakers eager to learn more.

Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know.

More from NOVAtoday
‘Tis the season when acorns and nuts begin to fall — marking the perfect time to get involved in nature’s cycle. Learn how collecting these seasonal treasures can support vital tree restoration efforts across the state of Virginia.
From stunning tablescapes and custom table setups to the perfect venues for hosting, this is your ultimate guide to becoming the go-to dinner party host in Northern Virginia.
Take a step back in time with a gallery of historic September photographs from Northern Virginia. This curated collection highlights memorable moments and events from September’s archives.
Take a deep dive into Northern Virginia and DC sports — exploring the teams that define the region, the players making headlines, and the highlights you won’t want to miss.
Discover the roots of Area 2 Farms — learn how it works, explore the fresh produce you’ll receive each week, and find out the many ways you can get involved in supporting local, sustainable farming.
Wondering when your trash gets picked up or what to do if it’s missed? Our Northern Virginia trash collection guide has you covered — taking the hassle out of your daily mess.
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
Wondering where you can see fall colors this season? Check out these six spots around Northern Virginia as the leaves begin to change.
Explore and compare eight unique school districts in Northern Virginia. Learn about everything from the number of students to the graduation rate.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.