Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put Louisiana on the Map
In Lafayette, a city steeped in Cajun culture about an hour’s drive west of Baton Rouge, you’ll find Parish Brewing Co. nestled in the Warehouse District. This brewery is a must-visit for those who want to savor Louisiana’s bold flavors in craft beer form. Parish Brewing Co. offers a rotating selection of brews that often incorporate local ingredients like sugarcane and pecans, giving their beers a unique regional twist. Visitors can tour the spacious taproom, sampling flagship brews such as the Envie IPA or the Canebrake Brown Ale, while enjoying views of the brewing equipment. The laid-back atmosphere and the brewery’s commitment to community make it a great spot to relax any time of year, though the outdoor patio truly shines in spring and fall when the weather is mild.
Traveling about 30 miles north of Baton Rouge, you’ll come to Tin Roof Brewing Company in Baton Rouge itself, situated in the bustling downtown area. What distinguishes Tin Roof is its deep connection to Louisiana’s musical heritage, with live music events often accompanying tastings. Their flagship beer, the Tin Roof Blonde Ale, is crisp and approachable, embodying the sunny spirit of the state. Visitors can also take advantage of guided brewery tours that reveal the intricate brewing process. The brewery’s location near the Mississippi River means you can pair a tasting with a leisurely walk along the riverfront at sunset, capturing the vibrant urban energy paired with a refreshing craft beer.
Over in Covington, a charming town about 45 minutes north of New Orleans, you’ll find the Tchefuncte Distilling Company. This distillery crafts artisanal spirits in a city known for its historic downtown and southern charm. What sets Tchefuncte apart is its dedication to creating Louisiana Moonshine using traditional methods combined with modern techniques, resulting in smooth, flavorful products ranging from bourbon to flavored moonshines. Visitors can tour the distillery, watch the copper stills in action, and sample spirits in their rustic tasting room. The best time to visit is during the fall when the historic district hosts lively festivals, creating a festive backdrop for a tasting adventure.
Not far from Lafayette, in Abbeville about 80 miles southwest, Vermilionville Historic Village offers a unique cultural experience that includes a look at Louisiana’s indigenous ingredients and traditional distillations. While not a distillery or brewery itself, Vermilionville’s living history exhibits showcase how early Louisiana settlers produced spirits and fermented foods. Visitors wander through reconstructed Acadian homes and crafts workshops, often encountering demonstrations of sugarcane syrup making, which is integral to local rum production. The village comes alive during the warm months, especially around harvest festivals when local producers showcase their artisanal beverages, providing a tangible link to the state’s craft traditions.
In New Orleans, the Crescent City really earns its reputation for vibrant nightlife and rich culinary traditions, and the Urban South Brewery reflects this energy in its approach to craft beer. Located in the Bywater neighborhood, just a short bike ride from the French Quarter, Urban South offers an eclectic lineup of beers with strong local ties, including the well-loved Paradise Park, a tart kettle sour named after a local park. The taproom is open and inviting, often bustling with locals and visitors alike. Taking a midday tour can be particularly enjoyable, followed by an exploration of the colorful murals and street art that define the neighborhood’s creative spirit.
Heading east from New Orleans near the town of Slidell, you’ll discover Old Rail Brewing Company, nestled in a renovated historic train depot. This spot offers a unique blend of history and craft beer culture. The brewery honors the town’s railroad past while producing a range of beers that celebrate local ingredients and flavors. The taproom is family-friendly, with an inviting outdoor seating area perfect for warm Louisiana afternoons. Autumn is an ideal time to visit when cooler temperatures make enjoying a crisp pilsner or a deep stout all the more satisfying, and the nearby Tammany Trace trail offers excellent hiking and biking opportunities.
Further south, in the piney woods near Amite City about an hour north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana Spirits Distillery offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s burgeoning craft spirit scene. Known for its rye whiskey and small-batch gin, this distillery embraces Louisiana’s agricultural heritage by sourcing much of its grain locally. Visitors can take guided tours of the production floor, learn about the aging process in oak barrels, and sample distinctive spirits in a cozy tasting room that feels both rustic and refined. The surrounding area is quiet and scenic, making it a peaceful retreat after a tasting. Spring is especially lovely here, as the warm weather brings out the fragrance of pine and fresh earth, enhancing the sensory experience.
Finally, down near the Gulf Coast in the town of Abita Springs, just 35 minutes northwest of New Orleans, the Abita Brewing Company stands as a cornerstone of Louisiana’s craft beer movement. Abita’s beers are renowned across the South, particularly their flagship Amber and Purple Haze, a refreshing raspberry wheat ale. The brewery sits amid lush pine forests, offering visitors a chance to combine a brewery tour with outdoor activities like hiking or fishing at nearby Fontainebleau State Park. The cool, breezy days of late fall are perfect for strolling through the brewery’s grounds before settling in for a tasting session, truly capturing the laid-back spirit of the bayou.
Each of these places offers a distinctive entry point into Louisiana’s rich and evolving craft brewery, distillery, and winery scene. From urban taprooms pulsing with music and art to quiet rural distilleries surrounded by pine forests, the state offers a breadth of experiences that connect visitors not only to exceptional beverages but also to the landscapes, histories, and cultures that make Louisiana unlike anywhere else in the country.