Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put North Carolina on the Map
Just a short drive south from Charlotte, in the town of Davidson, Old Meck Distillery offers visitors a taste of North Carolina’s burgeoning craft spirits scene. Situated roughly 25 miles north of Charlotte, this distillery is a beacon for those interested in artisanal whiskey and bourbon. You can take a guided tour through their copper pot stills and learn about their small-batch production methods. Their signature Old Mecklenburg bourbon is aged to perfection, showcasing rich caramel and vanilla notes born from local grains and pure mountain spring water. The cozy tasting room invites visitors to savor each sip while chatting with passionate distillers. Fall is an especially lovely time to visit, when the surrounding countryside’s changing leaves create a picturesque backdrop for sipping spirits outdoors.
Heading east about an hour from Raleigh, in the town of New Hill near Durham, you’ll find the iconic Durham Distillery. This craft distillery has carved a niche with its bold approach to gin and rum, using unique botanicals sourced from North Carolina farms. The tasting room’s rustic yet modern vibe captures the spirit of the region’s agricultural heritage. Visitors can sample their flagship Bull City Gin while enjoying rotating seasonal infusions reflecting the Triangle’s diverse plant life. The distillery hosts educational events focused on the art of distillation, making it a must-stop for enthusiasts eager to deepen their knowledge. Springtime brings a floral freshness to the botanicals, making it the best season to experience their full range of botanically infused spirits.
In the heart of Asheville, a city celebrated for craft beverages, Wicked Weed Brewing stands out as a trailblazer in the state’s craft beer revolution. Located in Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, about 2.5 hours west of Charlotte, it’s a hotspot for adventurous beer lovers. Their Funkatorium offers a unique sensory journey with its vast selection of sour and barrel-aged ales, brewed right on-site. You can wander through the barrel room where wild yeast and bacteria work their magic in oak barrels, creating complex, tangy flavors that defy traditional beer profiles. Summer evenings are perfect for outdoor tastings on their rooftop, with sweeping mountain views casting a golden glow over your glass. Wicked Weed’s commitment to innovation and quality helped put Asheville on the national craft beer map.
Traveling south to Winston-Salem, about an hour and a half west of Raleigh, Foothills Brewing has become a local institution with its flagship Hoppyum IPA. Situated in a historic brick building in the downtown district, the brewery’s taproom buzzes with energy and a sense of community. Visitors can enjoy brewery tours that delve into the brewing process from grain to glass, along with tastings that highlight Foothills’ focus on balanced, flavorful beers. The urban setting allows for exploration of the surrounding arts district, making it a perfect afternoon outing. Fall is a great time to visit, as cooler temperatures pair perfectly with their richer seasonal brews, and nearby trails offer colorful foliage walks before or after your tasting.
Nestled in the Yadkin Valley AVA, just over an hour northwest of Winston-Salem, Shelton Vineyards is a gem for wine lovers seeking a blend of Southern charm and vineyard elegance. The estate sprawls across rolling hills that offer breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Guests can stroll the vineyard trail, a gentle mile-long loop that winds through rows of grapes with informational plaques detailing viticulture practices. The winery specializes in Bordeaux-style reds and Viognier whites, showcasing the region’s versatility. Their tasting room, housed in a striking stone manor, is warm and inviting, often hosting live music that complements the tasting experience. Late summer and early fall are ideal for visits, when the vines reach peak ripeness and harvest season buzzes with activity.
In the coastal town of Wilmington, about 130 miles southeast of Raleigh, Front Street Brewery provides a taste of the Atlantic with its innovative craft beers inspired by the nearby ocean. The brewery’s location near the Cape Fear River invites visitors to pair their brews with fresh seafood from the local market. Their flagship River Rat Amber Ale captures the spirit of the region, balancing malt sweetness with a crisp finish. Visitors can join behind-the-scenes tours that highlight sustainable brewing practices and local ingredient sourcing. Spring and early summer, when the riverfront walkway is lively with boaters and festivals, offer the best atmosphere to enjoy a cold pint outdoors and take in the coastal breeze.
Farther west, in the historic town of Hendersonville, about a 40-minute drive south of Asheville, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards offers an intimate mountain winery experience. Perched on the slopes of the Blue Ridge, the vineyard’s elevation provides a cooler climate that imparts a distinctive edge to their cool-climate grape varieties, like Riesling and Pinot Noir. The tasting room is a cozy cabin-like space where visitors can sample wines that reflect the terroir’s granite soils and mountain air. Guests often hike nearby sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway before or after tastings, enjoying spectacular overlooks like the nearby Jump Off Rock. The crisp air of late spring highlights the fresh, floral notes in the wines, making it a delightful time to visit.
In Chapel Hill, roughly 30 miles west of Raleigh, the vibrant Southern Village Farmers Market complements the growing craft beverage culture by showcasing local meaderies and small-batch breweries alongside fresh produce and artisan foods. While not a brewery or distillery itself, this weekly market acts as a hub where visitors can meet the makers behind some of North Carolina’s emerging craft drinks. Sampling locally made honey mead or hard cider here brings an authentic taste of the state’s agricultural bounty. The bustling market atmosphere on warm Saturday mornings invites leisurely exploration and conversation with passionate vendors, making it a lively introduction to North Carolina’s craft beverage scene.
Finally, no discussion would be complete without mentioning Childress Vineyards, located about 30 miles north of Charlotte in Lexington. This winery combines Southern hospitality with elegant wines crafted from vineyards planted in the rolling piedmont hills. Visitors can explore the guided vineyard tour, which includes a walk through rows of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, followed by a tasting in a grand estate-style tasting room. The winery’s emphasis on traditional winemaking techniques and sustainable farming sets it apart. Springtime visits allow for vibrant views of blooming dogwoods and azaleas, enhancing the serene beauty of the vineyard grounds and enriching the tasting experience.
Together, these destinations illustrate how North Carolina’s diverse landscapes—from mountain ridges to coastal plains—shape a distinctive craft beverage culture. Whether you’re sipping a tart sour beer in Asheville, savoring a rich bourbon near Charlotte, or enjoying a glass of mountain-grown Riesling in Hendersonville, the state offers a rich tapestry of flavors and stories waiting to be discovered.