Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put Wyoming on the Map
Just a short drive from downtown Jackson, Wyoming, the Snake River Brewing Company offers visitors a cozy spot to sample craft beers with a distinctly Western flair. Nestled in the heart of the town’s historic district, this brewery blends rustic mountain charm with modern brewing techniques. Visitors can sip on seasonal brews while gazing out at the dramatic Teton Range, which forms a breathtaking backdrop just beyond the windows. In winter, the snow-dusted peaks create a postcard-perfect scene, making it an ideal stop after a day on nearby trails like the moderate, family-friendly Cache Creek Trail. The brewery’s commitment to local ingredients and a rotating selection of IPAs and stouts helps it stand out in Wyoming’s growing craft beer scene.
Heading east from Casper, about a 20-minute drive along the North Platte River, the Wyoming Whiskey Distillery in Kirby offers a deep dive into the art of small-batch bourbon making. This distillery is unique because it is Wyoming’s first to produce whiskey from scratch, starting with locally grown grains and pure mountain water drawn directly from the nearby Rocky Mountains. Visitors can tour the facility to see the copper stills and barrel-aging rooms, then sample smooth, amber-colored bourbon that carries notes of caramel and spice. The surrounding foothills provide a rugged setting that feels quintessentially Western, especially in the crisp fall months when the aspens turn golden. Wyoming Whiskey’s hands-on approach to distilling and its commitment to local terroir make it a must-visit for spirits enthusiasts.
In Laramie, about an hour’s drive south of Cheyenne, the Altitude Chophouse & Brewery brings a sophisticated palate to the high plains with its house-crafted beers and hearty fare. This east-central Wyoming town is home to the brewery’s flagship location, where visitors can enjoy a pint after hiking the Medicine Bow National Forest’s Snowy Range Scenic Byway, located just a short drive from downtown. The Snowy Range offers alpine lakes and rugged peaks, with accessible trails like the 3.5-mile Lake Marie loop, perfect for a half-day adventure. Back at Altitude, the brewery’s flagship amber ale pairs perfectly with a mountain-inspired take on pub food, reflecting the region’s blend of frontier resilience and modern culinary trends.
Travel northwest to Cody, a gateway to Yellowstone, and you’ll find the Cody Canning Company, which has recently begun experimenting with small-batch fruit wines and meads inspired by Wyoming’s wild berries and honey. Located about 50 miles east of Yellowstone’s east entrance, Cody offers visitors a blend of Old West history and new craft flavors. After exploring the Buffalo Bill Center of the West’s museums or hiking parts of the nearby Heart Mountain Interpretive Center trails, guests can sample these unique wines in a tasting room designed to evoke the spirit of the frontier. The local fruit wines highlight a rarely explored niche in Wyoming’s beverage scene, inviting visitors to taste the state’s natural sweetness in a glass.
Further south near Cheyenne, the Crystal Creek Spirits distillery taps into the agricultural heritage of southeastern Wyoming. Located just outside the state capital, the distillery transforms wheat and barley from nearby farms into small-batch vodka and gin. Visitors can tour the distillation process and enjoy a tasting in the rustic, barn-style tasting room, surrounded by open prairie landscapes. The location makes it easy to combine a visit with a walk in Cheyenne’s Curt Gowdy State Park, where trails like the relatively gentle Overlook Trail offer sweeping views of granite outcroppings and pine forests. Spring and early summer are especially pleasant times to visit, when wildflowers paint the park’s high country in vibrant colors, enhancing the sensory experience from trail to tasting glass.
On the western side of the state, near the town of Saratoga about an hour south of Rawlins, you can find Platte River Vineyards, a boutique winery nestled along the Platte River. This vineyard benefits from Wyoming’s high elevation and intense sunlight, which helps cultivate grapes with bold flavors despite the challenging climate. Visitors can stroll through the vineyard and enjoy tastings of their handcrafted wines in a lodge-style tasting room with panoramic views of the Medicine Bow National Forest. The nearby Saratoga Hot Springs Resort offers a perfect complement, inviting visitors to soak in natural mineral waters after sampling the local vintages. Late summer, when the grapes are ripe and the weather is warm but not hot, is an ideal time to experience the synergy between the vineyard and the surrounding landscape.
Finally, in Sheridan, just under two hours northwest of Gillette, the Powderhaus Brewery offers a distinctly local experience amid the town’s revitalized downtown district. Named after the historic powder house used in the region’s mining era, this brewery celebrates Sheridan’s rich heritage with handcrafted lagers and ales that incorporate native ingredients like sage and juniper. After a day exploring the Bighorn Mountains nearby—perhaps hiking the moderate Cloud Peak Wilderness trails or visiting the scenic Shell Falls—visitors can unwind at Powderhaus, whose rustic décor and mountain views make it a favorite meeting spot. Autumn visits are especially memorable, as the surrounding forests blaze with color, complementing the brewery’s warm, earthy flavors and inviting atmosphere.
Throughout Wyoming, from the Tetons to the Bighorns, these breweries, distilleries, and wineries have crafted distinct regional identities that invite travelers to savor more than just the spectacular landscapes. Each destination offers a taste of Wyoming’s rugged spirit and evolving flavor scene, making the state a surprising and rewarding stop for any beverage enthusiast. Whether you find yourself sipping whiskey near the Rockies or enjoying a crisp craft beer after a stroll through historic Jackson, these places bring the state’s unique character to every glass.