Winston-Salem, NC Local Craft Beer Guide
A Connoisseur's Tour
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has become a prominent destination for beer enthusiasts, reflecting the city's dedication to the craft of brewing. The local breweries offer a tapestry of flavors that echo the city's historical roots and innovative spirit. With an array of establishments from historic staples to modern, experimental brewers, Winston-Salem provides a diverse beer landscape. Each location presents its unique assortment of signature beers, collectively contributing to a rich and vibrant craft beer culture.
Visitors to Winston-Salem can explore an eclectic mix of breweries that are frequently accompanied by local food offerings and artistic touches, such as the repurposed Art-o-mat vending machines that now distribute small works of art. The community embraces a collaborative environment where new tastes are as celebrated as the time-honored traditions. This city's craft beer scene is not just about enjoying a pint but about experiencing the community's connection to its local craftspeople.
As one navigates through Winston-Salem's craft beer offerings, it's clear that the city's brewers are not just making beer—they're telling the story of a place with each pour. From the hoppy notes of an IPA to the earthy tones of a farmhouse ale, each brewery contributes its voice to the ongoing narrative of Winston-Salem's craft beer odyssey. Whether a connoisseur or curious newcomer, the city's breweries stand ready to provide an entry point into the world of hops, malts, and brewing excellence.
History of Craft Beer in Winston-Salem
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the craft beer scene is a blend of deep history and vibrant modernity. Historic Breweries have been a part of the city's fabric, as evidenced by the Well Crafted N.C. project that meticulously traces this rich heritage. At the UNC Greensboro's Jackson Library, thorough documentation efforts show how integral beer has been to local culture.
The city experienced a pivotal moment in its brewing history on August 5, 1969, with the Joseph Schlitz Brewery commencing operations. This marked an important expansion of the beer industry in Winston-Salem, signifying a shift in production scales.
Milestones in Winston-Salem's Craft Beer History
1969: Schlitz Brewery's first beer production
Modern Era: Flourishing of local microbreweries
Ongoing: Preservation efforts of beer history
In recent years, the narrative has shifted from large-scale production to the intricacies of craft beer, with numerous microbreweries carving out unique identities. These establishments focus on creating distinct flavors, propelling Winston-Salem to be a notable destination for beer enthusiasts.
Craft beer connoisseurs in Winston-Salem are greeted with an array of local flavors and brewing innovation. These brewers draw inspiration from traditional methods while infusing modern twists. Their efforts result in a robust selection of ales, lagers, and stouts that reflect both the city's history and its progressive stride into the future of craft beer.
Guide to Local Breweries
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, boasts an impressive array of breweries, each offering unique flavors and experiences. From intimate taprooms to expansive beer gardens, the city caters to craft beer enthusiasts with a diverse range of styles and specialties.
Incendiary Brewing Company
Located in the historic Bailey Power Plant, Incendiary Brewing Company offers a rich selection of beers, including the Coalpit stout and various IPAs. Their spacious patio is a hub for social gatherings and events.
Radar Brewing Company
Radar Brewing Company is known for its inventive brews such as Shade of Lies. Nested at 216 E 9th Street, patrons can enjoy a cozy taproom with a lineup of unique events.
Small Batch Beer Co
Housed in a repurposed tobacco warehouse, Small Batch Beer Co crafts their beer in single-barrel batches. The brewery features a welcoming patio where events and local happenings are regular occurrences.
Wise Man Brewing
Wise Man Brewing stands out with its Hoppyum IPA and a variety of barrel-aged beers. The brewery on Industry Hill is a local favorite for live music and an array of food trucks.
Hoots Beer Co
Infamous for its Hoots Roller Bar, Hoots Beer Co is a creative hub that blends classic brewing with a touch of jazz and other live events, providing a nostalgic atmosphere in Winston-Salem.
Joymongers Barrel Hall
In Industry Hill, Joymongers Barrel Hall offers a beer garden alongside their wide-reaching seasonal and barrel-aged selections. The brewery emphasizes the joy of craftsmanship in each pour.
Foothills Brewing
Best known for its coveted Sexual Chocolate imperial stout, Foothills Brewing has a lively taproom that showcases their flagship IPAs and seasonal releases, paired frequently with local food trucks.
Slanted Shed Food Truck
While not a brewery, Slanted Shed Food Truck is a staple in the Industry Hill brewery scene, often serving up culinary delights that perfectly complement the craft beers served at local establishments.
Steinhaugen Brewery
Steinhaugen Brewery is admired for its traditional offerings and experimental styles, evidencing the diversity of Winston-Salem's craft beer community with regular events and releases.
Other Notable Breweries
Additions like Gypsy Road Brewing in Kernersville continue to enrich the local brewery scene with distinctive flavors and communal spaces.
Tours and Tasting Experiences
Many breweries, such as Incendiary Brewing Company and Radar Brewing Company, offer free tours of their production facilities, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the art of craft brewing.
Featured Beers and Special Releases
Seasonal rotations and special releases like the Key Lime Coconut Sour or barrel-aged beers are hallmark experiences, giving visitors a taste of the brewers' innovation and expert craftsmanship.
Brewery Events and Community
Winston-Salem's breweries are vibrant hubs that not only showcase local craft beers but also serve as gathering places for a multitude of events, enriching the sense of community within the city. The events range from live performances to seasonal festivals, all while supporting local businesses and causes.
Live Performances
The breweries in Winston-Salem frequently host live music events, featuring genres like jazz and bluegrass. This creates a lively atmosphere where patrons can enjoy local talent alongside their favorite brews. Foothills Brewing, for instance, is known for its engaging music scene.
Food Trucks and Local Eats
Breweries often pair their craft beers with delicious food options, inviting local food trucks that offer a variety of cuisines. Patrons can enjoy a good burger or other specialties from these trucks, creating a full gastronomic experience. Lesser-Known Beer Co. often has food trucks parked outside, bringing together craft beer lovers and foodies.
Craft Beer Festivals
Seasonal craft beer festivals are pivotal events in Winston-Salem, celebrating the rich variety of local brews. These events provide an opportunity for the community to taste a wide range of beers and meet the brewers behind them. The festivals are often held in vibrant neighborhoods like Industry Hill.
Weekly Activities
Weekly activities at breweries include trivia nights, yoga sessions, and open mic nights. These recurring events foster a sense of regularity and belonging among the attendees. For example, Small Batch Beer Co. might host a trivia night that draws in a crowd of enthusiastic participants.
Charity and Fundraiser Events
Winston-Salem breweries are not just about beer—they're also committed to giving back. They often host charity and fundraiser events, showing their dedication to local efforts. Whether it's brewing a beer for a cause or donating a portion of sales, these events reflect the communal spirit of the city's craft beer culture.
Pairing Food with Craft Beer
When exploring the vibrant craft beer scene in Winston-Salem, NC, beer enthusiasts often find that the right food pairing can enhance their drinking experience. Many local breweries encourage this gastronomic combination by hosting local food trucks, which offer an array of traditional and modern culinary options.
Food Trucks and Breweries: A popular choice for brewery-goers is to pair their ales and lagers with offerings from food trucks like JJ’s Cuban Kitchen and Burger Supreme. These mobile eateries complement the nuanced flavors of Winston-Salem's craft beers with their diverse menus.
Traditional Pairings: For those new to craft beer, a good rule of thumb is to balance the flavor of the beer with that of the food. For example, hop-heavy India Pale Ales (IPAs) go well with spicy dishes (What wine goes well with spicy dishes?), while lighter beers, such as lagers or pilsners, pair well with lighter fare like grilled chicken or fish.
Stout and Smoked Meat: Rich and robust stouts or porters work well with the smoked flavor of barbecued meats.
Wheat Beer and Salads: A citrusy wheat beer complements the freshness of a green salad.
Amber Ale and Burgers: A balanced amber ale stands up nicely to the juiciness of a gourmet burger.
Local Restaurants: Some breweries extend the experience beyond food trucks, pairing their brews with menus from nearby restaurants. Patrons can find expertly paired combinations, such as craft beers with artisanal cheeses or handcrafted sausages, enhancing both the culinary flavors and the qualities of the beer.
The synergy between local Winston-Salem craft beers and carefully selected food options creates a rich tapestry of taste experiences for locals and visitors alike. Whether opting for the convenience of a food truck or the ambiance of a restaurant, the city's craft beer patrons are never short on delicious pairings.
The Beer District and Industry Hill
Winston-Salem's craft beer scene thrives in its Beer District and the Industry Hill area. Enthusiasts flock to this locale for its rich history and the diverse selection of breweries set among iconic landmarks.
Exploring the Beer District
The Beer District in Winston-Salem has transformed from a historic tobacco hub to a vibrant community-centric area where craft beer aficionados gather. It is home to Wise Man Brewing, housed in the historic Angelo Bros. Warehouse, and is known for offering an array of over 20 different craft brews and ciders. The Bailey Power Plant, once a part of the city's tobacco industry infrastructure, now stands as a revitalized cornerstone surrounded by breweries.
Landmark Attraction
Angelo Bros. Warehouse Wise Man Brewing
Bailey Power Plant Revitalized industrial building near breweries
Cultural Hotspots Around Breweries
Adjacent to the Beer District is Industry Hill, a neighborhood characterized by its industrial roots and a growing hotspot for cultural activities. The vibrant guitar mural on one of the old tobacco warehouses adds an artistic touch to the area, symbolizing the harmony between the city's musical past and its craft beer present. Industry Hill is not only a center for quality brews but also for social gatherings, where the mountainous backdrop of North Carolina, often referred to as the "mountain calling," beckons outdoor enthusiasts.
Cultural Element Description Guitar Mural Artistic representation on a tobacco warehouse in Industry Hill Mountain Calling Theme that reflects North Carolina's mountainous allure
Visitors and locals alike are drawn to this part of Winston-Salem for its taste of local craftsmanship and the community's commitment to preserving its historical essence.
Craft Beer and Lifestyle
Winston-Salem's thriving craft beer scene caters to a varied lifestyle, merging the love for quality brews with a culture that celebrates community, pets, and the outdoors. Patrons can expect to enjoy their craft beers in a setting that reflects their lifestyle choices, from pet-friendly environments to venues that combine the aroma of coffee with the taste of craft beers.
Pet-Friendly Venues
Many breweries in Winston-Salem welcome guests accompanied by their four-legged friends. Wise Man Brewing and Foothills Brewing, for instance, are known for their open attitude towards dogs. They ensure that pet owners can enjoy their time without having to leave their pets behind.
Wise Man Brewing: Offers both indoor and outdoor spaces
Foothills Brewing: Features a beer garden where dogs can relax
Coffee and Craft Brews
Coffee lovers who also appreciate a good beer will find some breweries offering the best of both worlds. Establishments like Small Batch have recognized the synergy between craft coffee and craft beer, often using their spaces as coffee shops during the day before transitioning into vibrant brew hubs at night.
Small Batch: Dual-purpose venue; operates as a coffee shop and brewery
Outdoor Spaces and Patios
Outdoor spaces are integral to many Winston-Salem breweries, providing a relaxed atmosphere for patrons. Breweries like Joymongers Barrel Hall boast spacious patios and beer gardens where customers can enjoy a craft beer in the fresh air.
Joymongers Barrel Hall: Has an expansive patio area
Radar Brewery: Features a patio space frequently visited by food trucks
Other Alcoholic Beverages
While the craft beer scene thrives in Winston-Salem, NC, the area also offers a variety of options for wine enthusiasts.
Local Wineries and Wine
Winston-Salem's local wineries provide a delightful experience for those who appreciate fine wines. These establishments showcase the richness of North Carolina's viticulture, offering tastings and tours that highlight the intricate process of wine-making.
RayLen Vineyards & Winery: With a diverse selection of wines, from bold reds to crisp whites, they host tastings and events in a picturesque setting.
Childress Vineyards: Founded by NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, this winery offers a range of estate wines and has a Tuscan-style tasting room.
Shelton Vineyards: One of the largest family-owned estate wineries in North Carolina, Shelton Vineyards features award-winning wines and a lovely property to explore.
Visitors and locals alike can deepen their appreciation for wine at these venues, each offering a unique glimpse into the winemaking tradition of the region.
Concluding Remarks
Winston-Salem's craft beer scene is a vibrant and diverse mosaic of flavors, talents, and places that invite both locals and visitors on a memorable journey into craft beer. With establishments ranging from the trend-setting Joymongers Barrel Hall, with its spacious interior and commitment to local craftsmanship, to the innovative Foothills Brewing, known for its engaging atmosphere and proximity to downtown accommodations, there's a rich tapestry of experiences to be had.
Each brewery in Winston-Salem offers a unique stamp on the craft beer culture, from Radar Brewery's combination of backgrounds in the beer industry to venues like Art-o-mat in others, which pair beer with art, adding to the uniqueness of the city's offerings.
The city's breweries not only offer a wide selection of beers but also host food trucks and other local food options, ensuring patrons can complement their beverages with equally delightful bites.
In summary, whether one seeks an evening out with friends, a sample of local ale artistry, or a cozy place to relax, Winston-Salem's craft breweries are poised to satisfy with their quality, creativity, and community spirit. They are not just places to drink beer; they are integral parts of the community fabric, weaving stories of friendship, ambition, and passion into every pint served.
