Blue Ridge Brews & Wines

Blue Ridge is already well known for its natural beauty, a bustling downtown area filled with restaurants and shopping, and its plethora of outdoor activities. However, did you know it also has plenty to offer for beers and wines? After a busy day of exploring, you can wind down with a glass of locally brewed beer or fine wine at one of Blue Ridge's popular spots. We list our five favorites below!

1. Blue Ridge Brewery

A brewpub and beer bar, Blue Ridge Brewery can pour six of our house beers and eight other breweries' beers. They are passionate about craft beer, and if you are interested in a particular beer, the staff is more than happy to bring you a taste of any they have on draft. Seasonal beers are also featured regularly.

2. Grumpy Old Men Brewing

Grumpy Old Men Brewing is Blue Ridge’s premier nano brewery. Co-owners Jim McKnight and Steve Weber – fraternity brothers at Georgia Tech in the 70s - embody their business name and tout the motto, “If we don’t like it, we don’t drink it. If we don’t drink it, we don’t sell it.” Their signature brews include Aska Pale Ale, Moon over Blue Ridge Wheat Ale, and the soon-to-be-released Hell’s Holler Porter.

3. Fannin Brewing Company

Fannin Brewing Company’s motto sums up everything you need to know: Fresh Air, Fresh Water, Fresh Beer. Started in association with the Blue Ridge Brewery, here you’ll find some of the same sought-after sips like Hiawassee Golden Ale and Toccoa Brown Ale. Fannin Brewing Company’s owner, Tom Fennell, spent a good bit of time in Germany, where many of his trips involved visiting a Biergarten or two and sampling a host of German beer styles. He was bitten by the craft beer bug in 2012 when he partnered with Pat Walker at the Blue Ridge Brewery, and by December, the first beer was on tap at the Brewery where the brews,  crafted with fresh Blue Ridge water, have been top sellers ever since.

4. The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro

At The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro, you can enjoy local wine tastings daily. Choose all reds, all whites, or 3 reds/3 whites. They also offer a Wine and Chocolate Pairing every Friday by reservation. They also have beer options!
 

5. Mercier Orchards

Few wineries can claim that they grow, press, ferment, and bottle their product. At Mercier's Cidery, they craft premium products they proudly label Georgia Grown. Mercier Orchards also has plenty of other delicious goodies to try while you're there!