The Local Flavors of Delaware Beaches’ Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries

By Julie Matthews

With is rich agricultural heritage and laid back coastal vibes, the Delaware Beaches provide a delightful environment for sipping local libations. The region offers a fantastic array of breweries, wineries and distilleries sprinkled throughout its towns both along the coast and heading inland. While Rehoboth is certainly a central destination for enjoying craft beverages, visitors should consider embarking on a short road trip to some of the beaches’ nearby towns, from Milford to Lewes and beyond.

Whether you wish to join one of the area’s tasting trails, such as Delaware on Tap, or create your own trail, come explore the delicious tastes of the Delaware Beaches. 

Craft Breweries

In recent years, the craft beverage scene in the region has boomed. Locals and visitors alike have many incredible options of impressive establishments with variety of flavors on tap. Certainly, Dogfish Head Brewery is one of the best known craft beer companies in the area. Beer enthusiasts will want to journey out to its rural location in Milton and discovery a complete craft brewery experience, including daily tours. Along with a roomy tasting room with more than 40 beer and cocktail taps, the captivating outdoor area features a Steampunk Treehouse and outdoor fermenters. Don’t miss Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats in Rehoboth to also get a taste of the brewery’s various flavors. 

With locations in Rehoboth and Georgetown, Revelation Craft Brewing Company is a local brewery that is pushing beer brewing boundaries. Come enjoy craft beers made with high quality ingredients and craftsmanship. In Rehoboth, check out Thompson Island Brewing Company, named after a Rehoboth Bay island, and the Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, whose goal is “to be the best local brewery in the world,” even incorporating beer as an ingredient in some of its dishes. All of these breweries are award winning and make a great addition to any beer tour.

Not far away, Dewey Beer Company is another popular brewery with locations in both Dewey Beach and Milton. In Lewes, sample more local flavors at Big Oyster Brewery and Crooked Hammock Brewery. And a couple more to add to your list include Mispillion River Brewing in Milford and Brick Works Brewing & Eats in Millsboro.

Local Wineries & Vineyards

Wine lovers, don’t fret because exceptional opportunities await for sampling and savoring tasty local wines. Located a short distance from historic Lewes, Nassau Valley Vineyards has garnered special recognition as the first winery in Delaware. The vineyards got their start in the late ‘80s on a family farm as the work of Peg Raley and her father, Bob. After working in the wine industry’s publication sector, Peg decided to go into the winemaking business; however,  at the time Delaware didn’t allow farm wineries so she became active in lobbying for farm winery legislation, which passed in 1991. Shortly after, Nassau Valley Vineyards opened in 1993 and today the winery is the largest in the state. Tasters can enjoy a variety of wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Chardonnay, and along with tours and tastings, there is a farmers market and a wine shop.

Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery, a 26-acre winery located in Frankford, is a short distance away from Delaware Beaches and offers a warm, inviting wine tasting experience.

If mead is more your speed, Brimming Horn Meadery is a must-do experience. This Meadery boasts more than 20 years of crafting experience and features award-winning meads. Brimming Horn Meadery has two locations: one in Milton and another in Seaford. 

Distilleries

For spirits, carve out some time for a visit to the family-operated Beach Time Distilling in Lewes. Guests have the opportunity to sample ultra-premium, hand-crafted spirits in its tasting room and book one of the Saturday tours. And while Dogfish Head Brewery is best known as a brewery, don’t forget to try the cocktails available.

No matter what’s on the agenda, exploring local libation establishments is an excellent way to get better acquainted with the region’s unique flavors and local communities. In addition, many of the breweries, wineries and distilleries offer great entertainment, from live music to game contests, so it’s easy to transition a short visit into a fun afternoon or evening!