Savor the Flavors of Local Libations 

By Julie Matthews

With a rich agricultural heritage and laid back coastal vibes, the Delaware Beaches are a delightful destination for sampling local beverages. 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 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 for tasting local flavors. 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. Also in Rehoboth, check out Thompson Island Brewing Company, named after a Rehoboth Bay island, as well as First State Brewing Company. All of these breweries make a great addition to any beer tour. Not far away, Dewey Beer Company in Dewey Beach is another popular brewery to experience.  

While in Lewes, stop in at Lewes Brewing Company, which opened in 2024, and sample more flavors at Big Oyster Brewery and Crooked Hammock Brewery. 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. This vineyard’s beginnings reach back to 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, Merlot, Chardonnay and a selection of sweet wines. 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 

While Dogfish Head Brewery is best known as a brewery, also consider sampling their crafted spirits, which span a range of unique flavors. 

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 establishments offer great entertainment, from live music to game contests, so it’s easy to transition a short visit into a fun afternoon or evening!