Discover the of brewing in Winston Salem and explore the top in the city, including Foothills Brewing, Wise Man Brewing, and Incendiary Brewing Company. Indulge in cheese and charcuterie boards or pub fare and bar snacks while attending like the Twin City RibFest and Beer Fest and Hopfest Beer and Music Festival.
History of Brewing in Winston Salem
Winston Salem’s brewing dates back to the 18th century when the Moravians, a religious community, settled in the area. They were known for their beer-making skills and were the first to brew beer in the city. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that brewing gained popularity in Winston Salem.
Prohibition and Its Impact
Like many other cities in the United States, Winston Salem was greatly affected by Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. During this time, the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol were banned, leading to the closure of many breweries in the city. Some tried to stay in business by producing non-alcoholic beverages, but the demand for these products was not enough to sustain them. After Prohibition was repealed, only a few were able to reopen and continue their operations.
Early Breweries in the City
One of the earliest breweries in Winston Salem was the Phoenix Brewery, which was founded in the late 19th century. The brewery produced a variety of beers, including lager, ale, and bock. Another prominent brewery was the Salem Brewery, which was established in the early 20th century and produced beer under the Old Hickory brand.
In addition to these breweries, there were several smaller operations that brewed beer for local consumption. These included taverns, saloons, and other establishments that served beer on-site. Many of these businesses were run by German immigrants who brought their beer-making traditions with them to Winston Salem.
Despite the challenges posed by Prohibition, brewing continued to be an important industry in Winston Salem. Today, the city is home to several thriving that produce a wide range of craft beers. These include Foothills Brewing, Wise Man Brewing, and Incendiary Brewing Company, among others. Visitors to Winston Salem can take brewery and sample some of the best local beers, paired with delicious food options such as cheese and charcuterie boards or pub fare and bar snacks.
Top Breweries in Winston Salem
Winston Salem is known for its rich and culture, and its brewing scene is no exception. The city boasts a number of great breweries that offer unique flavors and experiences for beer lovers. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top breweries in Winston Salem.
Foothills Brewing
Foothills Brewing is one of the most popular in Winston Salem, offering a wide variety of craft beers and ales. The brewery was founded in 2005 and has since become a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.
One of the standout features of Foothills Brewing is its commitment to sustainability. The brewery has implemented a number of environmentally-friendly practices, including using solar power to generate electricity and recycling its spent grain as animal feed.
In terms of beer, Foothills Brewing offers a diverse range of options, from light and refreshing lagers to rich and complex stouts. Some of the most popular brews include the Hoppyum IPA, the Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout, and the Torch Pilsner.
Foothills Brewing also offers a number of and activities, including brewery , live music, and trivia nights. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, Foothills Brewing is definitely worth checking out.
Wise Man Brewing
Wise Man Brewing is another popular destination for beer lovers in Winston Salem. The brewery was founded in 2016 by a group of friends who shared a passion for craft beer and community.
One of the things that sets Wise Man Brewing apart is its focus on using locally-sourced ingredients. The brewery partners with local farmers and suppliers to create unique and flavorful brews that showcase the best of the region.
In terms of beer, Wise Man Brewing offers a wide range of options, from hoppy IPAs to smooth and creamy stouts. Some of the most popular brews include the Anomaly Belgian-style Saison, the Silo Hazy IPA, and the Tiny House Pale Ale.
Wise Man Brewing also hosts a number of and activities, including live music, trivia nights, and food truck . If you’re looking for a laid-back and welcoming brewery with great beer and a strong sense of community, Wise Man Brewing is definitely worth a visit.
Incendiary Brewing Company
Incendiary Brewing Company is a newer addition to the Winston Salem brewing scene, but it has already made a big impression. The brewery was founded in 2018 by a group of friends who shared a passion for brewing and music.
One of the standout features of Incendiary Brewing Company is its focus on experimental and innovative brews. The brewery is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing techniques and using unique ingredients to create bold and exciting flavors.
In terms of beer, Incendiary Brewing Company offers a range of options that are sure to please even the most discerning palate. Some of the most popular brews include the Cherrywood Smoked Red, the Peach Tea Sour, and the Galaxy IPA.
Incendiary Brewing Company also hosts a variety of and activities, including live music, comedy shows, and art exhibits. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, Incendiary Brewing Company is definitely worth a visit.
Brewery Tours in Winston Salem
If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to experience the local craft beer scene in Winston Salem, then you’re in luck! There are plenty of brewery available that will take you behind the scenes of some of the city’s top . Let’s take a closer look at two of the most popular options: the Foothills Brewery Tour and the Winston-Salem Craft Beer Experience Tour.
Foothills Brewery Tour
The Foothills Brewery Tour is a must-do for any beer lover visiting Winston Salem. This tour will take you on a guided tour of the Foothills Brewing production facility, where you’ll get an up-close look at the brewing process and learn about the of the company. You’ll also get to sample some of their delicious beers, including their signature Hoppyum IPA and their award-winning Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout.
One of the highlights of this tour is the chance to visit Foothills’ barrel aging room, where they age some of their beers in bourbon barrels for added flavor and complexity. You’ll also get to check out their bottling line and packaging area, where you can see how their beers are prepared for distribution.
The Foothills Brewery Tour lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour, and is offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm and 4pm. Tickets are $10 per person and include a souvenir pint glass and a sample of beer.
Winston-Salem Craft Beer Experience Tour
For a more comprehensive brewery tour experience, check out the Winston-Salem Craft Beer Experience Tour. This tour will take you to three of the city’s top breweries: Foothills Brewing, Wise Man Brewing, and Incendiary Brewing Company. Along the way, you’ll learn about the of brewing in Winston Salem, as well as the unique brewing methods and styles of each brewery.
The tour includes transportation between breweries, as well as samples of beer at each location. At Foothills, you’ll get to sample their Hoppyum IPA and Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout, as well as some of their other seasonal and limited release beers. At Wise Man, you can try their popular Saison and Porter, as well as some of their experimental brews. Finally, at Incendiary, you’ll get to taste their Belgian-style beers and barrel-aged stouts.
In addition to the brewery visits, the Winston-Salem Craft Beer Experience Tour also includes a stop at a local beer bar, where you can sample even more local brews and chat with other beer enthusiasts. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and is offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $89 per person and include transportation, beer samples, and a souvenir pint glass.
- Foothills Brewery Tour
- Guided tour of production facility
- Sampling of Foothills’ signature beers
- Visit to barrel aging room and bottling line
- Offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm and 4pm
- Tickets are $10 per person
- Winston-Salem Craft Beer Experience Tour
- Visit to three top in the city
- Transportation between breweries included
- Sampling of beer at each location
- Stop at local beer bar for more tastings
- Offered on Saturdays and Sundays
- Tickets are $89 per person
Best Foods to Pair with Local Brews
Winston Salem is a city that is known for its rich brewing culture and diverse food scene. With so many local breweries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide what to pair with your favorite brews. In this section, we will explore some of the best to pair with local brews in Winston Salem.
Cheese and Charcuterie Boards
One of the best to pair with local brews in Winston Salem is cheese and charcuterie boards. These boards typically consist of a variety of cured meats, cheeses, nuts, dried fruits, and crackers. The combination of different flavors and textures makes them an excellent pairing for a wide range of beers.
When selecting cheeses for your board, it is important to consider the flavor profile of the beer you will be drinking. For example, a light lager pairs well with a mild cheese such as brie or goat cheese, while a hoppy IPA pairs well with a sharp cheddar or blue cheese.
Charcuterie meats such as prosciutto, salami, and pepperoni also pair well with a variety of beers. The saltiness of the meats complements the bitterness of the beer, while the fat content helps to balance out the flavors.
Pub Fare and Bar Snacks
Another great option for pairing with local brews in Winston Salem is pub fare and bar snacks. This type of food is typically easy to eat and pairs well with a variety of beers. Some popular options include:
- Chicken Wings: Whether you prefer them spicy or mild, chicken wings are a classic bar snack that pairs well with a variety of beers. The crispy skin and juicy meat are the perfect complement to a cold beer.
- Nachos: Loaded with cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, nachos are a great option for sharing with friends while enjoying a few beers.
- Pretzels: Soft pretzels with mustard or cheese dip are a popular bar snack that pairs well with a variety of beers. The saltiness of the pretzel helps to enhance the flavors of the beer.
- Burgers: A classic pub food, burgers are a great option for pairing with local brews. The rich, juicy flavors of the burger complement the bold flavors of the beer.
Events and Festivals for Beer Lovers
Winston Salem is home to a number of and that celebrate the love of beer. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the city, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. Below are two of the most popular that attract beer lovers from near and far.
Twin City RibFest and Beer Fest
This annual event combines two of America’s favorite things: beer and barbecue. Held every June at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, the Twin City RibFest and Beer Fest is a three-day celebration of all things smoked and grilled. Visitors can sample a variety of beers from local breweries, as well as enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, and of course, some of the best barbecue in the state.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Beer Garden, where visitors can sample over 50 different types of beer. From IPAs to stouts, there’s something to suit every palate. The festival also features a number of competitions, including a rib cook-off and a beer brewing competition.
Hopfest Beer and Music Festival
This annual festival, held every September at Bailey Park, is a must-visit for beer and music lovers alike. The Hopfest Beer and Music Festival features over 50 from across the country, as well as a lineup of live music acts. Visitors can sample a range of beers from local and national , as well as enjoy food from local vendors.
One of the unique features of Hopfest is the Silent Disco, where visitors can dance to music using wireless headphones. The festival also features a number of competitions, including a cornhole tournament and a stein-holding contest.
If you’re a beer lover, Winston Salem is the place to be. With like the Twin City RibFest and Beer Fest and Hopfest Beer and Music Festival, there’s always something to celebrate. So grab a cold one and join in the fun!
*Note: This table uses Markdown language.
| Festival Name | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Twin City RibFest and Beer Fest | June | Winston-Salem Fairgrounds |
| Hopfest Beer and Music Festival | September | Bailey Park |
