Each tasting room reflects the city’s creative energy. Many breweries are housed in revitalized industrial buildings, offering large patios, live music, food trucks, and rotating seasonal releases. 

The distilleries showcase a mix of tradition and experimentation, using locally grown grains and time-honored methods to create premium spirits. Together, these makers form a connected community—collaborating on limited releases, pairing dinners, and festivals that celebrate the art of craft.

Incendiary Brewing Company 

Set in the restored Bailey Power Plant, Incendiary draws a crowd for its spacious courtyard, bold IPAs, and lively atmosphere. The brewery often hosts concerts, markets, and community events, creating a hub of energy in the heart of the Innovation Quarter. 

Foothills Brewing 

One of North Carolina’s craft pioneers, Foothills has been pouring since 2005 and remains a must-visit for beer lovers. The downtown brewpub pairs house-brewed staples like People’s Porter and Hoppyum IPA with a full gastropub menu, while the full tasting room on Kimwell Drive offers tours, tastings, and a slate of rotating events. Seasonal and small-batch releases paired with staple comfort classics keep locals and travelers coming back. 

Wise Man Brewing 

Located in a former 1920s warehouse, Wise Man has become a gathering place for live music, trivia nights, and community events. Expect a diverse tap list—from hazy IPAs to crisp lagers—and a welcoming outdoor beer garden that buzzes year-round. 

Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Company 

Just steps from downtown hotels and the ballpark, Fiddlin’ Fish celebrates the spirit of adventure. The brewery’s rotating taps highlight approachable, easy-drinking styles that pair perfectly with live music and weekend food trucks. 

Small Batch Beer Co. 

A cozy downtown brewery that lives up to its name, Small Batch crafts inventive one-off beers in limited quantities. It’s the kind of place where visitors might find a peanut butter stout one week and a citrusy pale ale the next—always creative, always fresh. Located in the heart of downtown, Small Batch also offers a full restaurant menu!

Lesser-Known Beer Co. 

Located in charming West Salem, Lesser-Known Beer Co. specializes in expressive, small-batch beers that encourage exploration. The relaxed tasting is simple and free of distractions like TV’s and brewery trivia events, instead focusing on top quality, lesser-known brews. 

Brouwerij DuBois 

This boutique brewery brings Belgian-inspired brewing traditions to Winston-Salem, offering farmhouse ales, saisons, and bottle-conditioned beers crafted with patience and precision. The intimate tasting room gives visitors the chance to connect with the brewer, enjoy thoughtful pours, and learn about the old-world methods behind each release. It is a welcoming stop for travelers seeking a quieter, more contemplative beer experience.

Broad Branch Distillery 

Located near Industry Hill, Broad Branch revives the city’s pre-Prohibition heritage with meticulously crafted whiskey, rum, and gin. Tours and tastings highlight small-batch aging methods and locally sourced grains. Visitors can sample favorites like the unique Smashing Violet whiskey or the smooth Sungrazer rum. Bourbon connoisseurs will enjoy their wide selection of bottled in bond and aged barrel selection.

Sutlers Spirit Co.

Known for their floral-forward gin that rivals the big national brands, Sutlers Spirit Co is a small distillery with a big history. They claim the title of the first legal distillery in Winston-Salem during the post-prohibition era, and they rely on traditional recipes and time-honored preparation methods that sing an ode to the region. 

Their tasting room is available for tours and tastings by appointment only, but you can find their spirits served in bars across the area from Dram & Draught to Joyners.

Old Nick Williams Farm & Distillery

A short drive from downtown in nearby Lewisville, Old Nick Williams carries a legacy dating back to 1768. The family-run distillery produces bourbon, whiskey, and rum using recipes passed through generations. Guests can take a behind-the-scenes tour, then relax with a pour in the rustic tasting barn. They also have a large outdoor event space on site where you can enjoy live music and other rotating events!

The craft beer scene doesn't end at the Winston-Salem city lines. Keep the good times rolling by hopping over to the nearby towns of Kernersville and Clemmons to see what their local spots are brewing!

Gypsy Road Brewing Company (Kernersville) 

A favorite for families and groups, Gypsy Road features an expansive outdoor space with live music, rotating food trucks, and a laid-back community vibe. The brewery’s lineup ranges from fruit-forward sours to traditional ales—best enjoyed on its dog-friendly lawn. 

Little Brother Brewing (Kernersville) 

This small but mighty outpost of Greensboro’s popular brewery brings inventive small-batch beers to downtown Kernersville. Expect experimental flavors, cozy indoor seating, and occasional events that spotlight local artisans. 

Folly’s Draft & Snack (Kernersville) 

While modest in size, Folly’s brews its own craft beer and offers a relaxed, no-frills experience perfect for casual tastings or evening hangs. Rotating taps and frequent live music keep things interesting for regulars and visitors alike. 

The Other Side of the Moon (Clemmons)

This microbrewery is an extension of Full Moon Oyster Bar and has locals and visitors alike pulling up a barstool. You'll get the feel of a quaint neighborhood bar with a full food menu and a rotating selection of house brews.

Winston-Salem’s brewers and distillers love a good celebration! barstool trivia and karaoke to half marathons fueled by craft brews, 

Annual highlights include: 

• Craft Half Marathon – an annual spring tradition for runners and beer enthusiasts.
• Oktoberfest and Fall Beer Festivals – outdoor gatherings with live music and new releases to celebrate the change of seasons. Check our event calendar for updated information!
• Rotating Brewery Events – check out our events calendar for an up-to-date list of all rotating events and breweries and distilleries, from trivia to live music. Many breweries also host run clubs, trivia nights, and “pint nights” supporting local nonprofits.

Winston-Salem is a city bursting with personality, charm, and an endless list of things to do. Before or after your brewery adventure, add one of these local favorites to your itinerary:

• Catch a Dash baseball game or Thunderbirds hockey game, depending on the season
• Explore the immersive public art scene in the downtown arts district
• Stroll through time at Old Salem Museums & Gardens and Historic Bethabara Park
• Enjoy a stroll through the city’s trails and greenways or head just out of town to Pilot Mountain State Park.
• Pack up the whole family and head to Kaleideum Children's Museum for an afternoon of learning + fun