For those who appreciate craft beer, fine wine, and unique tasting experiences, the Charlotte metro area and surrounding counties offer a diverse selection of breweries and wineries. Whether you're seeking an urban taproom, a scenic vineyard, or a historic brewing site, this list covers top venues in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Union, Cleveland, and Lincoln Counties in North Carolina, as well as York and Lancaster Counties in South Carolina.
🍻 Breweries
Mecklenburg County, NC
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery – Charlotte
Charlotte’s original craft brewery, specializing in German-style lagers
Large outdoor Biergarten and tasting room
Ass Clown Brewing Company – Cornelius
Known for experimental brews and rotating selections
Cozy taproom with a suburban feel
Cabarrus County, NC
Cabo Winery – Concord
Fun and relaxed urban winery experience
Offers tastings in a casual atmosphere
Gaston County, NC
Cavendish Brewing Company – Gastonia
European-style ales served in a spacious taproom
Hosts regular events and tastings
Lincoln County, NC
BrickTree Brewing Co. – Lincolnton
Set in a historic cotton mill with a unique ambiance
Offers flagship craft beers and rotating seasonal selections
Cleveland County, NC
Newgrass Brewing Company – Shelby
Located in downtown Shelby with a vibrant cultural atmosphere
Features craft beer, live music, and a lively taproom
York County, SC
Legal Remedy Brewing – Rock Hill
Brewery set in a repurposed car dealership
Offers inventive brews and a full-service kitchen
🍷 Wineries
While breweries dominate the local scene, there are also some fantastic wineries to explore:
Cabo Winery – Concord, NC
Urban winery with fun tastings for both new and seasoned wine lovers
Veronét Vineyards & Winery – Kings Mountain, NC
Gorgeous rural vineyard with scenic views
Tasting room and wine flights available
Treehouse Vineyards – Monroe, NC
Unique treehouse accommodations available on-site
Known for sweet and dry wines, with guided tastings
Cat’s Paw Winery – Rock Hill, SC
Small boutique winery with intimate tastings
Focuses on high-quality, handcrafted wines
🌄 Urban vs. Rural Experience
Urban: Charlotte-area breweries like Olde Mecklenburg and Legal Remedy Brewing offer vibrant social settings.
Suburban: Spots like Ass Clown Brewing (Cornelius) and Cabo Winery (Concord) offer convenient locations outside the city.
Rural: For a more scenic experience, Veronét Vineyards in Kings Mountain or Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe provide tranquil countryside settings.
📌 Plan Your Visit
Tasting Rooms: Most breweries and wineries offer tasting flights; check their websites for hours.
Events & Tours: Many locations, such as Olde Mecklenburg and Newgrass Brewing, host regular events and live music.
Accessibility: Urban venues are easily accessible, while rural wineries may require a scenic drive.
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or a wine aficionado, the Greater Charlotte region has something for everyone. Cheers! 🍻🍷
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