A trip down the Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail is definitely worth the journey for the beautiful scenery alone. However, the incredible wine and beer scene will truly make the trek worthwhile for any beer or wine lover. As you follow the steps of Lewis and Clark, make sure you save time to stop at the top 5 breweries and top 5 wineries along the trail. These hidden American gems will show you the craftsmanship that takes locally grown grain and grapes from field to bottle. You’ll be glad you did!
Top 5 Breweries Along the Trail
1. Conflux Brewing
Located in Missoula, Montana, Conflux Brewing is a unique restaurant and brewery that offers a little something for everyone. Their family-friendly atmosphere and great brews attract visitors and locals alike. They serve up incredible Southern food with a Montana twist that will please even the pickiest of eaters. Also, play areas for the kids and outdoor patios for warm summer evenings make this spot the perfect place to end a day of sightseeing along the trail.
Image courtesy of Conflux Brewing
2. The Old Bakery Beer Company
This Southern Illinois brewery really takes the cake! Operating out of a colonial bakery building in Alton, Old Bakery Beer Company pays homage to its roots with several cake-inspired brews. With everything from wheat ales to Beermosas and IPAs, their selection has everything a beer enthusiast could ever dream of. On top of that, the kitchen serves up vegan dishes, legendary tacos, and a kid’s menu to keep everyone happy. A night at Old Bakery Beer Company lets you have your cake and drink it too!
Image courtesy of Old Bakery Beer Company
3. Walking Man Brewing
Washington’s Walking Man Brewing has something for everyone, including your furry friends! With 17 great beers on tap and a dog-friendly summer beer garden, this lively brewery is perfect for the whole family. They have live music in the evenings on their pavilion and a food, wine, and cider list that has everything from light bites to artisan pizza. A warm and friendly atmosphere is something that Walking Man is extremely proud of. Don’t be afraid to chat up your neighbor and feel like a member of the community for the evening.
Image courtesy of Walking Man Brewing
4. Old Herald Brewery and Distillery
Named after the Collinsville Herald, the newspaper that once was written on site, Old Herald Brewing and Distillery offers a side of local history with its drinks. Stop in for a brewed-in-house beer or a glass of whisky distilled beneath your feet. They specialize in cocktails made with any of their spirits, but the whisky and gin are not to be missed. The kitchen serves up local barbecue with sauces inspired by their favorite brews. At the Old Herald, you can stop in for the history, but you definitely will want to stay for a drink or two!
Image courtesy of Old Herald Brewery and Distillery
5. River Bluff Brewing
Saint Joseph, Missouri’s finest brews are best served with a side of history. River Bluff Brewing is located in the 1224 Frederick Building, which was once home to two prohibition breweries. Brewed in 1800s cellars, River Bluff’s beers are not only award-winning, they are pieces of living history. Stop in for a beer and you might be lucky enough to hear some live music. They host a variety of events each month to keep things as interesting as their rotating beer menu.
Image courtesy of River Bluff Brewing
Top 5 Wineries Along the Trail
1. Baker-Bird Winery and Distillery
Can’t decide between bourbon and wine? Baker-Bird has you covered with a full list of locally crafted wines and bourbon. This place has no shortage of offerings and history. Founded in 1797, it’s the oldest distillery in the nation. Tour the wine cellar, stop in for a tasting of wine or whiskey and learn about the complex history of American wine and spirits. They offer perfectly paired snacks to go with your bullfrog cocktail and encourage you to sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of Kentucky during your visit.
Image courtesy of Baker-Bird Winery and Distillery
2. Stone Hill Winery
This 150-year-old winery in Hermann, Missouri was once the second largest vineyard in the country. Explore the underground cellars on a winery tour then relax with a tasting and drink in the fruits of Missouri’s beautiful scenery. Enjoy a pre-packed picnic or fine German and American cuisine in the on-site restaurant that pairs perfectly with a selection of Stone Hill wines. Dive deep into the winery’s journey from pre-prohibition to the modern era as you experience Stone Hill grapes’ journey from vine to glass. Make sure to book in advance! Reservations fill up fast during the summer months.
Image courtesy of Stone Hill Winery
3. Yellowstone Cellars and Winery
In Billings, Montana lies an unexpected twist to the classic winery. Yellowstone Cellars and Winery does not grow grapes on site but instead prefers to ship in the finest family-grown grapes from another destination along the trail: Yakima County, Washington. Tour the winemaking facility and then experience a tasting like no other. Montana hospitality perfectly paired bites, and live music makes this winery truly one of a kind. Stop in for a tour and tasting or head to the restaurant for a cozy atmosphere and food you won’t soon forget!
Image courtesy of Yellowstone Cellars and Winery
4. Cascade Cliffs Vineyard and Winery
Set on the stunning Columbia River Gorge, Cascade Cliffs is home to one of the most beautiful vineyards in the United States. This Earth-friendly winery prides itself on using practices that only enhance the stunning landscape nearby. Basalt cliffs frame the vineyard, making for a sight you won’t want to miss. Watch their grapes go from vine to wine on a guided tour or pop into one of their four tasting rooms to experience their award-winning Syrah. Make sure to book this one-of-a-kind experience in advance so you don’t miss out on great wine in an even greater setting. Stroll through the beautiful vineyards on a private tour of Cascade Cliffs Winery
5. Frichette Winery
This Washington winery is known for its flights and light bites that ensure your palette is beyond satisfied. Also, it is One of three black-owned wineries in the entire state, this gorgeous Red Mountain vineyard is just as unique as its location. Take a private vineyard tour, try to guess the wines in your mystery flight, or simply sip the day away. Frichette prides itself on its accessibility to all levels of wine-lover, ensuring that even the least experienced winos walk away with a new appreciation for the world’s oldest beverage.
Wine tastings are a must at Frichette Winery
Wine tastings are a must at Frichette Winery
To learn more about things to do along the Lewis and Clark Natural Historic Trail, visit our website.
