Unearth The Voyage
Delaware might be the second-smallest state in the country, but its craft beverage scene punches well above its weight class. From a historic vineyard that helped put the state back on the map after Prohibition to a beach-town brewery with a cult following and a rotating tap list that never gets boring, there is a lot to discover here. The wineries and breweries spread across this small state are surprisingly diverse, covering farmland borders, coastal towns, and everything in between. Some have been around long enough to become institutions, while others are still building their reputations one creative pour at a time.
Whether you are road-tripping through Sussex County or making a day of it near the Delaware Bay, this guide covers 11 places worth putting on your radar. Each one brings something different to the table, and a few of them might genuinely surprise you.
1. Nassau Valley Vineyards, Lewes, Delaware
Delaware’s first commercial winery since Prohibition has been welcoming guests since 1987, and it still carries the quiet pride of a place that helped restart an entire industry in the state. Robert Russell and his family established the vineyard with a clear goal: prove that Delaware could grow serious grapes.
The property includes a self-guided tour route where visitors can walk through the vineyard, peek at the production facility, and visit a small museum dedicated to the history of winemaking in the region. Guided tastings happen in the tasting room, and a retail shop is stocked with bottles and gifts.
One practical note: tastings are reserved for guests 21 and older, but younger visitors are welcome to explore the grounds. The Sunday Farmers Market, which features local vendors and live music, is a relaxed and enjoyable reason to make the trip. No reservation is needed for a self-guided visit.
2. Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery, Frankford, Delaware
A 26-acre property tucked into the back roads of Sussex County, Salted Vines took over from the former Fenwick Wine Cellars in 2015 and brought a noticeably modern design sensibility with it. The architecture stands out against the rural landscape in a way that makes the place easy to remember.
Guests come for tasting flights, seasonal events, and the covered outdoor patio that is well-suited for groups. There is also a semi-private patio option for smaller gatherings. The venue doubles as an event space, with the intimate Barrel Room holding up to 20 people and the full Tasting Room and Covered Patio accommodating up to 150 guests.
Salted Vines runs a Summer Concert Series and participates in community events like Delaware’s Fire and Ice Festival and a Wine Run 5K. It sits just a short drive from the beaches, which makes it a natural detour for anyone already in the area.
3. Harvest Ridge Winery, Marydel, Delaware
There are not many wineries in the country where you can stand directly on the Mason-Dixon Line, but Harvest Ridge Winery makes that a genuine talking point. Survey marker number 47 sits on the property and even appears in the winery’s logo, which tells you how seriously the Nunan family takes their history.
Chuck and Chris Nunan founded the operation in 2010, and about 75 percent of the grapes used in their selections come from their own 19-acre farm. The remaining fruit is sourced from nearby local growers. Hard cider rounds out the production lineup alongside their estate selections.
The event calendar here is genuinely busy. Live music runs on Saturdays and Sundays, and the winery also organizes music bingo nights, pairing dinners, DIY classes, a Food Truck Competition, a Wine and Arts Festival, and a Christmas Village. Weekend guided tours are available for visitors who want a closer look at the production side of things.
4. Dewey Beer Company, Dewey Beach, Delaware
Right in the middle of one of Delaware’s most energetic beach towns, Dewey Beer Company has built a reputation that extends well beyond the summer crowd. The brewery focuses on small-batch production, which keeps the tap list constantly moving and gives regulars a reason to come back every single visit.
Hazy IPAs and sour varieties are among the most talked-about offerings, but the seasonal releases tend to generate the most excitement. The rotating selection means there is rarely a dull moment at the tap handles, and the casual beach-town layout fits the overall vibe perfectly.
This is a brewery that rewards curiosity. Visitors who ask the staff what is new or what just tapped will usually get an enthusiastic answer and possibly a sample. The location near the shore makes it a natural pre- or post-beach stop, and its loyal following is a reliable sign that the quality holds up well beyond the summer months.
5. Crooked Hammock Brewery, Lewes, Delaware
The name alone sets the right expectations. Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes is built around the idea that a great outing should involve more than just a cold pour, and the sprawling outdoor setup backs that up with actual hammocks, bocce ball, cornhole, and a dedicated playground for kids.
Dogs are welcome, which earns it extra points from a significant portion of Delaware’s visiting population. The food menu covers familiar crowd-pleasers like wings, burgers, nachos, and crab dip, with kid-friendly options like mac and cheese and chicken tenders keeping younger visitors happy.
The brewery operates a second location in Middletown, but the Lewes outpost is the one that tends to draw the most visitors during the warmer months. The house-brewed selection covers a solid range of styles, so there is usually something for everyone at the table. Plan on staying longer than you originally intended.
6. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, Delaware
Few craft breweries in the entire country have built a reputation quite like this one. Dogfish Head started as a tiny pub in Rehoboth Beach back in 1995, and today its Milton campus has grown into a 100,000-square-foot facility inside a converted cannery.
Founder Sam Calagione built the brand on experimental recipes and a refusal to play it safe, and that philosophy shows up everywhere on the campus. Visitors can choose from a 30-minute tour covering the history and the main brewhouse, a 60-minute option that includes the R&D system and the Steampunk Treehouse, or a full 90-minute deep-dive experience.
The Tasting Room runs more than 40 taps, including exclusive small-batch releases you will not find anywhere else. There is also a kitchen, a merchandise shop, and regular live music events to round out the visit. This place rewards a full afternoon.
7. Thompson Island Brewing Company, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Chef Raul Rodriguez runs the kitchen at Thompson Island Brewing Company, and the food program here is taken seriously enough that plenty of visitors come for the meal first and the beverages second. The menu includes wood-fired dishes, fresh seafood, fried chicken, burgers, and shareable snacks, with a clear emphasis on working with local farmers and growers.
Specific standouts include deviled eggs, warm Bavarian pretzels, bowl preparations, and a meatloaf that shows up regularly on the menu. The large windows and well-designed interior make the space feel comfortable without trying too hard.
Thompson Island also runs ThompsonFest, an Oktoberfest-style celebration with live music, specialized dining experiences, and seasonal releases. Limited-time menus like their creative comfort food series keep things unpredictable in a good way. For visitors who are not necessarily craft beverage enthusiasts, the food menu alone makes this worth a visit during any Rehoboth Beach trip.
8. Big Oyster Brewery, Lewes, Delaware
The name is a bit of a clue about what to expect. Big Oyster Brewery in Lewes pairs a broad tap list with a seafood-forward restaurant menu, making it one of the more complete stops along Delaware’s coastal stretch. The combination of fresh food and rotating craft selections draws both locals and visitors throughout the year.
The tap list is designed to offer variety across styles, so groups with different tastes can usually find something that works for everyone. The casual atmosphere makes it easy to settle in for a full meal or just a quick stop between activities.
After a day of exploring Lewes or the nearby Cape Henlopen State Park, this is the kind of place that earns its spot on the itinerary without much debate. The restaurant adds real substance to the visit, and the staff is generally well-regarded for keeping things running smoothly even during busy seasons.
9. Twin Branch Winery, Milton, Delaware
Newer arrivals to any scene have to work harder to earn their place, and Twin Branch Winery near Milton has been doing exactly that. The tasting room is relaxed and approachable, with views of the surrounding vineyard that make the visit feel like a genuine escape from everyday routines.
The winery sits in a part of Sussex County that already draws visitors for its coastal attractions, making it a natural add-on for anyone spending time in the Milton or Lewes area. The staff keeps things low-key, which suits the countryside setting well.
For visitors who want to explore Delaware’s wine scene beyond the established names, Twin Branch offers a fresher perspective on what the state’s vineyards can produce. The selection is still growing as the winery finds its footing, but the welcoming atmosphere and scenic surroundings give it a strong foundation. It is worth keeping on the radar as the operation continues to develop.
10. Mispillion River Brewing, Milford, Delaware
Central Delaware does not always get the same attention as the coastal towns, but Mispillion River Brewing has given the Milford area a genuine destination worth the detour. The taproom has earned a loyal local following built on consistent quality and a rotating seasonal lineup that keeps regulars coming back to see what is new.
The friendly atmosphere is one of the things visitors mention most often. The staff tends to be knowledgeable and enthusiastic without being overwhelming, which is a balance that not every taproom gets right. Regular events keep the calendar active and give the space a community hub quality that goes beyond just serving beverages.
The seasonal selections are a particular draw, with limited releases generating real anticipation among regulars. For travelers passing through central Delaware on their way between the coast and Wilmington, Mispillion River Brewing is a well-timed stop that consistently delivers. The taproom layout is comfortable and easy to settle into for an extended visit.
11. Brick Works Brewing & Eats, Smyrna, Delaware
The name pays tribute to a former brick-making factory that once operated in Smyrna, and that nod to local history gives the place a sense of identity that goes beyond the menu. Eric Williams, Ryan Maloney, and Kevin Reading opened Brick Works in 2016 with a clear commitment to using locally sourced ingredients throughout both the kitchen and the production side.
The dining room is spacious enough to handle everything from weekday lunches to larger evening gatherings without feeling crowded. Comfort food built to pair with house-made selections is the kitchen’s focus, and the menu reflects that philosophy with approachable dishes designed for easy enjoyment.
One detail that regulars appreciate: visitors can see the brewing tanks through a window from the dining room, which adds a layer of transparency to the whole operation. An enclosed porch area provides an additional seating option for those who want a slightly different setting. It is a reliable, well-rounded stop in northern Kent County.
