As the leaves begin to fall and the temperatures drop, we all know that autumn is finally here. With it comes a bounty of wonderful things – from pumpkin spice lattes to cozy sweaters.
But for us libation lovers, one thing stands out: it’s a winery and craft brew season! There are many opportunities to experience some of the best beverages around – whether you’re looking for a crisp white wine or an interesting IPA. So as we embrace this new season, let’s not forget that our taste buds deserve a treat too!
Belmar, NJ, may not have an abundance of craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries, but there are several excellent options in the surrounding areas. From Neptune City to Long Branch and beyond, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the region’s local flavors.
Whether you’re a beer lover, wine connoisseur, or spirits enthusiast, there are many great places to visit and sample some of the best craft beverages that New Jersey has to offer. So, let’s look at some of the top locations in and around Belmar where you can enjoy delicious brews, wines, and spirits.
Dachshund Distilling
Dachshund Distilling is located in Neptune City, just about 5 miles from Belmar, and you can get there in about a 10-minute drive. Dachshund Distilling, a distinguished veteran-owned micro craft rum distillery, is in the center of the beautiful Jersey shore.
They are extremely proud to offer our clients high-quality, artisanal rums that have been meticulously produced with care and precision. Their commitment to creating superior spirits from locally sourced ingredients results in an exquisite flavor that will tantalize your palate and leave you wanting more.
They take great pride in being part of this amazing community and look forward to continuing to provide top-notch rum for many years! They are devoted to crafting extraordinary spirits in traditional fashion, one small batch at a time. In addition, they provide both public and private tours of their distillery as well as tastings of their products.
Asbury Park Distilling Company
The Asbury Park Distilling Company, situated 7 miles from Belmar in Asbury Park, is a craft distillery dedicated to creating high-grade spirits such as vodka, gin, and rum using sustainable production methods. It’s only 15 minutes away by car and allows visitors to take part in tours of the facility and sample their creations in a tasting room.
They are more than just a “typical bar” because they have both a production facility and a tasting room. This means that, compared to other establishments, their cocktail program is subject to stricter laws. As such, it is not legal for them to sell or serve any alcohol unless it has been produced on-site.
When you visit them, you have an incredible chance to witness their enthusiasm. The drinks that are served to you are made from the ground up, right there in the establishment. The amazing team behind the bar of APD Tasting Room is proud to present its full range of alcoholic beverages, bitters, tonics, tinctures, syrups, and cordials. Come in and taste this exclusive selection for yourself – you won’t regret it!
Colts Neck StillHouse
Colts Neck StillHouse is located in Colts Neck, about 14 miles away from Belmar, and you can get there in approximately 20 minutes by car. This craft distillery offers a range of spirits, including whiskey, gin, and vodka, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional distilling techniques. You can visit their tasting room to sample their products. Tour their copper pot stills, learn about the traditional art of distilling, and explore the delicious cocktails in their parlor.
Long Branch Distillery
Located in Long Branch, a beach town just 6 miles north of Belmar, Long Branch Distillery is about a 25-minute drive away. Providing craft spirits such as whiskey, vodka, rum, and gin, the distillery only uses top-notch ingredients from local sources. If you’re in the area, be sure to drop by their tasting room and take a tour of the facility.
As you step into their building, the tasting room and lounge come into view. To your right is a large glass wall through which you can see the distillery. Go up a brief set of stairs and find yourself in our 2,000-square-foot parlor. It is the site of LIVE music on Friday and Saturday nights and special occasions on Thursdays and Fridays, such as sip & shop, art shows, and jazz jamming. Their place can also be hired for special occasions including birthdays, weddings, bridal showers, and baby showers.
Beach Haus Brewery
If the ocean’s siren song is still beckoning your presence long after summer has ended, Beach Haus Brewery should be your destination of choice. Visitors can embark on a guided tour of the brewhouse, receiving an in-depth look at its rich history and the various beers crafted within its walls. It’s a great way to experience all that this iconic brewery has to offer firsthand!
Bradley Brew Project is a craft brewery located in Bradley Beach, about 2 miles south of Belmar, and you can get there in approximately 5 minutes by car. They offer a range of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours, using high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations. You can visit their taproom to sample their products and learn more about their brewing process.
Little Dog Brewing Co.
Little Dog Brewing Co. is another craft brewery located in Neptune City, about 5 miles away from Belmar, and you can get there in approximately 10 minutes by car. They offer a range of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and porters, using high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations. You can visit their taproom to sample their products and learn more about their brewing process.
The Grand Tavern
It takes approximately 8 minutes to get there by car, but the journey is well worth it for the fantastic range of craft beers they offer, many of which are sourced from local breweries. Located in the seaside town of Neptune, The Grand Tavern is a bar and restaurant situated just 4 miles away from nearby Belmar. In addition to various beverages, diners can also sample delightful food items such as succulent burgers, mouth-watering sandwiches, and fresh salads. An array of delicious dishes is available to tantalize the taste buds and satisfy any appetite.
Beach Bee Meadery
Beach Bee Meadery is a meadery located in Long Branch, about 6 miles north of Belmar, and you can get there in approximately 15 minutes by car. They specialize in producing mead, a fermented honey wine, using high-quality honey and locally sourced ingredients. You can visit their tasting room to sample their meads and learn more about the mead-making process.
Valenzano Winery
Valenzano Winery is a winery located in Shamong, about 50 miles from Belmar, and you can get there in approximately 1 hour by car. They offer a range of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés, using locally sourced grapes and unique blends. You can visit their tasting room and take a tour of the facility to learn more about their winemaking process.
Cream Ridge Winery
Cream Ridge Winery is another winery located near Belmar, in Cream Ridge, about 24 miles away, and you can get there in approximately 30 minutes by car. They offer a range of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines, using locally grown grapes and fruits. You can visit their tasting room to sample their wines and tour the vineyard.
Check Out All The Local Flavors Today
In conclusion, Belmar and its surrounding areas offer diverse local flavors for craft beer, wine, and spirits enthusiasts to explore. Whether you are looking for a classic wine-tasting experience or trying unique, small-batch spirits, you will surely find something to enjoy in this area.
With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and traditional brewing and distilling techniques, these local businesses offer a taste of the region that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a longtime resident or you’re just visiting for the day, these craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries are definitely worth a visit.