As we round off the final month of summer, you’re going to want to soak up those last few days in the sun! Why not bring happy hour to your own backyard? With beer, wine, and spirits from some of these great distilleries, breweries, and wineries East of Edmonton, you can enjoy fresh tastes made with local ingredients and specialty recipes. And we know what you’re thinking – yes, there are tastings and wine tours!
Check out our list of places to get you ‘sippin’ this summer!
Back 40 Distillery
Take a trip to Camrose this weekend to try out Back40’s four excellent handcrafted spirits: Wintertime Frost, Ol’ Apple Betty, Farmer’s Blend, and Vanilla Frost. The products are varied from clear to dark liquors so you’re sure to find one that fits your taste. They’re open from 10 am to 7 pm every Friday and Saturday so you can stop by for a sample, and take a bottle home for yourself!
The Fort Distillery
These small-batch spirits are made from local ingredients, so you know you’re getting your money’s worth. Enjoy their handmade Premium Dry Gin and Prairie Gold Vodka either at home or in their cocktail lounge! You can even book their rustic lounge for your next party or event. If you can’t make it out to Fort Saskatchewan, pick up a bottle from one of the many liquor stores they are available across the province.
Ribstone Creek Distillery
If an ice-cold beer is more up your alley, Edgerton has just the place for you. Ribstone Creek Brewery has a wide variety of beers including their Prairie Pirate series, seasonal beer like the Great White Combine, and their mainstays, Lone Bison IPA and Ribstone Creek Lager. Visit the brewery located in a historic building on main street to get a taste, and don’t forget to bring some home to share!
Section 35 Farm Distillery
You’re going to need to get a taste of this unique honey liquor! Section 35 offers two products made to either be enjoyed on their own or in a delicious cocktail; plenty of recipes are available on their website! Bad Apple is made to taste like liquid apple pie – a classic favourite – and Wildflower is a vodka-inspired delight. While you can buy both of their products in select stores across Alberta, you can also shop online and get them delivered right to your door.
Barr Estate Winery
We can’t end this list without telling you where to get some of the best wine in the province! Barr Estate Winery offers handcrafted and sustainably farmed wine available throughout central and east Alberta. Their flavours include raspberry, rhubarb, strawberry and even sour cherry wine! Head to Sherwood Park and learn about the whole process in one of their guided wine tours where you can sample their delicious creations. Not sure which one to try? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of summer left to relax, enjoy, and drink responsibly!