‘Spirited’ Adventures Near Wedgewood Forest
Looking to raise a glass? Skip the local cocktail bar and head out to one of North Houston’s many breweries or wineries. They are award-winning, acclaimed and delicious. They are also less than 30 minutes away from Wedgewood Forest.
Breweries
Looking for a bombshell beer? Then you will want to tap into Southern Star. The first Texas brewery to put craft beer in a can is also home to beer aficionados’ favorite “Bombshell Blonde” pale ale. The brewery is very dog- and child-friendly with a Biergarten and a disc golf course. There is live music most Friday nights. You can check out their beer line up here.
Don’t worry and get “hoppy” at Copperhead Brewery. Their signature Striker IPA took the gold for Best in Show at the Wild West Brew Fest. You can go a little darker with their Black Venom Imperial Stout or dive into their fruity Cherry Medusa. Their covered outdoor patio boasts a pool table, a ping pong table, giant Jenga and tournament foosball table. Check out their beer list.
More than 20 unique beers on tap, an air-conditioned tap room and a weekly trivia night? Yes, please. B-52 is a special place where traditional ales and stouts peacefully co-exist with more experimental flavors like the Galveston Ocean Water sour (tastes like blue raspberries and coconuts). There is an expansive back patio and a lawn set up with games like giant Jenga and a cornhole toss. It’s kid- and leashed dog-friendly. Check out what’s on tap at the Indoor Taproom and Patio Bar.
New on the Conroe brewery scene is Fass. Due to open later this year, the brewery is located in the historic Gentry Building in downtown Conroe. The taproom will feature custom millwork and the beer will be served directly from five-barrel serving tanks behind the bar. Learn more on the Fass Brewing Co. Facebook page.
Wineries
James Barber left his career in law enforcement to pursue his dream of opening a winery in 2017. Today, BE boasts two locations and Barber fills thousands of bottles of his award-winning vintages each year. The Main Winery is nestled beneath Texas pines and offers indoor and outdoor seating. The Downtown Tasting Room located “on the square” in Conroe offers an upscale urban-meets-country winery feel. Both locations host special events.
Think mead is only for Vikings? Think again. The Ferm is an upscale “meadery” you won’t want to miss. Mead at its simplest is honey wine, but owners Mike and Cathy Rape add complexity with fruits, hops or spices. They have several varieties on tap in their tasting room.
Whitley started as a dream and a 1/3-acre vineyard in Gina Whitley’s backyard. With help from her family, she turned that dream into reality. The wine bar hosts live music and karaoke Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Wine, live music and artisanal markets — not to mention a great bed-and-breakfast — welcome guests to this 20-acre estate in Plantersville. The Sunday Lawn Concert series is a favorite with North Houston residents, followed by the winery’s tasting tours.
