The Lancaster County Wine, Spirits & Ale Trail

We may be famous for our proximity to the Amish and the expanse of farmland, but at one time Lancaster had a world-renowned reputation for the quality (and huge quantity) of its beer. The art of craft beer and more drinkable ales crossed the pond with the Germans, a migration and resettling that eventually led to the nickname of our beautiful region, Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This German recipe and method spread far, up the Atlantic Coast to Boston, where kegs would have been sold for over 230 of today’s dollars. By 1900, Lancaster County was making over six million gallons of beer. That meant every single person in Lancaster County could have 37 gallons of beer to themselves. Sounds like fun, right?

There still fun to be had here, though, even though it’s not 1900 and we can’t give you 37 gallons of beer. But we can point you in the right direction, specifically to the Lancaster County Wine, Spirits & Ale Trail. Just pick up your passport at the Visitors Center, get it stamped at each location along your adventure, and then turn your passport back in for a free t-shirt—and the official label of being a Lancaster local. You’ll taste the best Lancaster County has to offer, food included. Many of our breweries have great food, entertainment, tours, and a little bit of history. So have fun, plan ahead, pace yourself, and maybe draw straws for “DD” before your trip starts.

Visit the website for more information about the Wine, Spirits & Ale Trail as well as use an interactive map to find locations and plan your trip.