JoCo Beer, Wine & Shine Trail

Johnston County has one of the largest number of working farms in North Carolina, and continues to lead the nation in the production of cash crops, including sweetpotatoes. For several years, area farmers have expanded their operations to sustain the family farm, offering agri-tainment, farm markets, on-farm tours, and promoting local products. Our wineries, breweries, and distillery are perfect examples of this.

Sip a glass of wine while sitting in a rocking chair overlooking the vineyards and watch the sunset. Try local brews using sweetpotatoes or watermelons from nearby farms. See the corn growing that will be used to make a batch of legal moonshine. Find out all the details at beerwineshinetrail.com and contact our staff for a FAM trip to experience and write about it yourself.
 

Day One

Begin your Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail exploration in the Southern part of the county near Benson...please be sure to have a designated driver....and stop for some truly local cuisine, eastern NC Barbecue.  Choose to write about our Sip & Stay weekend package with hotel discounts and gift bag which includes additional offers and coupons from our destination partners.

Broadslab Distillery
4682 NC Hwy 50 S., Benson, NC 27504

Broadslab Distillery products have captured, not only the true heritage of the region's famed moonshine, but have also preserved the craft, skills, and techniques of over five generations of the Norris family. Products are available in area ABC stores and are being featured in several restaurants around the state.  Visitors can take a tour of the distillery and enjoy a tasting -- NC law now allows visitors to buy one bottle per year on site at the distillery.

Stephenson's BBQ
11964 NC Hwy 50 N, McGee's Xrds.

Conveniently located between Benson and on the way to Gregory Vineyards, you will find Stephenson's BBQ, where they continue to smoke pork shoulders in a fire-pit.  Enjoy a basket of hush puppies while you wait!

Gregory Vineyards
275 Bowling Springs Dr., Angier, NC 27501

This picturesque 135 acre working farm showcases hills of planted vineyards, a winery, a distillery, and a tasting room where you can sip on double gold winning Mary Elizabeth and Lee Love wines. Meet winemaker Lane Gregory as he takes you through the history of the sweet muscadine grapes that grow in eastern North Carolina. Enjoy sitting by the fireplace or grab a rocker on the front porch.

JoCo Brewing Company
463 Cleveland Crossing Dr. #100, Garner, NC 27529

Offering six original taps and two guest taps, patrons will find the climate friendly and can look forward to trivia nights, entertainment, and food trucks several days a week!

Day Two

Start your day at one of the top Muscadine Vineyards in the state of NC, and enjoy the beautiful vistas and very tasty wines.  If you happen to need to do some shopping (many of our visitors do!), stop by Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield, where you will find national name brands offering 25-65% off retail, every day!

Hinnant Family Vineyards
826 Pine Level- Micro Rd., Pine Level, NC 27568

Award-winning vintner, Bob Hinnant, invites you to take a gander at the oldest and largest Muscadine vineyard in the state, sprawling 75 acres growing several varieties of grapes. After enjoying the tasting, shop around in the gift shop for homemade jellies and juices.


 

Suggestion for lunch: 

Low & Slow Smokehouse
3149B Swift Creek Rd., Smithfield, NC 27577

Located at the Johnston County Regional Airport, Low & Slow offers up delicious BBQ, ribs and all your favorite classics! The view is pretty awesome, too! Watch planes takeoff and land while enjoying a full menu or buffet option, plus a full bar! 

Deep River Brewing Company
700 W. Main St., Clayton, NC 27520

Deep River is Johnston County's first legal brewery and many of their beers include locally sourced vegetables, fruits, hops, and grain. Meet owners and brewers Paul and Lynn Auclair, engineers turned entrepreneurs who work to brew a wide range of beer styles so that every visitor to the tap room can find something they like. The historic space Deep River occupies in downtown Clayton was a cotton spinning mill and has been brought back to life by utilizing old barn wood on the walls.

Wrap-up in Downtown Clayton where local restaurants like the Clayton Steak House and Vinson's offer dinner options and hangouts like First Street Tavern, and Revival 1869 are serving up after dinner drinks.

Come back again! Our partners along the Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail offer seasonal wines, craft beers, and special events throughout the year!