Delaware’s Dogfish Head Brewing Company has made a name for itself on the national stage, playing a key role in the craft beer movement both across the country and right here in its home state. While Dogfish Head put Delaware on the craft beer map, a thriving brewery scene has emerged in Greater Wilmington, located about 80 miles north in the opposite corner of the state.
From cozy brewpubs to innovative microbreweries—and even a craft meadery specializing in honey wine—Greater Wilmington’s craft beer scene has something for every palate. Pair your tasting adventure with visits to local attractions, and you’ve got the perfect weekend getaway, conveniently located just off I-95. Up for a challenge? Many of these breweries are part of the Delaware On Tap Trail—complete the trail, and earn special gifts along the way. With so many flavors to explore, you may find yourself coming back for more.
Argilla Brewing Company
Few things pair better than craft beer and pizza, and at Argilla Brewing Company, you’ll find both under one roof. Originally a beloved pizza shop, Pietro’s Pizza, the owners turned their passion for home brewing into a full-fledged brewery. What makes Argilla truly special? Their 1.5-barrel brewing system—one of the smallest commercial setups around—ensures a fresh, ever-changing selection of beers to complement their mouthwatering pizza. No two visits are ever the same!
Autumn Arch Beer Project
Located in Newark, Delaware, Autumn Arch Beer Project is a small-batch, experimental brewery pushing the boundaries of craft beer with bold flavors, edgy bitterness, and complex relationships between ingredients. Rooted in fundamental brewing principles and a deep respect for traditional styles, Autumn Arch blends entrepreneurial spirit with innovation to produce high-character ales, lagers, and sours. Their family-friendly tasting room shares the same space as the brewery, giving visitors a front-row seat to the brewing process while they sip on something uniquely crafted. If you're looking for a fresh take on craft beer, Autumn Arch delivers with creativity in every pint.
Bellefonte Brewing Company
A short drive east of Argilla Brewing Company, Bellefonte Brewing Company offers a welcoming taproom with an impressive selection of eight flagship beers and two rotating seasonal taps. Beyond serving great craft beer, Bellefonte is also a hub for homebrewing enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced brewer, they offer equipment, guidance, and expertise to help you perfect your craft.
Dew Point Brewing Company
Head northwest of Wilmington, just 9 miles from the city and right before the Pennsylvania border, you’ll find Dew Point Brewing Company nestled inside the historic Garrett Snuff Mill in Yorklyn, Delaware. This family-run brewery, which opened in 2016 after a three-year renovation, has quickly become a local favorite. Sip on Belgian-inspired brews in their cozy second-floor tasting room, or grab a growler to-go. Want the ultimate experience? Visit on a food truck night, when you can enjoy great beer and delicious bites in their scenic outdoor green space.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
Named after the historic Revolutionary War landmark where Washington and Lafayette faced off against Cornwallis, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant has long been a pioneer of Delaware’s craft beer scene. Opening in 1996—well before the craft beer boom—Iron Hill helped set the standard for locally brewed excellence. While Iron Hill is widely known for its top-tier dining, it also boasts award-winning craft beer, with 14 rotating taps of house-brewed favorites. Visit their flagship location in Newark on the University of Delaware campus or stop by their Wilmington Riverfront spot for a great meal paired with a fantastic brew.
Liquid Alchemy Beverages
While not a traditional brewery, Liquid Alchemy Beverages holds a unique place in Delaware’s craft scene as the state’s first craft meadery. Mead—one of the oldest known alcoholic beverages, dating back to 7000 BC—is made by fermenting honey with fruits, spices, grains, or hops for added flavor. Owners Jeff and Terri discovered mead in 2012 and quickly fell in love, leading to the launch of Liquid Alchemy. Located in Wilmington, this meadery offers ten different flavors of their signature honey-based beverages, with new creations constantly in the works. If you're looking for a unique tasting experience beyond beer, this is the place to be!
Wilmington Brew Works
As Wilmington’s only production brewery, Wilmington Brew Works embraces both innovation and tradition in its craft. Housed in a 100-year-old former laboratory in the city’s historic 9th Ward, this brewery keeps the spirit of experimentation alive with an ever-evolving lineup of Ales, Lagers, Sours, and Ciders. The family-friendly taproom offers a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, making it the perfect spot to gather with friends—both old and new. With a motto of "Playfully Pretentious, Easily Enjoyed," Wilmington Brew Works delivers a unique craft beer experience that blends creativity, history, and community in every pour.
Look out for their second location Brew Works North coming soon...
