Vernon's craft beverage scene is flourishing, and for anyone with a passion for cider, beer, spirits, or mead, this is the place to be. From small-batch distilleries to established breweries, Vernon has something for everyone. This guide takes you through some of the top local producers, showcasing the innovation, dedication, and craftsmanship that goes into every sip.
Cambium Cider Co.
Cambium Cider Co. offers an experience built around a family tradition. Located on their organic apple orchard, Cambium produces a wide range of ciders, including fruit-infused, botanical, and barrel-aged varieties. Each cider is crafted from apples grown right on their farm, blending modern techniques with heritage practices.
Visitors can enjoy their beverages while dining on fresh, local food from the wood-fired kitchen. Cambium is open Thursdays to Sundays, offering lunch, dinner, and snack menus throughout the day. The relaxed, farm-to-table atmosphere enhances the experience with their distinct cider flavours like the Haskap Berry and botanical-infused Lavender Raspberry. The cider house invites patrons to relax with a cider flight and experience the orchard's bounty.
Silverstar Brewing Company
Silverstar Brewing Company is Vernon's go-to spot for craft beer lovers. With an on-site brewhouse, Silverstar offers a rotating selection of IPAs, stouts, and lagers from high-quality local ingredients. Silverstar also features a lively atmosphere, with regular events like live music and karaoke nights adding to the overall experience.
In addition to beer, Silverstar's menu includes a variety of dishes inspired by global and local flavours. From casual bites to more filling meals, the food pairs well with their craft beers. With happy hours and daily specials, it's easy to see why Silverstar is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery
Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery has been a cornerstone in the local distilling scene since 2004 and is known for its farm-to-flask approach. The distillery uses 100% locally grown fruits and grains to produce a variety of award-winning spirits. The 16,000 square-foot Vernon location is home to one of North America's tallest copper pot stills, and visitors are welcome to tour the facility to see how their spirits are crafted.
The distillery's lineup includes premium whiskies, vodkas, gins, and even Canada's first genuine Absinthe. The tasting bar offers an opportunity to sample their spirits, and the distillery frequently hosts special events like "GIN"Troduction and Cocktail Creations, where guests can learn the craft behind these world-class beverages.
Tony's Craft Cidery
Tony's Craft Cidery offers an intimate setting for cider enthusiasts. This family-run operation focuses on handcrafted ciders made from a variety of apples grown on their own orchard. The ciders are free from sulphites and artificial ingredients, showcasing the fruit's natural flavour.
With offerings like the semi-sweet Bippity Bop, infused with cinnamon, and the tart Cherry Bomb, Tony's has something to suit a range of palates. Their small tasting room on a picturesque orchard invites visitors to relax on the porch with a cider flight and picnic, making it an excellent stop for those looking for a laid-back experience.
Okanagan Spring Brewery
One of the original craft breweries in the area, Okanagan Spring Brewery has been producing top-tier beer since 1985. Their selections include fan favourites like the 1516 Lager, Pale Ale, and seasonal releases like the Ghost Trail Dark Lager and Switchback Citrus Ale all brewed with Okanagan spring water and high-quality ingredients. Okanagan Spring is known for its consistency, delivering beers that have stood the test of time while continuing to innovate with new limited releases.
Their on-site tasting room provides a chance to sample beers and learn more about their brewing process, making it a must-visit for craft beer fans.
BRIXX Brewhouse
BRIXX Brewhouse is all about good food and local brews. Located within Prestige Hotels & Resorts, this brewery offers a menu filled with pub fare favourites like burgers, footlong hot dogs, and local beers. Known for its rotating weekly features, BRIXX caters to both the traditional pub crowd and those looking for something a little different. It's a solid choice for a casual outing with gluten-friendly options and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Vernon Craft Distillery
Vernon Craft Distillery is a small-batch producer of high-quality spirits, proudly crafted in the Okanagan. While sales are currently only available online, the distillery's offerings have gained a strong following for their authenticity and craftsmanship. Specializing in handcrafted spirits, Vernon Craft Distillery is known for its commitment to using local ingredients, ensuring a true taste of the region in every bottle.
Honeymoon Meadery at Planet Bee
For something a little different, Honeymoon Meadery at Planet Bee brings mead—honey wine—into the craft beverage mix. Planet Bee's focus on beekeeping naturally led to this offshoot, producing a range of meads from dry to semi-sweet. These unique drinks are made from their own honey, with variations that incorporate local fruits like blackberries and apples.
Honeymoon Meadery's tasting room offers a chance to sample meads alongside Planet Bee's full line of honey products. The educational aspect of beekeeping runs through the experience, emphasizing how bees and local agriculture support each other. Mead lovers can expect to find something new with each visit, as the selection is updated regularly.
Farmstrong Cider Company
Farmstrong Cider Company in Armstrong focuses on small-batch production from its 50-acre orchard. Their lineup is simple yet refined, with options like the tart, fruit-forward Black Currant cider or the extra dry styles that highlight the sharpness of dessert apples.
The cidery also offers a rotating menu of fresh, local dishes in a farm-to-table setting. Diners can expect hearty options like farm-raised beef and chicken, perfect for pairing with a variety of ciders. The tasting room in a historic barn provides a welcoming spot to explore their ever-changing feature menu or enjoy live music on select nights. Their seasonal Christmas markets and events add a touch of community spirit, making Farmstrong a staple in the craft scene.
Conclusion
Vernon's craft beverage scene has something for everyone. If you're a cider, beer, spirits, or mead fan, you'll find top-notch quality and unique flavours crafted by passionate producers. The dedication to local ingredients and craftsmanship shines through from established breweries like Okanagan Spring to new ventures like Tony's Craft Cidery. Each stop offers a distinct experience, making Vernon a destination for any craft beverage enthusiast.
