Jackson provides endless avenues to hike, ski, explore, fish or simply sit and take in our beautiful region.  But at the end of the day we all need some type of refreshment to wet our whistle and sip while regaling friends and family of our exploits.

What you may not know is that Jackson Hole has a growing craft distillery, brewing and wine industry, and the “local bar” of award-winning products is impressive.

Most locals and visitors are familiar with Snake River Brewing which was originally started by Albert & Jon Uspher, and then purchased by Ted Staryk in 2006.  The Brew Pub as it’s commonly referred to, won Small Brewery of the Year in 2000 and 2001 at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver and they have been on a roll ever since.  Producing approximately 8,500 cases of beer each year, SRB has made a name for itself across the Rocky Mountain West. 

Each of the brewers at SRB are challenged to create “signature” brews and those creative brews, whether made with local chai tea, or special recipes created to celebrate Snow King Mountain and Grand Teton Park’s anniversaries. 

One of Jackson’s biggest surprises is Jackson Hole Winery located on the south edge of town.  A winery in Jackson?  Yes!  While Jackson Hole Winery grows its grapes in Sonoma and Napa, the grapes are immediately transported to Jackson upon harvest where they are processed, stored and bottled into award-winning wine.  Anthony Schroth, the winemaker, stumbled upon winemaking after a shoulder injury sidelined his baseball career at Sonoma State University.  After taking several classes in viticulture and interning at a Napa Valley winery, he knew he had found his passion.  Recognizing the cool temperatures of Jackson Hole would be an excellent location to produce and store wine, he approached his family about the concept and a winery was born.

The winery is located at one the original dairies in Teton County.  The historic barn has been converted into a tasting-room.  Overlooking Spring Creek, private tastings can be arranged by contacting the winery.

For the fourth year in a row, Jackson Hole Winery has taken home gold, silver and bronze medals from the San Francisco International Wine Competition, the San Diego International Wine Competition and the Sonoma Harvest Fest. 

We think even James Bond would ask for Grand Teton Vodka in his martini, now ranked the #2 potato vodka in the world according to Proof 66.  Grand Teton Distillery, located just north of Driggs, Idaho has been producing vodkas, moonshines and recently bourbon that has garnered the attention of the craft distillery world.

Using local Idaho potatoes, corn and other grains, in addition snow melt from the Tetons, GTD prides itself in creating all-natural products.

When the family’s plans for a hotel fell through during the economic crisis of 2008, the idea of creating a craft distillery using Idaho potatoes was conceived.  The Distillery opened a Tasting Room in Jackson this summer at 70 S. Glenwood.  Drop by for a free sample of their distilled spirits and look for their bar to open in November, just in time for the holidays.

Melvin Brewing made the news this week garnering top honors at the Great American Brewfest in Denver.  Melvin (formerly known as Thai Me Up Brewing,) was awarded Small Brewpub and Brewer of the Year, in addition to a gold medal for the Ch-Ch-Che-Cherry Bomb, a bronze for the Fresh Hop IPA. 

Melvin is currently building a 30bbl production facility in Alpine, Wyoming.  Not bad for a small brewer that started off in the back of a Thai restaurant!

Jackson Stillworks is the new kid on the block.  Currently under construction across from Rafter J Subdivision, they recently launched a kickstarter campaign to raise the additional funds needed to expand their operation.

JH Stillworks will produce vodka, gin, bourbon and single malt.  Their Highwater Vodka will be released soon and their gin will soon follow, including a more traditional, drier gin and a unique botanical variety.

Take the time to enjoy these locally crafted wines, beers and spirits and support their local entrepreneurs who are creating award-winning products.

Other craft distilleries and brewers in the area include:

Grand Teton Brewing, Victor, Idaho

Wildlife Brewing, Victor, Idaho

Wind River Brewing, Pinedale, Wyoming

Wyoming Whiskey, Kirby, Wyoming