From brewery tours to group celebrations, and refreshments with friends to toasts with co-workers, Hamilton’s stellar lineup of beers, ciders, and wines destinations are sure to keep your plans flowing. Read ahead for highlights from the city’s booming culinary scene.
Merit Brewing
170 James St N
Located in the heart of the arts district, Merit Brewing’s patio is ready to serve. Think baked beans, sauerkraut, and butter-chicken sausages and some of the best fries in town – all devoured around communal dining tables and complemented with a delicious selection of beer. Their brewmaster Aaron Spinney (ex-Sawdust City Brewery in Gravenhurst, Ont.) is unafraid to incorporate non-traditional ingredients, like nectarines and coriander.
Collective Arts Brewing
207 Burlington St E
This craft brewery in Hamilton’s industrial north end prides itself on pouring creativity into every can, as demonstrated by the cans themselves which feature original label designs by artists worldwide. Inside, the venue features tasty beers and ciders with selections changing throughout the seasons. Look out for new event spaces coming to Collective Arts, now home to the much anticipated annual Liquid Arts Festival.
Grain and Grit Beer Co.
11 Ewen Rd
This west-end, the family-run brewery is just a short hop from McMaster University. Its head brewer (and former winemaker) Alex Sporn brings a European flair to his creations inspired by the “wee town” in Germany where he grew up.
Fairweather Brewing Co.
5 Ofield Rd, Unit 1
Head to Hamilton’s west side for a brewery committed to both creativity and tradition. Visitors will have a tough choice choosing between favourites like American Oat Porter and High Grade American IPA in a warehouse-based taproom. And after sampling, take home your choice of some souvenir bottle, including a howler (32 oz.) or growler (64 oz.).
Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.
66 Hatt St, Dundas
A successful Kickstarter campaign brought this brewing operation to life within an iconic ice rink in downtown Dundas. The result is a spacious tasting room with gorgeous soaring ceilings and large tables for gathering and sipping. Of note is their award-winning Barrelshed series, which is beers aged in wine barrels to give them a unique character.
Clifford Brewing
398 Nash Rd N
Brewer Brad Clifford launched his namesake brewery in the east end in 2015 with Pinball Wizard APA and Clifford Porter. Since then, he’s added East Hamilton Lager and four other beers to the mix. Not sure which one to choose? The taproom offers beer flights (four samples) or singles to make your decision easier. Visit to discover why Clifford Brewing was named “Brewery of the Year” at the 2019 Canadian Brewing Awards.
While there’s no taproom to visit (yet), the work of brewmaster Warren Pyper can be sampled at some of the city’s top restaurants, like Radius and Saltlick. The self-educated brewer hit a home run with his first creation, Blue Collar Pale Ale, a nod to Hamilton’s industrial roots, and has been going strong ever since with follow-ups like Riley Ale.
West Avenue Cider
84 Concession 8 E, Freelton
Situated in a charming farmhouse overlooking a serene country landscape, this award-winning, small-batch cidery believes in starting with superior quality fruit. In this case, it’s the heritage apples of Somerset Orchards where they’re located. The result is crisp, clean flavours that benefit from barrel ageing and careful craftsmanship. Enjoy a glass or maybe a few with a savoury cheese plate.
WINERIES
Leaning Post
1491 Hwy 8, Stoney Creek
Winemaker Ilya Senchuk learned his craft in wineries across Niagara and New Zealand. Today, he draws on those skills to craft satisfying rieslings, chardonnays, and pinot noirs. Excellent terroir paired with a passion for small-batch vintages has helped this family-run winery become a standout destination. Want a taste? Complimentary tastings are available daily.
Puddicombe Farms & Winery
1468 Hwy 8, Stoney Creek
This one-stop-shop serves as a winery (with more than 25 varietals available) and cidery that produces Sir Isaac’s Premium Pear Cider and a host of good eats. There’s also a country market with baked goods, preserves, and more, as well as a cafe to enjoy light fare like sandwiches and salads.
Ridge Road Estate Winery
1205 Ridge Rd, Stoney Creek
Half the fun of visiting Ridge Road Estate Winery is the winding drive to get there. Enjoy the views of Niagara Escarpment and Toronto skyline in the distance and, when you arrive, take your seat in a charming tasting room with staff who offer complimentary tastings and insights into the winery’s operations.
TASTING EXPERIENCES
Looking for a refreshing getaway? Consider these enticing options:
- Leave the driving to Original Hamilton Beer Tours so you can enjoy sampling the best of Hamilton breweries and cideries. Its experts take the guesswork out of where to go and what to sip. Their most popular tour, Sample of Hamilton includes stops at three local breweries, samples, and food pairings.
- Hamilton Halton Brant True Brew Path put together many of the most notable local highlights of the region’s brewery scene in a two-day suggested itinerary. It mixes in local attractions and great food into the mix to make it a well-rounded getaway. This is a great way to discover new and notable spots.
- Craft beer fans can explore Hamilton’s exciting brewery scene with the Craft Beer Passport. It gives users access to $2 craft beers at participating bars and breweries across town. Start by downloading its free app.
For more Hamilton travel ideas, visit www.tourismhamilton.com and follow @TourismHamilton on social media.
This article is revised from an original blog written by Michele Sponagle.
