Grand Central Park - Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries Near Conroe

Grand Central Park - Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries, Oh My!

July 19, 2021

Conroe is known for its lake, gorgeous natural surroundings and spirits. Not ghosts — alcohol. The Conroe area is bursting with acclaimed breweries, wineries, distilleries and even a meadery (we’ll get to what that is later). Even better, Grand Central Park is within driving distance to all of them. So, raise a glass and let your spirited adventures begin.

Breweries

This quirky brewery is known for it’s creativity. Where else can you go for a Cotton Candy Sour beer? Experimental flavors besides, B-52 offers high-quality beers in a fun, family-friendly environment. Children and leashed dogs are welcome. There is an expansive back patio and a lawn set up with games like giant Jenga and a cornhole toss. The inside taproom features 20 beers on tap with names like “Phazed Out” and “Tart After Dark.” B-52 hosts numerous events including weekly trivia nights and a rotating roster of food trucks. Check out what’s on tap at the Indoor Taproom and Patio Bar.

Home of the famed “Bombshell Blonde” pale ale, Southern Star has been serving up tasty brews since 2007. The first Texas brewery to put craft beer in a can is also a great place to bring the family. The brewery sits on more than 13 acres of beautiful green space dotted with trees. Most people enjoy sitting in the Biergarten listening to live music on Friday nights. A disc golf course is available for those feeling competitive. Southern Star also hosts numerous events. Children are welcome and leashed dogs are allowed to hang out on the patio. You can check out their beer line up here.

Striker IPA is a popular beer and Copperhead is a popular brewery. The brew tap room is a comfortable place and the covered outdoor patio boasts a pool table, a ping pong table, giant Jenga and tournament foosball table. Check out their beer list and be prepared for your taste buds to start singing.

Fass is coming soon. Located in the historic Gentry Building in downtown Conroe, the taproom will feature custom millwork when it opens later this summer. The beer will be served directly from five-barrel serving tanks behind the bar. Keep up with its progress on the Fass Brewing Co. Facebook page

Wineries

Started in 2017 by former Montgomery County Sheriff Deputy James Barber and some of his brothers in blue, the winery’s logo features both the thin blue line and a five-point star reminiscent of the star worn by deputies. The covered patio offers striking views of the 15-acre vineyard where you can sit with a glass of red or white wine and relax. They have a selection of mead oils and vinegars, too. In January, the owners opened a tasting room in downtown Conroe, so you don’t have to go far to pick up your favorite vintage.

What is a meadery? For that matter, what is mead? Mead is honey wine and Ferm Meadery is where the magic of fermentation happens. The addition of fruits, hops or spices change the flavor. Plus, mead also can be carbonated. Owners Mike and Cathy Rape recently opened the meadery and it’s already generating a buzz. You can visit the tasting room where the mead is on tap and add a charcuterie board for a romantic date.

Bernhardt Winery is located in Plantersville, but it’s worth the drive. The 20-acre estate features a tasting room, vineyard and bed & breakfast. In addition to the reds and whites, the winery hosts fun events, including artisan vendor markets and live music.

Distilleries

For top shelf whisky and wine, there’s no better place to belly up to the bar than Bartletts Distillery. Founded by Van Brackin, it is the only distillery in Montgomery County. The rums and whiskeys on sale are small-batch, craft products. All rums are made with "Panela," a whole unprocessed evaporated sugar cane juice that adds a delicious flavor not found in other rums. In addition to tours, you can taste the various spirits and even have a cocktail mixed up for you.

Tours

All of these breweries, wineries and distilleries are within driving distance of Grand Central Park. Rather than drive, however, why not take a tour? It’s safer for you and your friends. Texas Brewery Tours starts at the Margaritaville Lake Resort. Tours include transportation, two-three beers or a glass of wine at each brewery or winery and a commemorative souvenir.