Local Breweries and Distilleries to Try Near Wakefield, NH
June 23, 2025
Craft Beers, Small-Batch Spirits, and Big Lakeside Flavor
New Hampshire’s Lakes Region isn’t just about mountains and water — it’s also home to a growing craft beverage scene that’s worth sipping your way through. Whether you’re a fan of crisp IPAs, barrel-aged bourbons, or refreshing hard ciders, there’s a taproom or tasting room nearby that’s pouring something handcrafted, local, and full of character.
If you’re staying in Wakefield or anywhere nearby (like at Belleau Lake Escape), here’s a guide to the best local breweries and distilleries within a short drive. These spots offer laid-back vibes, beautiful settings, and some of the best drinks in New Hampshire.
Tumbledown Brewing
Location: Farmington, NH
Drive Time: ~20 minutes
This small but mighty brewery has made a name for itself in the local beer scene with bold, flavorful styles and a welcoming taproom. Tumbledown Brewing focuses on small-batch beers with rotating selections that highlight seasonality and creativity.
What to Try:
- Tumbledown Red – a smooth and malty red ale
- Wake Up Call – a coffee stout brewed with locally roasted beans
- Rotating IPAs – always something new on tap
Vibe: Casual and community-focused. Food trucks often make weekend appearances, and there’s outdoor seating when weather allows.
Hobbs Brewing Company & Tap Room
Location: Ossipee, NH
Drive Time: ~20 minutes
Just a short drive from Wakefield, Hobbs Brewing is a must-visit for craft beer lovers. The taproom serves up a wide range of beers, from traditional lagers to hazy IPAs and fruited sours. Their adjacent Farmhouse Restaurant features elevated pub fare — making this a great stop for both lunch and a flight.
What to Try:
- Hobbitude – a juicy New England IPA
- Tropic Gravity – a pineapple passionfruit sour
- Ossipee Gold – easy-drinking blonde ale
Vibe: Modern rustic with mountain views, great for groups or couples.
Tamworth Distilling
Location: Tamworth, NH
Drive Time: ~50 minutes
If you’re more into spirits than hops, Tamworth Distilling is one of the most innovative distilleries in New England. Known for using locally foraged ingredients (think birch, dandelion, even beaver castoreum for one unforgettable gin), they push the boundaries of craft distilling.
What to Try:
- White Mountain Vodka – clean and crisp
- Campfire Bourbon – a complex whiskey with a hint of smoke
- Garden Gin – infused with local herbs and botanicals
Vibe: Charming and historic with a touch of eccentricity. Their on-site tasting room is nestled in downtown Tamworth and often features seasonal cocktail kits and exclusive releases.
Sap House Meadery
Location: Center Ossipee, NH
Drive Time: ~25 minutes
For something a little different, Sap House Meadery offers small-batch meads (honey wines) made with local ingredients. Their meads range from dry to semi-sweet, and they offer unique flavor infusions like blueberry, ginger, and chai spice. The tasting room is cozy and stylish — and they recently added a bistro with incredible food pairings.
What to Try:
- Sugar Maple – a dry mead with subtle maple notes
- Hopped Blueberry – a hybrid of beer and mead flavors
- Vanilla Bean – dessert-worthy and rich
Vibe: Relaxed, rustic, and a bit upscale. Great date night stop or place to grab a bottle for later.
Lone Wolfe Brewing Co.
Location: Wolfeboro, NH
Drive Time: ~30 minutes
Located right in the heart of Wolfeboro, Lone Wolfe is a small craft brewery with a big personality. Known for their creative beer styles and rotating food trucks, this is a fun and social place to relax after exploring the town or the lake.
What to Try:
- Hop Swap – rotating hop-forward IPA
- Porterface – a bold and roasty dark beer
- Wolfeboro Wheat – a light and citrusy crowd-pleaser
Vibe: Local favorite with casual indoor seating and a beer garden for warmer months.
Burnt Timber Tavern
Location: Wolfeboro, NH
Drive Time: ~30 minutes
Part brewpub, part hangout spot, Burnt Timber brews their own beer and serves it alongside hearty burgers, wings, and sandwiches. It’s low-key, lively, and great for groups or post-hike refueling.
What to Try:
- Shed Life – their flagship IPA
- Lakeside Lager – super refreshing after a day in the sun
- Smoked Porter – pairs well with their signature BBQ burger
Vibe: Think campy cabin meets craft beer bar — casual and fun.
Stretch Your Trip: Breweries Just Beyond the Hour
If you’re up for a longer scenic drive, these spots just outside the hour radius are also worth checking out:
- Woodman’s Brewery (Bristol, NH): Off-the-beaten-path spot with cult-favorite beers
- 603 Brewery (Londonderry, NH): Large taproom with full kitchen and events
- Stoneface Brewing (Newington, NH): Bold beers and a modern taproom near the Seacoast
Tips for Visiting Lakes Region Breweries and Distilleries
- Bring a cooler or insulated bag if you’re buying bottles or cans to take home.
- Check hours — many taprooms have limited days or seasonal closures.
- Ask about flights or tastings — most spots offer samples so you can try multiple styles.
- Designate a driver or plan for a rideshare if you’re making more than one stop.
- Grab food — many breweries have food trucks, restaurants, or snack options nearby.
Final Pour: A Taste of Local New Hampshire
Whether you’re sampling a hazy IPA lakeside, sipping gin crafted with mountain herbs, or discovering a new favorite mead, the local beverage scene near Wakefield offers something unique at every stop. These breweries and distilleries don’t just serve drinks — they serve up local pride, regional flavor, and the kind of warm hospitality that turns a visit into an experience.
Staying nearby? Book your trip at Belleau Lake Escape — your home base for day trips, tastings, and lakeside relaxation.
