(Scroll down for a directory of craft beverage establishments in Clayton)
Clayton’s climate combined with the constant moisture flow from the St. Lawrence River is a perfect match for growing the grains, grapes and fruits needed to create award-winning craft wine, beers and spirits.
Visitors enjoy these fruits of labor at tasting rooms, downtown lounges and many of the restaurants and hotels that host guests from all over the world.
Click here to download a craft beverage map.
Coyote Moon Vineyards, located on East Line Road in Clayton, offers free tours of the wine making area and a tasting room is open daily allowing visitors to sample before they purchase. Coyote Moon Wine & Dine, located on Riverside Drive, also offers the opportunity to sample wine, grab a bite to eat, shop, or listen to local musician.
The Thousand Islands Winery is located approximately 7 miles north of Clayton. Free wine tasting allows you to sample their wines and you can take a free tour of the wine production facility.
Northern Flow Vineyards, Clayton’s newest winery, invites visitors to its tasting room and patio located at DeLuke’s Garden Center, about two miles east of Clayton. Experience sipping wine in a beautifully landscaped setting!
Brewing along the shores of the St. Lawrence River has a long and rich history. The Wood Boat Brewery, located across from the Antique Boat Museum, is brewing a full line of ales, stouts and seasonal brews that are complimented by its wood-fired pizza.
Distillers have taken advantage of the region’s fertile ag land to grow high-quality crops needed for spirits. Vodkas…gins…bourbons…moonshines… they’re all made with a local twist unique to the 1000 Islands.
The region’s first micro-distillery, Clayton Distillery, produces premium grade distilled products from locally grown grains and fruits. Sample and purchase vodka, gin, whiskey, moonshine and liqueurs at their nautical-themed distillery and gift shop.
From ranch to river, the Saint Lawrence Spirits farm-based distillery adds local flavors to their spirits. Ingredients are hand-picked from their family ranch, Lucky Star Ranch Estate, and converted to the final product at Saint Lawrence Spirits, where they are proofed down by filtered St. Lawrence River water, providing the spirit of the River in every bottle! Visit the distillery on Route 12 in Clayton or their tasting room on Riverside Drive.
Every June, Clayton is the host to the Great New York State Food & Wine Festival. This event celebrates quality “Made in New York” food & wine products including candy and cheeses, nuts, sauces, herbs & spices, maple syrup and other maple products, apple cider, cookies and ice cream and of course, NYS wines and spirits. Participating exhibitors will come from Long Island to Buffalo and the Finger Lakes to the upper reaches of the state along the Canadian border.
Photos Courtesy: Taste 1000
