A Spirited Distillery Tour Through Wilmington NC

Delve into North Carolina’s spirited history with a self-guided tour to the best distilleries in Wilmington. Distilleries are springing up all across New Hanover County to showcase the rich flavors and timeless techniques crafted right here in North Carolina.

Discover where you can find free rum tastings, distillery tours, and souvenir bottles that will enrich your visit to Wilmington, NC.

A Brief History of North Carolina Moonshiners

North Carolina has a well-aged history of distilling alcohol, but it wasn’t always legal like it is today. It dates back to the 1920s prohibition era when alcohol was banned nationwide, but that didn’t stop individuals from crafting their own spirits to enjoy on their own—and supplying their local communities. They were known as North Carolina Moonshiners.

North Carolina was the perfect location for the black market because of its geography. Distillers had access to ample water and agricultural land for production, developed railways to transport the illegal spirits, and a diverse terrain to evade law enforcement.

Once prohibition ended in the 1930s, North Carolina had already made a name for itself as the Moonshine capital in the US.

The best distilleries to visit in Wilmington

Today, there are more than 80 licensed distilleries across North Carolina. Some of the best distilleries are found right here in Wilmington! Each has its own specialty and process that makes each distillery on our list worth a visit.

End of Days Distillery

Address: 1815 Castle St, Wilmington, NC
www.eoddistillery.com

End of Days Distillery (EOD) was voted back-to-back winners of the Best of Wilmington by Wilmington Magazine. This small-batch distillery emerged in 2020 as the first in Wilmington. Sip slowly because their portfolio of internationally recognized spirits is robust with flavor inspired by Carolina roots. 

From grain to glass, EOD has created award-winning spirits you’ll love. Port of Entry Gin, Castillo 1815 Blanco, and the ready-to-drink EOD Gin and Tonic mix have been recognized as best in class and a must-try for anyone stopping by.

Join one of the free tours giving an inside look at EOD’s process. Learn how they source ingredients, ferment, distill, and conclude the tour with a tasting.

At the end of the day, you’ll see why it’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike!

Wilmington Distillery

Address: 12 Dock St., Wilmington, NC
https://www.facebook.com/p/Wilmington-Distillery-100083242605100/

It’s all about the local flair that makes Wilmington Distillery special. You’ll most likely hear the live music before spotting the wooden sign hanging above Dock St. in Downtown Wilmington, letting you know you’ve arrived at the right spot!

Wilmington Distillery produces everything onsite in copper stills, which makes crafting new spirits easy for its founder and head distiller, “Chewy” Karn. Its most popular spirits brands are Chilli Willi, IZZYz Rum, Von Vodka, Regulator Whiskey, and Honey Cornbread Moonshine. Its spirits are combined with local fruits to create special seasonal spirits, such as the Apple Pie moonshine (a fall favorite!). There are even mocktails available for the Gen Zers and designated drivers.

Enjoy these locally inspired spirits in a fun atmosphere—local artworks are exhibited throughout the venue, and it hosts weekly events, including open mics, music sets, and sip & shop. Stay updated via their social media for upcoming events and limited-time spirits.

Momentum Distillery

Address: 5 N Front St, Wilmington, NC
www.ncvodka.com

Momentum started as a skate and surf shop, but the transition into spirits is where they’ve truly made a name for themselves! Old traditions never die, and it still features skate and surf motifs on its bottles. It’s the perfect fit to capture the essence of coastal North Carolina.

Speaking of bottles, Momentum has the perfect drink for any occasion. The signature NC Vodka is packaged in a unique bottle shaped like the state of North Carolina to take home as a souvenir. Don’t forget a bottle of the Cocktail Rum to make the famous Blueberry Mojito at your vacation home. 

Private tastings are available by advance reservation through the distillery.

Four Hounds Distilling

Address: 1202 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC
www.fourhoundsdistilling.com

Staying in one of our pet-friendly vacation rentals with your furry pal? Bring them along for a spirit-tasting adventure at Four Hounds Distilling. It’s the first legal distillery in Carolina Beach and one of the most dog-friendly distilleries in North Carolina!

Four Hounds Distilling specializes in craft rum that will make your tail wag—it even features dogs on their bottle designs. Porch Dogs blends traditional ingredients with an aroma basket process to enhance flavor with locally roasted coffee and dried tropical fruits. Over Proof (Queens Share) provides plenty of bite to your mixed drink with 100 proof rum. Order a flight to sample each rum and decide your favorite to take home.

Visit on Saturdays for free tastings. You may even spot Olive, the owner’s dog, wandering around the venue. Check out our other recommendations for pet-friendly breweries, pubs, and bars nearby!

Other Ways to Enjoy Distilleries in NC

North Carolina Spirits Month

In 2017, the former governor of North Carolina declared October as the official North Carolina Spirits Month. Visit our area during this month for special events, seasonal spirits, and more.

Moonshine and Motorsports Trail

Running an illegal moonshine business during the Prohibition era was risky business. Black market distillers were known for high-speed vehicles outfitted to outrun law enforcement. That trend of enhancing cars remained long after prohibition ended and helped establish North Carolina as the birthplace of NASCAR. Explore the link between moonshining and motorsports on this exciting trail with stops all across North Carolina.

Stay near Wilmington NC’s best distilleries

Remember to drink responsibly. Have a designated driver in your group or use ride-sharing apps like Uber to get to and from your destination if you’re planning to drink. Browse our vacation homes near Wilmington to find accommodations just a short drive away from your favorite distillery.