Experience the Spirits of the Clinch

It has been said that the Clinch, long known to be the most biologically diverse river this side of the Amazon, is haunted by many spirits of yesteryear. Legends of busted stills and revenuers claiming victory during the bootleg era endure in our Appalachian Mountains. Today you can experience the Spirits of the Clinch and taste the region’s best beers, wines, hard ciders, and liquors made with water from the Clinch. Starting from either end of Virginia’s “hidden river”, you will find craft breweries, wineries, a cidery, and distilleries. Each has its own distinctive character and flavors that will definitely bring you back for more. And each has a story of their own to tell. Come, experience the Spirits of the Clinch for yourself. For your free map, contact us at 276.762.0011 or use our contact form.

Axe Handle Distilling

https://AxeHandleDistilling.com/
@AxeHandleDistilling
42236 Wilderness Road, Pennington Gap 24277
36°42’21.8”N 82°58’18.5”W
276.318.6162

Open 10am-8pm 7days

Axe Handle is a family owned and operated distillery in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Inside the custom-built Old Virginia Hand Hewn Log Home facility (another family owned and operated business for 40 years) there is a production room, tasting room, merchandise/retail space, and a wrap-around porch to relax on. They partner with local farmers and strive to become 100% locally sourced for grains; corn, barley, wheat and rye. Axe Handle Distilling offers tastings/samples and sells mixed drinks, bottled bourbon whiskey, rye whiskey, and American gin. Besides their bottled spirits, they have a great selection of engraved glasses, t-shirts, hats, gift baskets and other items. They also host sip & paint/craft events, food trucks, and other special events.

MountainRose Vineyards

https://MountainRoseVineyard.com
@mountainrosevineyard
10439 Reservoir Road, Wise 24293
36°58’17.9”N 82°31’26.5”W
276.328.2013

Open days and hours vary – check website

Today row after row of vines laden with grapes replace the once noisy dozers, haulers and coal trucks. Hawks circle the skies where dust and noise once ruled. The sparkling blue pond that once served as a brown sediment pool, welcomes quiet fishermen catching bass, bluegill, and catfish. MountainRose Vineyards is a family-owned dream located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

Visitors love to tour the vineyards and try the wines, being pleasantly surprised when they taste them. Most can’t believe such great wines are being made in the heart of coal country, more famous for coal mine strikes than award winning spirits. What brings visitors back again and again is not only the wonderful wine, but a chance to be part of the dream. The truth is the wonderful white, blush, and red wines of MountainRose Vineyards, not the black coal, are the true hidden treasures of the Appalachian Mountains.

Vincent’s Vineyard

https:/VincentsVineyard.com
@Vincents-Vineyard
2313 East Main Street, Lebanon 24266
36°54’35.6”N 82°02’28.8”W
276.889.2505

Open Mon-Tues & Th-Sat 11:30am-5pm, Closed Wed & Sun

Vincent’s Vineyard is a 6 generation Gilmer family owned and operated farm and vineyard/winery in Lebanon. Melody Acres, the farm, was aptly named for the family’s love of music and hospitality. Today, the family continues the tradition of music gatherings every chance they have while grooming their latest generations, how to continue the family tradition. Once a tobacco farm with a small herd of cattle, the Gilmer’s worked with local vintners to grow and sell grapes locally. The grapes grown are Cabernet Franc, Traminette, Chardonel, Chambourcin, Steuben and Concord. Vincent’s Vineyard is proud to offer exquisite wines grown, produced, and bottled on location. They produce seven delightful wines. They offer tours, tastings, host many events and offer for sale their products and a variety of apparel and gifts.

Coaltown Taps

https://CoaltownTaps.com
@CoaltownTaps
108 Fairfax Avenue, Richlands 24641
37°06’36.2”N 81°48’27.1”W
276.345.4310

Open Tue-Th 11am-3pm, 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-3pm, 5pm-11pm, Closed Sun & Mon

Coaltown Taps is a craft beer taproom and restaurant located in Richlands. Besides taste-worthy brews and fine food, they have live music, trivia nights, and several special events. Merchandise for sale includes jewelry, t-shirts, hats, and other locally crafted fare.

Plum Creek Winery

@PlumCreekVA
5418 Thompson Valley Road, Tazewell 24651
37°02’45.9”N 81°34’07.0”W
276.988.9792

Open by appointment

Plum Creek Winery is the first and only winery in Tazewell County. The winery offers a variety of fruit wines, with their specialty wine – the Dragon’s Treasure, named for the famed Back of the Dragon. Other flavors include Blueberry, Peach, Plum, Apple, Muscadine, Pineapple, Strawberry, Concord Grape, Black Raspberry, White Grape, Cherry, and Blackberry, Plum, and Peach-mixed fruit. Located on a farm that the kids will enjoy, a visit to Plum Creek is an experience the whole family will enjoy! Available souvenirs are ball caps and wine glasses. Wine sold by the glass, by the bottle or the case. They can be mixed or matched. Please call before visiting to assure someone is available to help you with your needs.