Looking for a quick day trip idea from Charlotte, NC? Well, have we got a fun one for you!
This itinerary is perfect for a #SundayFunday but also works for a Saturday! It’s just a quick drive up I-77 to get yourself out of the city for a fun adventure. This day trip was tried and tested on the Sunday over the long Labor Day weekend.
Whether you’re a bourbon-whiskey connoisseur or someone who just likes to imbibe on a drink or two, you’ve got to drive up I-77 and visit Southern Distilling Co. in Statesville! Only a little over 40 minutes away from Uptown, this grain-to-glass distillery is open to the public for daily tours and tastings.
Even just as you get out of your vehicle, your nose will start to pick up on the distinct fragrances of the fermentation and distillation process–the magic of science taking place right here in our backyard, so to speak. Once you enter their facilities, there’s definitely no mistaking where you’re at!
We won’t go into too much detail as we don’t want to spoil your experience. But know that this behind-the-scenes tour is super cool and definitely worth the drive!
We have gone to Kentucky a couple of times to tour the Bourbon Trail with our family (definitely a trip that requires several days or multiple visits for sure), and we would have to say that the Southern Distilling Co. tour and tasting is right up there with some of the best we have experienced in KY. Our tour guide definitely knew his stuff!
Whether you know a thing or two about the distilling process already, your guide will share with you the science and art that transforms grains to your next glass of #treatyourself goodness.
If you’ve never done a bourbon tasting before, Southern Distilling Co.’s tasting is a great way to get you started. At the end of the tour, you’ll get to sample their selection of bourbon, rye whiskey, and liqueur. Our tour guide walked us through each product, and it truly is just incredible how distinctly different each batch can be and how your tastebuds will pick up on even the smallest of nuances!
They will only offer tastings on products they currently offer in the shop, so you won’t fall in love with anything you won’t be able to purchase. We definitely left with a few bottles! Our top picks were: the Southern Star Double Rye, the Paragon Bottled-in-Bond, and the Double Shot. In addition to the Double Rye just surprising us with such a smooth finish, a portion of the profits from the sale of these bottles are being donated to Purple Heart Homes (an organization working to create housing solutions for disabled and aging vets).
Tours are available 7 days a week–except on holidays! Be sure to check their schedule and for more details, visit their BTS Tours page or Instagram.
While in the area, we suggest also checking out Daveste Vineyards, which is a little over 15+ minutes away from Southern Distilling Co. as you make your way back home and down I-77. Of course, we recommend that you do this RESPONSIBLY and have a designated driver! Please stay well hydrated!
We’ve been to Daveste Vineyards a few times and have enjoyed each visit! They usually have food trucks and live music on most weekends, but we recommend checking in on their Instagram page for event and weekend details.
In case you didn’t know, most NC wineries and vineyards will allow you to bring a picnic to enjoy–please check with each one and be mindful of any restrictions (i.e., no outside alcohol, etc.). We usually pack our own charcuterie board/box but since it was kind of an impromptu stop, we just decided to take advantage of their snack selection on this last visit. Lobster Dogs Food Truck was also there, so we decided to give their lobster and shrimp rolls a try!
There are also some food stops around Mooresville or Davidson, NC if you’re looking for other dining options before heading back to Charlotte! Might be a good time to finally check out Kindred, Hello Sailor, or Milkbread if you have been trying to make your way up this area for the Kindred experience!
Whether you decide to make both stops for some 🥃 or 🍷 or just stop at one, we think that you’ll enjoy both Southern Distilling Co. and Daveste Vineyards. Get away from the city, even just for the day, and let us know what you think after you go!
Check out our past trips to Daveste…
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