Sip Your Way Through the Foothills: The Best Craft Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries Near Calgary

You don't need to drive to the city for a great craft beer or a unique wine tasting. Tucked between rolling hills and mountain views, the Foothills region is quietly becoming one of Alberta's most exciting sip-and-explore destinations — and we've mapped out the best stops for you.

Photo via Travel Alberta

Diamond Valley — Your Craft Beverage Hub

Eau Claire Distillery & Speakeasy Alberta's first craft whisky distillery, housed in a 1923 movie theatre on Sunset Boulevard. Think Prohibition-era charm, award-winning whisky, and a patio that locals rave about. Perfect for cocktail flights, group tours, and private events. A must-stop on any Foothills sip trail.

Hard Knox Brewery A sibling-owned microbrewery with a festival feel — live music, food trucks like Growleez, and a rotating lineup of creative beers from Knox Blonde to pineapple-jalapeño IPA. Dog-friendly and horse-friendly (yes, really). One of the most fun patios in the region.

Fahr Brewery Award-winning German-style beers brewed with 100% Albertan grain and imported German hops. Think crisp Hefeweizens, Pilsners, and Oktoberfest pours paired with pretzels and bratwurst. Small, community-focused, and internationally recognized.

Millarville — Wine with a View

Spirit Hills Winery A family-run winery just outside Millarville turning dandelions, wild rose, honey, and local fruit into one-of-a-kind wines. Many bottles — including limited-run dandelion and wild rose wines — are only available on-site. The guided tasting experience blends education, storytelling, and genuine Foothills hospitality.

Bragg Creek — Small-Batch & Cozy

Bragg Creek Distillers Housed in a historic log cabin called The Hut, this intimate distillery offers flights of single malt whiskies, small-batch gin, vodka, and bourbon. The gin flight paired with a charcuterie board is a local favourite. Perfect for hikers and cyclists stopping in after a trail day.

Cowboy Trail Brewery Sharing its home with the Bragg Creek Distillers in The Hut, this brewery serves as a liquid homage to the province's ranching roots. Their tap list mirrors a journey along Highway 22, featuring everything from a velvety Dark Ale with cocoa notes to the tropical, hazy Hippies & Cowboys NEIPA. For those fresh off the mountain, the Braggin' Rights Blonde offers a crisp, 0.5% non-alcoholic alternative crafted alongside the Bragg Creek Trails Association. With a rotating selection of seasonal festbiers and a deep local connection, it is a quintessential Foothills gathering spot.

Cochrane — Worth the Short Drive

Half Hitch Brewing Company A spacious, dog-friendly patio with sweeping views, a solid rotating tap list (IPAs, nitro pours, ciders), and classic pub fare. A reliable crowd-pleaser for both locals and visitors.

Rocky View Brewing Company A family-owned taproom in historic downtown Cochrane with a cozy Canadiana-meets-steampunk interior, live music on the patio, and a rotating "Adventure Series" beer lineup. Consistently praised for standout hospitality.

Whether you're a craft beer devotee, a wine explorer, or a whisky curious adventurer, the Foothills has a glass waiting for you. Check the Explore Foothills Events Calendar for the latest tasting events, live music nights, and seasonal specials happening across the region. Have an event to share? Send it to us at foothillsevents@gmail.com and we'll help spread the word!