Artisan, crafted, local – there’s a certain magic in these words – a promise of quality, uniqueness, and devotion. They hint at creations that are more than just products; they’re personal expressions, and in Cleveland County, North Carolina, these words come to life. Here, local artisans pour their expertise and passion into every sip, every taste, and every experience.

Take Newgrass Brewing Co. as an example. This isn’t your average brewery; it’s where the art of beer-making is revered and treated with the care it deserves. Every batch here is crafted in small quantities, tested, and perfected. Currently, you’ll find eight different types of beer produced. Their team goes beyond the basics, curating ingredients from around the world to produce a range of brews that bring Cleveland County to your glass. Their Unfiltered American IPA is a blend of hops so unique it’s practically a signature in its own right. And for those who love a deeper, more robust experience, the seasonal Imperial Sweet Milk Stout is aged in a whiskey barrel and features local coffee from the local coffee maker, Lily Bean–a perfect match of flavors that feels quintessentially North Carolina.

But Cleveland County’s dedication to craft doesn’t stop with hops and malt. At Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard & Winery, history meets innovation on a farm that’s been in the Baker family for over a century. Here, the land was transformed into a vineyard in 2003, inspired by the rolling vineyards of Napa and Sonoma. Today, they cultivate nine grape varieties, each one chosen to thrive in this unique terroir. The Bakers’ wines aren’t just locally sourced – they’re a testament to North Carolina’s heritage. Their Chambourcin isn’t just a wine; it’s a gold-medal-winning experience, recognized in 2023 for its excellence at the Celebration of Chambourcin. As you sip, you taste the family’s history, love, and dedication to their land.

And then there’s Southern Artisan Spirits, where gin isn’t just gin. Here, distilling is an art form, steeped in family tradition and proprietary techniques that keep the magic alive in every small batch. Each bottle of their Cardinal Gin is infused with organic botanicals that are so fresh, that their vibrant, peppery-citrus notes feel almost alive on the tongue. Located in Kings Mountain (and an open to the public date coming soon) Southern Artisan Spirits was among the first of North Carolina’s pioneering distilleries and remains family-owned, handcrafting each batch of gin with integrity. Their legacy is studded with accolades–from Cooking Light’s Taste Test Award, a double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and two bronze medals at the International Wine and Spirit competition in London. Every award is a testament not just to the gin, but to the family’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

In Cleveland County, the people, the passion, and the processes are as much a part of the final product as the ingredients themselves. Each brewery, vineyard, and distillery is more than just a business; it’s a story in a bottle, a tale poured from the hands of locals who care. The care that goes into these creations is as real as the North Carolina soil beneath your feet and as genuine as a Southern smile.

And as you savor every taste of Cleveland County, you realize: that here, craft is more than a trend. It’s a legacy. So here’s to this place – where the final, flavorful word is, and always will be, handmade