No matter which “poison” you pick, Traditions of Braselton is well-poised for anyone who enjoys indulging in the occasional adult beverage. From bloody marys and mimosas at a boozy brunch to a well-earned nightcap at the end of a long day, a slew of eateries, pubs, cocktail crafters, and liquor purveyors await nearby. For those oenophiles (aka wine aficionados) and cerevisaphiles (aka beer lovers) who appreciate the creative process, we are blessed with two destinations close to home that are alcoholic concoction originators: Chateau Elan Winery and Braselton Brewing Company. If you lived in Traditions of Braselton, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Town of Braselton shares your fondness for grapes and hops, as evidenced by a series of seasonal events where you can raise a glass and toast the good life we all enjoy.
Drink It All In at Chateau Elan
We have an award-winning winery in our midst! Its portfolio of hand-crafted wines makes Chateau Elan the largest wine producer in the state of Georgia. The winery is open daily for guided tours of its production facility and vat room. Guests can enjoy stand-alone tastings or a tasting at the end of their winery tour. Chateau Elan also often hosts special events like Charcuterie Workshops, Cork & Canvas Workshops, Mixology Demonstrations, and more.
A wine bungalow rental might be in order for a unique twist on gatherings of four to six friends. Available in three-hour increments, these climate-controlled bungalows overlook the vineyard. To enhance the experience, Chateau Elan includes a ‘Bungalow Basket’ complete with an assortment of gourmet snacks, plus one bottle of Chateau Elan Reserve Collection Wine or Chateau Elan Muscadine Wine. Additional wine and charcuterie boards can be purchased inside the Tasting Room.
If Irish Whiskey is more your speed, head to Paddy’s Pub – set inside an authentic Irish pub on the resort’s grounds. The pub was originally built in Dublin and reassembled here in 1997. The Inn is home to Louis’ House of Bourbon if you prefer a smoky bourbon. A self-proclaimed Southern Gastro Pub, it boasts an impressive collection of bucket-list bourbons and bourbon cocktails.
Enjoy a Round (or Two) at Braselton Brewing Company
Serving up a bold blend of craft beer and comfort food, Braselton Brewing Company has become a local landmark in the six years since it opened its doors in the town’s former historic cotton gin. It has become a fan favorite for its crowd-pleasing menu, flavorful beers, rotating specials, expansive outdoor seating, hospitable staff, and pet-friendly atmosphere. BBC boasts an event space upstairs, music bingo on Wednesdays, and live music on select Friday or Saturday nights. For those who wish to take their favorite beers home, it sells 32-64 oz. growlers and 32 oz. crowlers to go.
Representing a mix of classics and seasonals, Braselton Brewing Company produces close to 30 beers on-site each year, with as many as 17 on tap at any given time. All told, it produces 350 barrels every year – holding 31 gallons each but has the capacity to expand to 700 barrels.
Hit the Sauce AND the Streets During These Four Events
Numbers 3, 4, 5, and 6 on our list of six ways to enjoy the fine art of imbibing at or near Traditions of Braselton are four signature local events: Braselton Brew Fest, Oktoberfest, Sheila Fest, and Wine Walks.
Taking place in Downtown Braselton on September 22 this year, the Braselton Brew Fest will showcase an assemblage of Georgia Brew Masters, including our own homegrown Braselton Brewing Company. The Town Green will be transformed into a beer garden where attendees aged 21 & up will enjoy unlimited craft beer samples, live music, and lawn games. General admission is $50 per person and $60 the day of the event – proceeds will benefit the Braselton Downtown Development Authority. To learn more and purchase your tickets, visit www.explorebraselton.com/brew-fest.
Following the Fall harvest, Chateau Elan will play host to Oktoberfest on October 6. Celebrate the spirit of Bavaria, set in the festive ambiance of the resort’s Winery Pavilion. Guests can enjoy a bountiful buffet-style feast featuring authentic German fare, ice-cold brews from a Beer Truck, a live cooking demo by Chateau Elan’s expert chef, and an afternoon of fun as the lively sounds of “Ein Prosit” fill the air. Tickets for this event will likely sell out quickly, so visit www.chateauelan.com to secure yours today.
A couple of weekends later, on Saturday, October 19, Traditions of Braselton will play host to our annual Sheila Fest on the event lawn. From noon to 11 p.m., a rocking roster of bands will take the stage as our guests enjoy the show from the comfort of their own lawn chairs and drink from the convenience of their own coolers. Sheila Fest attendees can also dine from food trucks, peruse a variety of vendor tents, and take their kiddos to enjoy a variety of fun-focused activities in the Ultimate Kid Zone. The proceeds from ticket sales will benefit a number of local charities – including iServe Ministries. Tickets for attendees 15 and older are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Kids 14 and under can enjoy the show for free.
While this year’s Wine Walk may have passed you by, you might want to save the date for NEXT summer’s stroll. At each sipping station, businesses will welcome walkers with a wine sample paired perfectly with a fabulous food bite–some provided by Braselton’s finest restaurants. It’s an excellent opportunity to sip and shop! Check www.explorebraselton.com often to learn when the date for the 2025 Wine Walk has been scheduled and when tickets go on sale. This is another event where tickets sell out quickly.
Honorable mentions for our adult beverage-loving brethren:
Cork It at 36 Frances Street in Downtown Braselton
Cotton Calf Kitchen at 9924 Davis Street in Downtown Braselton
Flourish Taproom at 9924 Davis Street on the Second Floor of The 1904 in Downtown Braselton
Local Station at 108 Brassie Lane in Downtown Braselton
rebar at 9924 Davis Street inside The 1904 in Downtown Braselton
Jack’s Public House at 6332 Grand Hickory Drive in Mulberry Walk
Hit’s Taproom at 6323 Grand Hickory Drive in Mulberry Walk
The next time you’re in our neck of the woods, drop by the Discovery Center to meet our knowledgeable crew and learn about our builders and available homes/home sites. Once you’ve moved into the community, you can benefit from our very active HOA, which always has fun events on our social calendar, a wide variety of interest groups that you can join, and a vibrant amenity center that includes our Owners Clubhouse, fitness center, pool, playground, pickleball and tennis courts.
From all of us here at Traditions of Braselton, we raise a glass to your good health and happiness! Please Drink Responsibly.
KB 8/26/24