Detour for Other QC Craft Makers

As you blaze your way through the QC Ale Trail, you might notice other craft makers in the Quad Cities.  Our family of communities has a creative spirit where entrepreneurs thrive.  It’s ok with us if you get off the trail to try some of these local diversions before getting back to checking off QC breweries.

Pour Bros. Craft Taproom

Illinois' first pour-your-own craft taproom experience has arrived in the Quad Cities. Sample every beer they have on tap, by the ounce. Creating an atmosphere for the community to enjoy life and one another one pour at a time. They curate and develop an ever-changing small batch menu of craft beer, ciders, meads, wines and amazing handcrafted cocktails. Then they complete the Pour Bros. experience with the best fun, games and music they can imagine. Even though they can't check off your passport, it's a great experience.

Mississippi River Distilling Co.

This distillery started in 2010 as an idea between two brothers, and still is a family owned and operated company in LeClaire and Davenport. It was important to them that their spirits would be local and authentic so they know where every local ingredient is sourced.  Their distillery has grown into one of the top craft distilleries in the country with spirits sent to dozens of states in the U.S. and exported to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany.

Wide River Winery

Dorothy O’Brien began growing grapes and making wine for her family in 1997.  Dorothy’s daughters, Ann Pelton and Liz Quinn, and her sisters, Martha O’Brien and Ceil O’Brien, focus on sales, marketing and the business side of the winery.  Wide River grows 10 acres of grapevines specially suited for our Midwest climate. You’ll find their tasting rooms in LeClaire, Davenport, and Clinton.

Lavender Crest Winery

After the original owner wanted to retire, the Belhause family, who operate Backroad Vineyard, purchased Lavender Crest.  Lavender Crest in Colona opened in 2004.  At Lavender Crest, you can enjoy lunch, wine tasting, and the gift shop.

Olathea Creek Vineyard & Winery

The new vineyard in LeClaire was once the campsite for the Sauk and Meskawki tribes.  The term “olethe” in Meskwaki means beautiful.  The property with a tasting room provides a quiet setting along the Mississippi River.

Old Oaks Winery

At the new Old Oaks Winery in Milan, Illinois, 3,000 vines were planted on the site in 2014.  The owners started experimenting with their grapes in 2016 and opened to the public in Summer 2022. The winery includes a tasting room, a barrel room for special events, charcuterie boxes, patio seating, fire tables, and live music.

Bootleg Hill Honey Meads

Bootleg Hill Honey Meads, a licensed winery, in Davenport is dedicated to mead of the highest quality.  Their honey is unprocessed directly from the hive.  They prefer a more natural approach with no sulfites added.  Their meads are made to be enjoyed or aged for years.