Breweries / Wineries - Twin Cities Gateway

Beer anybody?

First up, you’ll want to visit 10k Brewing, Anoka’s first and only taproom. Sample a flight of some of their wide variety brews and take home a growler or two of your favorites. 10K’s taproom features a friendly atmosphere and entertainment. Nice beer. Nice people.

10k Brewing

Next up is Alloy Brewing in Coon Rapids. Alloy Brewing Company is a brewery and tap room based on supporting and giving back to the community. Alloy offers tours, special events, games and special group events. Check out their website to see what’s on tap!

Alloy Brewing Company

Invictus is Latin for “unconquerable”, and that is the exactly the spirit behind Invictus Brewing Co. Invictus is located adjacent to the National Sports Center in Blaine and features tours and a beautiful taproom with capacity of about 200. The brewery also partners with the Tipsy Steer, a locally owned and managed kitchen that serves up local sassy brew food to their customers.

Invictus Brewing Co.

Next up is Barley John’s Brew Pub, a destination for serious beer lovers and a favorite neighborhood hang out for almost 20 years. John Moore and Laura Subak opened Barley John’s Brewpub on the edge of northeast Minneapolis to share their passion for good food and great beer. Barley John’s is a neighborhood place with a cabin like feel, complete with a roaring fire pit nightly.

Barely John’s Brew Pub

And lest we forget, Forgotten Star Brew Co. in Fridley is a new brewery and taproom fashioned from a 1940s pump company that was converted to manufacturing canon for the navy during WWII. The plant was recognized seven times throughout the war for efficiency and excellence – and is one of just eight plants to achieve this lofty recognition. Forgotten Star Brewing is committed to this same level of excellence in brewing craft beer.

Forgotten Star Brew Co.

Last but not least, there’s HammerHeart Brewing in Lino Lakes. HammerHeart is built on the recognition of old Nordic and Celtic cultures. The brewing techniques and the names of their unique brews are steeped in Norse and Celtic traditions. The brewery was founded by brothers in law with a passion for Norse mythology and metal music. Rock on!

HammerHeart Brewing

Or how about a little wine?

Wine enthusiasts have a special treat in store at Willow Tree Winery in Ham Lake. Willow Tree is a new vineyard and tasting room featuring several varietals and seasonal wines. Willow Tree wines are only available on site, so find your favorites and bring a bottle or two home. The tasting room is open Thursday – Sunday. Groups and group tours are welcome.

Willow Tree Winery