Beer and Wine at a Brewpub? How We Pair Both for a Great Night Out

Think brewpubs are only for beer fans? Think again.

At Elicit Brewing, we’ve always believed that good nights out should feel easy, social, and welcoming, which is why our taprooms serve more than just craft beer. We love hops and barley, but we also love great wine, good company, and food pairings that make any visit feel like the perfect come-hang moment.

In this blog, we’re walking you through how we bring craft beer and curated wine together under one roof in a way that works for everyone: friends meeting up, couples planning a date night, or anyone who wants a drink that fits their vibe. If you want to peek at everything we pour, read on!

Why We Serve Wine at a Brewpub

We know people assume a brewpub only caters to beer drinkers. But for us, that never felt like the full story.

Most groups don’t share identical tastes, so we decided early on that our drink menu should feel inclusive and pressure-free. Our wine list sits right alongside our house-brewed beers because we want guests to have the freedom to choose what they like, no hierarchy, no gatekeeping, no feeling out of place. Whether it’s reds, whites, rosés, or bubbles, our wine program adds balance, variety, and personality to the taproom experience.

We love seeing couples share a bottle while their friends grab IPAs, or parents sip wine while their kids enjoy arcade games. That mix is exactly what Elicit is about: community, choice, and good times together.

Craft Beer Meets Curated Wine: The Best of Both Worlds

Beer and wine seem like two different worlds. But when you look closely, they share more than you’d expect.

The Common Ground

Both drinks are crafted with intention, balance, and flavor in mind. Just like beer, wine has its own artistry, how it’s sourced, how it’s aged, how it brings people together. We treat both categories with the same level of respect. There’s nothing like “better” or “fancier” here. If it tastes good and makes your night better, it belongs on our menu.

For Every Palate

Hop-lovers can dive into our rotating craft beer lineup of Elicit-brewed beers, including IPAs, lagers, stouts, and seasonal pours. Wine fans get curated reds, whites, rosé, and sparkling options that pair well with everything on the food menu. And if you’re undecided, beer flights (built from Elicit drafts only) let you sample a few styles before committing.

Pairing Beer and Wine with Our Favorite Taproom Dishes

Good drinks get even better with food, and we keep our pairings approachable, flexible, and built for sharing.

Smash Burgers and IPA or Cabernet Sauvignon

Smash burgers bring rich flavor and a little char. A crisp IPA refreshes each bite, while a cabernet’s structure balances the richness. It’s a classic “you grab a beer, I’ll grab a wine” date-night combo.

Flatbreads + Pilsner or Sauvignon Blanc

Flatbreads are light, bright, and easy to share, so we love pairing them with drinks that feel the same. A pilsner keeps things clean and crisp, while sauvignon blanc adds citrusy lift. Both make casual bites feel just a little more elevated.

Tacos + Wheat Beer or Rosé

A little spice, a little heat, and a lot of flavor, tacos deserve drinks that can handle the intensity. Wheat beer adds bubbles and softness, while rosé adds fruity freshness. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleasing pairing for groups.

Chocolate Desserts + Stout or Red Blend

Chocolate desserts and stout might be the most underrated combo ever. Roasted malt meets cocoa, while a bold red blend brings dark fruit that feels like a second dessert. We feel that it’s a cozy way to end the night with this pairing.

For more pairing ideas, check out our food and drink menu.

The Elicit Experience, More Than Drinks

When people visit Elicit Brewing, they’re not just coming for a drink. They’re looking for a place that feels fun, relaxed, and easy to spend time in.

Each of our Connecticut locations, Manchester, Fairfield, and Danbury, brings its own personality, from industrial-chic spaces and lounge seating to arcade games, music, and special events. Seating is first-come, first-served, so you can grab a seat in the beer hall, move upstairs, or head out to the patio as the night unfolds.

Whether it’s a weekend hang, a midweek catch-up, or a casual date, we try to create nights that feel easy and memorable.

Date Night at a Brewpub? Absolutely.

We hear it all the time: “I didn’t know a brewpub could be this good for date night.” And honestly, we love that reaction.

Wine pours, beer flights, cocktails, and shareable food give everyone something to enjoy without feeling stuffy or overplanned. The lighting stays warm, the music stays fun, and ordering is super easy. Walk-ins welcome, sharing encouraged. If you’re planning a night out, just swing by Elicit.

Tips for a Great Beer and Wine Night

We love it when guests mix things up and explore the menu. A few easy tips make the night even better.

• Start with a beer flight to find your flavor rhythm. 
• Split a bottle of wine and compare sips with bites
• Keep it simple: light with light, bold with bold. 
• Order shareable plates so everyone can try a little of everything. 
• End with dessert or a stout for a cozy finish. 

To build your own beer flight, check out what’s On Tap before you visit.

FAQs 

Does Elicit Brewing serve wine at all locations?

Yes, all Elicit Brewing locations offer curated wine selections.

Can I mix beer and on the same visit?

Of course. Mixing it up is part of the fun; just enjoy it responsibly.

Do you offer beer flights and rotating wine pours?

Yes, beer flights and rotating wine pours are available at all locations.

Is Elicit good for date nights or group hangs?

Defini, we. We aim for fun, relaxed, and welcoming nights with drinks and food for every taste.

A Brewpub Night Everyone Can Get Behind

Whether you’re into hops or pinot, pints or pours, Elicit Brewing brings both worlds together in a way that feels easy, social, and welcoming. Our mix of craft beer, curated wine, great food, and community-driven spaces makes any visit feel like a night worth repeating. 

Come hang with us in Manchester, Fairfield, or Danbury. Your glass, your plate, and your night out are always in good hands.

Order food and drinks online and bring the Elicit experience to your table. Skip the wait and start your night the easy way.