Beer, Wine & Spirits in West Raleigh

Railhouse Brewery founders Mike Ratkowski and Brian Evitts both did stints in the armed forces before they met while working the same job. The two shared an interest in the effervescent qualities of a good beer, and in 2009, they turned that passion into a business. Brian, a homebrewer for 20 years, oversees the production of the company's five main beers—oatmeal stout, brown ale, pale ale, honey wheat, and barley wine—and Mike handles operations, sales, and the number of bottles of beer on the wall. Together, they help bring Railhouse brews to 14 restaurants and bars in the Sandhills.

The Railhouse Brewery also frequently hosts concerts and festivals, and holds cornhole tournaments every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, check out the event page or send a pack of investigative hops to visit the brewery.

April Schlanger, a 15-year wine-industry veteran, believes that the words “organic” and “eco-friendly” are not mutually exclusive when relating to affordable wines. She and her husband Josh opened Sip ... A Wine Store in the hopes of sharing their passion for and knowledge of organic wine and beer, earning the young store a glowing feature on CaryCitizen. Respect for the planet oozes from every design detail in the quaint shop, be it the VOC-free wall paint, reclaimed-wood display tables, or complimentary wine carriers given to customers upon arrival. Those hoping to challenge their palates and forego the day's to-do lists can sidle up to the tasting bar or partake in formal wine classes, focusing on specific producers or varietals.

Helmed by affable beer connoisseur Nate, Bull City Homebrew outfits hobbyists and homebrewers with all the necessary tools for concocting mouthwatering batches of homemade beer or wine. Bottling equipment, books, and bins of wholesome grain line the shelves, beckoning customers to turn simple earthy elements into flavorful ales and vino. In-house recipes help would-be beer barons conjure their own top-shelf brew, and regular classes instruct students in the art of bottling their craft and belching out the Beer-Lambert law's equation.

The staff at American Brewmaster uses their expertise to help turn connoisseurs into experts. They provide in-depth instruction for brewing beer, kegging homebrews, and making wine and cheese. Along with kits for accomplishing this mastery, they offer ingredients, supplies, labels, sanitizers, and books.