Hood River, Oregon, a town renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and lively craft beverage scene, is now carving a new identity. With the rise of wellness-focused travel and the sober-curious movement, Hood River is not just about beer, wine, spirits, and cider anymore. It’s also emerging as a destination for non-alcoholic beverages that are as unique and flavorful as they are innovative and complex.
A New Wave of Drink Experiences
At the forefront of Hood River’s non-alcoholic revolution is Wilderton Botanical Non-Alcoholic Spirits. Located along the scenic Hood River Waterfront, Wilderton’s tasting room – the first of its kind in the United States – invites visitors to experience their award-winning botanical spirits, which offer intricate flavors without alcohol. Whether sipping it neat or crafting a sophisticated mocktail, these botanical distillates bring a new level of depth and creativity to the non-alcoholic beverage world.
Sip and Savor the Local Flavors
For those who appreciate the art of tea, Good Medicine Tea provides an exquisite selection of artisanal blends found in various local restaurants and markets. Each sip is a journey into the rich, soothing world of finely crafted teas that reflect the care and tradition of Hood River’s approach to beverages.
Meanwhile, Double Mountain Brewery, renowned for its craft beers, delights with its house-made Root Beer and Ginger Ale. These non-alcoholic options offer a fizzy, flavorful twist that pairs perfectly with the brewery’s wood-fired pizzas.
A Paradise for Kombucha Lovers
For those who love kombucha, Hood River is a paradise. Local producers like Blue Bus Cultured Foods, Ferment Brewing Co. Kombucha, and One Breath Beverage offer diverse kombuchas on tap at many local restaurants and natural grocery stores like Farm Stand in the Gorge and Treebird Market, providing a variety of options for those seeking a healthy, flavorful, and alcohol-free alternative.
Non-Alcoholic Delights Along the Fruit Loop
The famous Hood River Fruit Loop, known for its U-pick fruits and cider tastings, is also home to some of the region’s finest non-alcoholic ciders. Among them, Draper Girls Country Farm and Kiyokawa Family Orchards offer handcrafted ciders from recipes passed down through generations of farmers, ensuring that each bottle carries the essence of Hood River’s rich agricultural heritage.
Embracing the Mocktail Movement
Hood River’s vibrant dining scene, which focuses largely on sourcing ingredients that are farmed, fished, and foraged locally, is a testament to the town’s commitment to quality and wellness. Leading the charge in the mocktail movement are establishments like Ferment Brewing Co., Solstice Wood Fire Pizza, Camp 1805, and KickStand Coffee & Kitchen. Their menus feature creative, alcohol-free options that cater to the growing demand for high-quality non-alcoholic beverages. For a refined dining experience, Riverside offers non-alcoholic wines and mocktails, providing the perfect pairing for a leisurely riverfront meal.
Follow the Hood River Mocktrail
True to the spirit of the community, Hood River’s non-alcoholic offerings are more than just a trend—they’re a testament to the town’s dedication to quality, health, and innovation. Whether exploring the local mocktails, savoring botanical spirits, or enjoying a glass of kombucha, Hood River offers an unforgettable taste of the region’s finest flavors. Follow the Hood River Mocktrail to discover a high-quality, healthy drinking experience as refreshing as the Gorge itself.
Cheers to enjoying the best of Hood River, one non-alcoholic sip at a time!