As winter settles in the Quad Cities, the QC Ale Trail invites you to discover the region’s cozy and bold brews. The QC Ale Trail is a free, self-guided tour of the Quad Cities’ best craft breweries. Using your phone to complete check-ins, you can try new brews and collect prizes along the way. 

With crisp air outside, breweries across the region are crafting rich stouts, spiced ales, and warming beers that are perfect companions for the colder months. We invite you to explore the QC Ale Trail this winter and beyond—one sip at a time.

Winter Brews for Every Taste

The season brings a variety of craft beer experiences, showcasing winter flavors that go beyond the typical holiday offerings. Whether you prefer a coffee stout with hints of vanilla, pecan, cinnamon, and caramel—like Bent River Brewing’s Jingle Java—or pastry sours brewed with in-season fruits, the QC Ale Trail delivers.

Local breweries are pouring the best of winter, providing options for every palate. These seasonal brews pair beautifully with hearty dishes, so why not stop by a brewpub for a comforting meal alongside your pint?

As you journey from taproom to taproom, you’ll find that winter in the Quad Cities is about more than just bundling up. It’s about embracing the season through rich, flavorful beers that are as diverse as the breweries themselves. With your QC Ale Trail passport in hand, you can discover new favorite spots to revisit all season long.

Beer Not Your Style?

If beer isn’t your go-to, the Quad Cities has plenty of other winter drink experiences to explore. Head to Mississippi River Distilling Company in LeClaire or downtown Davenport for their holiday pop-up experiences. Sip festive Christmas cocktails and mocktails, snack on delicious treats, and enjoy photo ops, movies, music, and more, all in a festive, beautifully decorated setting.

Looking for a winter wine experience? Tycoga Winery in DeWitt offers igloo reservations throughout the winter season. Their heated igloos seat up to eight people, and for a small fee, you can enjoy two hours of sipping wine slushes or mulled wine while soaking in the crisp winter air or gazing at the night sky.

Your Winter Passport to Fun & Flavor

Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a new winter adventure, the Quad Cities region has something for everyone. Let the season guide you to new flavors, cozy experiences, and winter memories that will last long after the snow melts. Go to visitquadcities.com to start planning your winter getaway.