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The popularity of microbreweries and craft beer exploded in 1990s, launching an industry that has become firmly entrenched across the country, and continues to grow each year. But the craze bypassed us here in Southwest Florida, until just three years ago, when the Naples Beach Brewery opened its doors in 2012. Since then, locals have been sprinting to catch up with the rest of the country. With at least eight breweries and brew pubs currently operating, and five more slated to open by the end of 2016, we suddenly are spoiled for choice.
One Naples man decided to capitalize on the new beer scene in Naples. Jason LeMay operator and co-founder of Southwest Florida Brewery Tours. During a vacation trip to Asheville, NC, LeMay went on a bus tour of several breweries, and the seed was planted. “I thought it was a great idea,” he says: an idea that could be transferred to the burgeoning craft beer market in SWFL. He sold his Jeep, bought a van, and a new business was born.
Tours take place on Saturdays, and typically encompass three breweries. Guests spend 45 minutes to an hour at each brewery, during which time they tour each facility, with both Jason and brewery representatives providing an enlightening education in the art of brewing. The highlight of the tours is, of course, the beer samples. Tours are $35, plus an online booking fee.
Sounds like the perfect Father’s Day gift for that beer lover in your life. What could be better than an afternoon of sampling his favorite beverage alongside fellow beer enthusiasts, while being chauffeured all over Southwest Florida?
For more information, or to schedule a tour, call (239) 682-9140 or visit www.swflbrewerytours.com.
About the breweries
While we weren’t able to visit all of the breweries and brewpubs in Southwest Florida for this article, we were able to sample a few. Try them out for yourself.
Fat Point Brewing
Planning for Fat Point Brewing in Punta Gorda started just two years ago, and the early success of the brewery and tap room has surprised brewmaster and co-founder Bill Frazer. Fat Point starting distributing beer in August 2014. The taproom, which also serves food, opened this February. The brewery currently is running at full capacity, and Frazer says demand has been twice what Fat Point can produce. But the brewery is expanding to meet that demand, and continue to grow. Frazer notes that every restaurant in downtown Punta Gorda is serving Fat Point beers.
Being part of the community is a priority for Fat Point, as is being family friendly. “On the weekends, we have whole families bike here,” says Frazer. Families share a pizza in the taproom, and parents sip their favorite pint while the kids enjoy a soda and play Giant Jenga. Dogs, too, are welcome in the beer garden.
Not all local breweries are child-friendly, so it’s best to call first. Opening days and hours vary widely among the various facilities, so check their websites before you visit.
Fort Myers Brewing Company
Fort Myers Brewing Company opened its doors in February 2013, and like Fat Point, is experiencing high demand for its products. Located in an industrial park off of Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers, the brewery already is expanding to cope with its popularity.
On a recent visit to FMBRew with SWFL Brewery Tours, a cornhole tournament was underway, and a crowd gathered outside at the back of the brewery to drink beer and enjoy the beautiful May weather. While FMBrew does not serve food, food trucks park outside so you can have a meal while you enjoy the beers on tap. The brewery hosts a food truck rally on Thursdays.
SWFL BREWERIES
Naples Beach Brewery • www.naplesbeachbrewery.com • 239-304-8795 • 4110 Enterprise Ave., Suite 217, Naples
Riptide Brewing Co. (opening later in 2015) • www.facebook.com/pages/RipTide-Brewing-Company • 987 Third Ave. N., Naples
Momentum Brewhouse • www.momentumbrewhouse.com • (239) 949-9945 • 9786 Bonita Beach Rd SE #1, Bonita Springs
Marco Island Brewery • www.marcoislandbrewery.com • (239) 970-0461 • 1089 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island
Point Ybel Brewing • www.pointybelbrew.com • (239) 603-6535 • 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Suite 4, Fort Myers
Fort Myers Brewing • www.facebook.com/FMBrew • (239) 313-6576 • 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, Suite 27-28, Fort Myers
Old Soul Brew Company • http://oldsoulbrewcompany.com • (239) 334-4334 • 10970 U.S. 41 South, Fort Myers
Fat Point Brewing • www.fatpoint.com • (800) 380-7405 • 611 Charlotte St, Punta Gorda
Leigh Ann Newman is a writer and editor and the owner of ABC Swim School in Naples.