OEC Brewing

Oxford, CT

OEC Brewing (Ordinem Ecentrici Coctores)

Address: 7 Fox Hollow Road, Oxford, CT
State: Connecticut
Website: https://www.oecbrewing.com

Overview
OEC Brewing isn’t your average taproom—it’s a little weird, a little mysterious, and a whole lot of fun if you’re up for something different. Tucked away in the woods of Oxford, this brewery leans into old-world brewing traditions with a modern, eccentric twist. Expect unfiltered, barrel-aged, sometimes funky beers inspired by Northern Europe, made using wild fermentation, open vats, and techniques that sound more like alchemy than brewing.

The space itself feels like a rustic clubhouse for people who love beer (and maybe a good secret society reference or two). There’s stone and wood and Latin symbols on the walls, plus a patio for nice days. It’s quirky in all the right ways—and surprisingly approachable, even if you don’t usually go for the sour or funky stuff.

Why It’s Worth a Stop
There’s nowhere else in Connecticut quite like it. If you’re into unique beers, oddball history, or just want a brewery visit that stands out, this place checks all the boxes.

What to Know Before You Go

• Open Tuesday–Sunday (hours vary slightly; closes at 7pm Friday–Saturday)
• Small seasonal menu available; outside food and snacks also welcome
• Seating is limited indoors; outdoor courtyard open in warmer months
• Beer list changes constantly—come curious
• Funky, barrel-aged, and old-world styles are their specialty

Fun Fact
The Latin name is intentionally wrong—OEC stands for Order of the Eccentric Boilers, a playful nod to old brewing traditions and secret societies. The founders fully admit: they don’t take themselves too seriously.

Fox Farm Brewery

Salem, CT

Fox Farm Brewery

Address: 62 Music Vale Road, Salem, CT
State: Connecticut
Website: https://www.foxfarmbeer.com

Overview
Tucked down a winding country road in Salem, Fox Farm Brewery is a quiet standout on Connecticut’s craft beer scene. It’s set in a beautifully restored dairy barn surrounded by rolling fields, with a tasting room that’s equal parts rustic and refined. There’s no restaurant, no live music, no frills—just really, really good beer and a setting that makes you want to hang out for hours.

Fox Farm is known for clean, balanced beers—IPAs, pilsners, lagers, saisons—all brewed on-site with an emphasis on subtlety and quality. You can grab a pour or a flight inside the barn, or take it outside to the picnic tables on the lawn. It’s not loud or crowded—just friendly, well-paced, and thoughtfully done. If you’re into beer (or with someone who is), it’s absolutely worth the trip.

Why It’s Worth a Stop
It’s peaceful, scenic, and refreshingly chill. A perfect place to unwind with a beer that was brewed just a few feet away.

What to Know Before You Go

• Open Thursday–Sunday
• No food for sale, but you’re welcome to bring light snacks
• Kid-friendly and dog-friendly outdoors
• Indoor and outdoor seating available year-round
• Most beers available to-go in cans

Fun Fact
The tasting room sits in what used to be a hayloft, and the original post-and-beam construction is still fully intact.

Hopkins Vineyard

New Preston, CT

Hopkins Vineyard

Address: 25 Hopkins Road, New Preston, CT
State: Connecticut
Website: https://www.hopkinsvineyard.com

Overview
Hopkins Vineyard is one of those places where you show up “just for a tasting” and end up spending the whole afternoon. Set on a hillside overlooking Lake Waramaug, the views are incredible year-round—especially with a glass of estate-grown wine in hand. It’s been family-owned for over 40 years, and it shows in the way the place runs: friendly, down-to-earth, and proud of what they pour.

The wine list leans white and sparkling, with a few reds and rosés to round things out. You can sample a flight inside the cozy 19th-century barn-turned-tasting room, or grab a bottle and head outside to one of the picnic tables or Adirondack chairs overlooking the water. They often host live music and small events, but even on a quiet day, it’s a lovely place to settle in.

Why It’s Worth a Stop
The combination of lake views, laid-back energy, and solid local wine makes this a no-brainer for a casual date, a weekend outing, or an easy detour when you’re in the area.

What to Know Before You Go

• Open year-round, with indoor and outdoor seating
• Flights, glasses, and bottles available
• Small cheese plates for sale; picnics welcome
• Check their website or social for live music dates
• Popular in fall—go early for the best seating

Fun Fact
The vineyard has been in the Hopkins family for over 200 years, originally as a dairy farm before transitioning to wine in the late 1970s.