In Morganton, North Carolina, a small-town brewery is making a big impact. Since 2013, Fonta Flora Brewery has been transforming the craft beer scene and revitalizing a historic downtown. This innovative brewery is proving that great things can come from unexpected places.
Key Takeaways
– Fonta Flora Brewery, located in Morganton, North Carolina, has been a local treasure since its opening in 2013, revitalizing the historic downtown area.
– The brewery is known for its innovative brewing techniques that blend traditional methods with locally sourced ingredients, creating a unique North Carolina/Appalachian style of beer.
– Fonta Flora collaborates with local farms, supporting the agricultural community and promoting sustainability.
– Recognition came in 2014 and 2015 when their beers won gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival, highlighting their creative use of ingredients.
– The brewery fosters community engagement by hosting events like the Morganton Run Club and partnering with local artists and businesses.
– Fonta Flora’s taproom offers an inviting atmosphere with a rotating selection of 16 unique brews and local snacks.
– The brewery is expanding to the historic Whippoorwill Dairy Farm, further blending agriculture with brewing and preserving local heritage.
– Fonta Flora’s success has inspired other local businesses, contributing to the vibrant revitalization of downtown Morganton.
– The brewery’s model emphasizes community engagement, local sourcing, and innovative techniques, offering a blueprint for craft brewing in small towns.
The Birth of a Brewing Legacy
Fonta Flora Brewery opened its doors in 2013 in the heart of Morganton. Founded by Todd Boera and his partners, David and Mark Bennett, the brewery quickly became a local treasure. Fonta Flora’s impact on downtown Morganton has been significant, attracting beer enthusiasts from far and wide.
Located at 317 N Green St, the brewery occupies a distinctive curved brick building. This unique setting adds to Morganton’s historic charm and showcases Fonta Flora’s commitment to preserving local heritage. The brewery’s presence has not only enhanced the town’s aesthetic but also contributed to its economic revival.
A Unique Brewing Philosophy
Fonta Flora stands out for its innovative approach to brewing. The team blends traditional techniques with a focus on local agriculture and wild flora. This creates a distinct North Carolina/Appalachian style of beer that has garnered critical acclaim and put Morganton on the craft beer map.
The brewery’s dedication to using local ingredients is central to their process. They collaborate closely with nearby farms, including Bluebird Farm, to source fresh, seasonal produce. This commitment not only results in unique and flavorful brews but also supports the local agricultural community. It creates a symbiotic relationship between the brewery and its surroundings, fostering a sense of community and sustainability. Just a short drive away, Spacious Skies Hidden Creek in Marion offers a similarly immersive experience in nature, with its campground nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Award-Winning Creations
Fonta Flora’s innovative brewing approach has earned them recognition in the wider beer community. In 2014, their “Irish Table” beer, an Irish-Style Dry Stout, won gold at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF). This achievement put Fonta Flora on the national stage and solidified their reputation as a brewery to watch.
Building on this success, Fonta Flora struck gold again at the 2015 GABF. Their “Beets, Rhymes & Life” brew, a saison-style ale made with local beets, showcased their commitment to using unconventional ingredients. These awards not only brought recognition to Fonta Flora but also shone a spotlight on Morganton’s burgeoning craft beer scene. They demonstrated that small-town breweries can compete with the best in the industry.
Community at the Heart of Brewing
At Fonta Flora, brewing great beer is just one part of their mission. The brewery has become a hub for community engagement, hosting events that bring people together. One such initiative is the “Morganton Run Club,” which encourages physical activity and social interaction among locals.
Collaboration is another key aspect of Fonta Flora’s community-centric approach. The brewery frequently partners with local artists, farmers, and other small businesses. They’ve worked with artists from Woolly Press for logo and label designs, and collaborated with Tara Jensen of Smoke Signals Bakery for special events. These partnerships not only result in exciting new offerings but also help to strengthen the local creative and business community.
The Fonta Flora Experience
Stepping into Fonta Flora’s taproom is like entering a rustic oasis. The space, with its wooden beams and brick walls adorned with local artwork, perfectly encapsulates the brewery’s ethos. It blends tradition with innovation, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors.
Visitors can choose from 16 taps featuring a rotating selection of Fonta Flora’s unique brews. Each beer tells a story of local ingredients and creative brewing techniques. To complement their beers, the taproom offers a selection of local snacks, further emphasizing their commitment to supporting the local food scene. This attention to detail in both their beer and food offerings creates a holistic experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.
Growing Roots: Expansion Plans
As Fonta Flora’s popularity has grown, so too have their ambitions. The brewery purchased eight acres of the historic Whippoorwill Dairy Farm. This expansion project aims to create a farmhouse brewery that will incorporate existing historic structures, further cementing Fonta Flora’s commitment to preserving local heritage.
The Whippoorwill Dairy Farm project represents more than just an expansion of brewing capacity. It’s a bold step towards creating a truly immersive farm brewery experience. Visitors will be able to see firsthand the connection between agriculture and brewing. This initiative not only supports Fonta Flora’s brewing philosophy but also contributes to the preservation of Morganton’s agricultural heritage.
Revitalizing Downtown Morganton
The impact of Fonta Flora Brewery on downtown Morganton extends far beyond its taproom walls. By attracting beer enthusiasts from near and far, the brewery has helped to boost the local economy. Visitors coming to experience Fonta Flora often explore other local businesses, creating a ripple effect of economic benefits throughout the community.
Moreover, Fonta Flora’s success has inspired other entrepreneurs and creatives in Morganton. It has contributed to a growing ecosystem of small businesses and artistic ventures. This revitalization has breathed new life into the historic downtown, transforming it into a vibrant destination. Morganton now celebrates local culture and craftsmanship in ways it never has before, thanks in large part to Fonta Flora’s influence.
The Future of Small-Town Brewing
Fonta Flora’s success story offers a glimpse into the potential future of craft brewing in small towns across America. Their model of community engagement, local sourcing, and innovative brewing techniques could be replicated in other communities. This approach not only produces great beer but also fosters economic growth and community pride.
As craft beer enthusiasts increasingly seek out unique, locally-rooted experiences, breweries like Fonta Flora are well-positioned to thrive. They offer something that large, commercial breweries can’t: a deep connection to place and community. This trend suggests that small-town breweries could play a significant role in revitalizing rural economies and preserving local cultures across the country. For those looking to extend their exploration of the region’s natural beauty, Spacious Skies Hidden Creek offers a perfect retreat with its variety of accommodations and outdoor activities, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the Blue Ridge Mountain experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FFAQ)
Q: What is Fonta Flora Brewery known for?
A: Fonta Flora Brewery is known for its innovative brewing techniques and its focus on using local ingredients to create distinct North Carolina/Appalachian style beers.
Q: Where is Fonta Flora Brewery located?
A: Fonta Flora Brewery is located at 317 N Green St in Morganton, North Carolina.
Q: How has Fonta Flora Brewery impacted Morganton?
A: Fonta Flora Brewery has revitalized downtown Morganton by attracting visitors and boosting the local economy, inspiring other businesses and artistic ventures.
Q: What awards has Fonta Flora Brewery won?
A: Fonta Flora Brewery won gold at the Great American Beer Festival in 2014 for their “Irish Table” beer and in 2015 for their “Beets, Rhymes & Life” brew.
Q: What is unique about Fonta Flora’s brewing process?
A: Their brewing process is unique because they use local agriculture and wild flora to create their beers, often collaborating with nearby farms for ingredients.
Q: What is Fonta Flora’s expansion project?
A: Fonta Flora is expanding to the historic Whippoorwill Dairy Farm to create a farmhouse brewery, aiming to preserve local heritage and provide an immersive brewing experience.