For decades, the traditional “happy hour” meant one thing: gathering with friends or coworkers at a familiar bar, surrounded by clinking glasses and background noise. But the way people connect over drinks is changing. Increasingly, the modern social scene is unfolding somewhere quieter, more intentional, and far more experiential: at wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries.
These spaces have evolved from niche destinations into cultural hubs, places where people go not just to have a drink, but to have an experience. Across the globe, the craft beverage industry is flourishing, fueled by a shared desire for authenticity, storytelling, and community.
By Linda Amraen, ISHC, Global Director of Hospitality at BARE International