Fall into Flavor: Must-Try Beers and Wines for the Autumn Season
Oct. 2, 2023
Ready or not, fall is here. We’re transitioning into perfect football weather now; soon it’ll be time for Halloween costumes, then pumpkin pies. Whatever your favorite part of fall, we’ve got the best beer and wine (and other!) to satisfy your taste buds.
Best Fall Beers
Oktoberfest Beers
Tomorrow may be the last day of Oktoberfest, but it’s hard to talk about good beers for autumn without at least mentioning it. We’ve discussed traditional Oktoberfest beers before but in summary, the Märzen was once so synonymous with Oktoberfest that it was known as the Oktoberfest beer. While more people now drink Festbiers, it’s hard to go wrong with either in October.
Harvest Ale
Autumn is a time of harvest and abundance, and there’s no better way to celebrate that than with a harvest ale. Harvest ales are brewed with freshly harvested hops, meaning they bring a unique and vibrant hop flavor that truly brings the season to life.
Pumpkin Ale
Pumpkin Spice season isn’t just for lattes anymore. Some may argue that pumpkin is overplayed, but we argue that there are still some amazing pumpkin ales every year. Made with pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, pumpkin ales instantly transport you to crisp fall mornings.
Best Fall Wines
Pinot Noir
A good pinot noir is earthy, with hints of spice and red berries. For a red wine it has moderate tannins and low acidity, meaning that it pairs surprisingly well with traditional fall dishes, seasonal ingredients, and earthy flavors.
Grüner Veltliner
A white wine from Austria, the Grüner Veltliner is the best white wine for fall and the best wine for Oktoberfest. It’s a dry white which pairs well with various German and Austrian dishes. More importantly for fall in Atlanta, it’s refreshing and crisp. While we’re all dreaming of cool autumn mornings and evenings, we know it’s still going to be a bit warm out for a little longer.
Other Great Choices for Fall
Cider
Nothing says Autumn more clearly than apples. Apple picking in Ellijay and Blue Ridge, apple cider in midtown Atlanta. Hopped ciders balance the fruity sweetness of the apple with the bitterness of the hops. Spiced ciders and mulled ciders are cozy and festive, perfect for crisp fall evenings. Barrel-aged ciders are special: fermented and matured in oak barrels to add new flavor notes for a rich and nuanced cider.
Non-Alcoholic Beer and Wine
Not feeling alcohol this fall? With all the non-alcoholic beer and wine choices, you’re not limited to “whatever’s on hand” anymore. Some of these options may be harder to replicate in a non-alcoholic style, but others will be easy to find. If that’s what you’re looking for just ask! We’ll find you the perfect faux-beer and best non-alcoholic wine to celebrate the season.
Beer, wine, and cider. Alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Whatever your fancy this season, whatever reason you're drinking, our experts can help you find the perfect drink for you. Come on in, ask for our recommendations, and be utterly delighted. We can’t wait to see you at the Tap!