Delaware Craft Beverages: Total Wine’s Impact on the Local Industry
Delaware’s craft beverage scene is gaining serious attention, and one retailer is playing a major role in its growth. While many may know Total Wine & More as the largest independent alcohol retailer in the country, what they may not realize is that the company’s roots are in Delaware. In fact, the first Total Wine store opened in Claymont in 1991 under the name Liquor World. Today, that location has expanded into a flagship store with over 250 locations nationwide, and it continues to be a vital hub for the thriving Delaware craft beverage industry.
But Total Wine’s impact goes beyond just being a retail space. It serves as a platform for local producers, a supporter of the community, and a driver of economic growth in the region. With the demand for locally made beer, wine, and spirits on the rise, Total Wine’s role in supporting the Delaware craft beverage movement has never been more important.
Delaware Craft Beverages in the Spotlight
Dewey Beer Co.’s innovative craft brews are a prime example of Delaware’s creative approach to beer. Total Wine & More actively partners with Delaware-based producers like Dewey Beer Co. to help them scale and succeed. The store features a wide selection of locally made beverages, including well-known names like Dogfish Head, First State Brewing, Painted Stave Distilling, Big Oyster Brewery, Liquid Alchemy Beverages, Relevant Craft Beer, and Harvest Ridge Winery. These brands are not hidden in the back, but rather given prominent shelf space, in-store tastings, and event opportunities to introduce customers to homegrown favorites. Shoppers can discover new products from Delaware’s emerging craft brewers and distillers right alongside national and global labels. Events often feature food from regional artisans like Crave & Graze, further promoting community collaboration.
Delaware Favorites Making Waves
Dogfish Head Brewery, founded in Rehoboth Beach in 1995, was a pioneer in off-centered ales and remains a cornerstone of East Coast craft beer. First State Brewing in Middletown, which launched in 2020, was named Best New Brewery in the USA by USA Today in 2023 and is home to Delaware’s only Advanced Cicerone®. Painted Stave Distilling, located in a restored 1940s movie theater in Smyrna, produces small-batch spirits, including the state’s first bottled-in-bond bourbon. Big Oyster Brewery in Lewes is known for its easy-drinking coastal beers like Beach Traffic and the hop-forward Hammerhead IPA. Dewey Beer Company, named best brewpub in the country in 2024, is renowned for its hazy IPAs like Swishy Pants and inventive fruited sours, including a Strawberry Pretzel Salad beer inspired by a classic dessert. Thanks to Total Wine’s statewide retail presence, each of these brands benefits from increased visibility and accessibility.
The Total Wine Claymont Experience
Inside the Total Wine Claymont store, local pride is prominently displayed. The store not only offers a wide selection of Delaware craft beverages, but it also serves as a hub for community events and collaborations. With its support of local producers and commitment to showcasing Delaware’s craft beverage scene, Total Wine is helping to put the state on the map as a top destination for craft beverages.
