Hey, y'all! You've heard of the Bourbon Trail and the Urban Bourbon Trail - but, have you ever heard of the world-famous Beer Cheese Trail that also calls Kentucky home? In my opinion, it's the most delicious trail that the Commonwealth has to offer.

Warning: you're going to want to come hungry!

Embark on the Beer Cheese Trail: Winchester, KY

Subscribe To Receive New Posts Straight In Your Inbox

Thank you to Winchester-Clark County Tourism Commission for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. Thank you to my readers for supporting those that make JCP Eats possible.

About the Beer Cheese Trail

How did the world-famous Kentucky Beer Cheese Trail come to be? It all started on the Kentucky River where Johnnie Allman served his cousin’s Joe’s Snappy Cheese at the historic Driftwood Inn. Today, the Beer Cheese Trail consists of fifteen stops (plus the annual Beer Cheese Festival) – each offering their own unique and delicious selections in celebration of the Kentucky tradition.

No beer cheese in the world is more authentic than the kind made on the Beer Cheese Trail. It all started in Winchester-Clark County - and, my friends, that's exactly where you must go!

What is Beer Cheese?

Beer cheese is a spread made from cheese blended with beer and a few spices until smooth. Most commonly, it is made with cheddar. It can be served hot or cold (and I truly love both varieties). Many pair it with crackers, pretzels and/or raw vegetables; that said, as you'll find on the Beer Cheese Trail, it can be used in very creative ways.

What You Need to Know Prior to Starting The Beer Cheese Trail

Prior to starting the Beer Cheese Trail, you need to download the Digital Passport - aka your personal cheese log! By signing up for this mobile-exclusive pass, you will have the digital Beer Cheese Trail Cheese Log instantly delivered via text or email. The more stops you make on the trail, the more swag you earn! The goal is to hit the ultimate Top Tester Prize Package!

You can download your Beer Cheese Trail Digital Passport here.

Stops Along The Beer Cheese Trail

Abettor Brewing Company

128 N Highland St, Winchester, KY 40391

Winchester's first brewery pours a fantastic variety of beers, offering a pour for any palate. You'll love the beer cheese they serve in the taproom, too - it's made with a different beer that they have on tap each month!

Beech Spring Farm Market

4776 Old Boonesboro Rd, Winchester, KY 40391

Housed in 1940's country store, Beech Springs offers farm-fresh vegetables, Kentucky Proud foods, beautiful flowers, and fresh apples and peaches from the orchard out back when in season. It's truly one of the most charming stores and eateries that I have visited in Kentucky. The best part? They also serve delicious beer cheese!

DJ's Steakhouse

836 Bypass Rd, Winchester, KY 40391

DJ's is a steakhouse that features certified Angus beef dishes, a full bar, and fantastic outdoor seating. They served one of my favorite beer cheeses and it was perfect on top of their burger!

Engine House Pizza Pub

9 W Lexington Ave, Winchester, KY 40391

Housed in Winchester's first firehouse, Engine House features hand-made pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, craft cocktails, and local beers. This pizza was reminiscent of a hot brown, but topped with a beer cheese drizzle. Divine!

Full Circle Market

1988 Bypass Rd, Winchester, KY 40391

Full Circle Market is a health food store that carries a wide array of food and personal items. It's truly a lovely shop! In their delicatessen case, you'll find an award-winning gluten free beer cheese. It has a great flavor profile and consistency; you can get it in either a mild or hot variety!

Gaunce's Deli & Cafe

861 Bypass Rd, Winchester, KY 40391

A third generation restaurant, Gaunce's offers various Kentucky favorites, including beer cheese, jam cake, salt rising bread, bourbon balls, and Smitty's Country Ham. One of my favorite bites along the Beer Cheese Trail was their hot ham and cheese sandwich. The ham was Smitty's Country Ham (so good!), the cheese was beer cheese (of course), and the bread was a delicious focaccia!

Hall's On The River

1225 Athens Boonesboro Rd, Winchester, KY 40391

Located on the Kentucky River and Lower Howard's Creek - Kentucky's first industrial settlement - Hall's is widely known for beer cheese, fried banana peppers, their hot brown, catfish, and other Southern originals. It's impossible to think of Beer Cheese and not think about Hall's. I loved the beer cheese tots and the beer cheese soup!

JK's at Forest Grove

4636 Old Boonesboro Rd, Winchester, KY 40391

Located in an old country store, JK's is full of charm and delicious food. Their beer cheese was - hands down - one of my favorites; additionally, they served some of the best pickles that I've ever had on the beer cheese platter. Fabulous!

Loma's at the Opera House

103 S Main St, Winchester, KY 40391

Located on the first floor of the beautifully restored Winchester Opera House, Loma's beer cheese is featured in several signature dishes including their homemade vinaigrette dressing and their southern shrimp and beer cheese grits. One of Winchester's best!

Pilot View Mini Mart

7695 Ironworks Rd, Winchester, KY 40391

This small country store has serviced the community since the late 19th century. Pilot View Market is widely known for its delicious home cooking, including their beer cheese omelette. It's made with three eggs, beer cheese, and your choice of toppings - is there a better way to start your day?

Smokin' Howards Sports Bar & Grill

20 N Main St, Winchester, KY 40391

Located on Main Street, Smokin' Howards is best-known for their smoked bbq. They also serve a fantastic beer cheese platter and beer cheese burger!

South Main Grocery

385 S Main St, Winchester, KY 40391

South Main Grocery & Grill is a local favorite - visit and you'll immediately understand why. They serve breakfast, lunch, and a beer cheese burger that is as delicious (if not more) as it looks. Pro tip: get a side of beer cheese for your fries and say hello to the wonderful people that run South Main!

The Beer Cheese Festival

34 S Main St, Winchester, KY 40391

Winchester is home to the only Beer Cheese Festival in the world! Held every second Saturday in June, downtown comes alive with music, food, shopping, and an unbelievable amount of beer cheese vendors. There's no festival like it!

The View at Southwind

175 Clubhouse Dr, Winchester, KY 40391

Named in part for its sister restaurant, Pilot View Market, and for its amazing view overlooking Southwind Golf Course, The View at Southwind offers great food and libations. While enjoying a cocktail, you're going to want an order of their beer cheese + bacon fries. Trust me, y'all.

Waterfront Grill and Gathering

220 Athens Boonesboro Rd, Winchester, KY 40391

Whether you're a kayaker who pulls up to the dock or a local who wants to sit and enjoy a cold beer or signature dish, the Waterfront Grill is the perfect place to gather. They serve a fabulous beer cheese burger + platter; additionally, their beer cheese has a very unique texture and bold flavor that I loved!

Woody's Sports Bar & Grill

923 Bypass Rd, Winchester, KY 40391

This local spot is known for its great food, live music, and award-winning beer cheese. You'll love their beer cheese quesadilla (steak or chicken) and the pretzels with beer cheese!

I know y'all are going to love the Beer Cheese Trail as much as I did. You're in for a treat in one of Kentucky's most special communities!

Y'all come back now, ya hear?

My best,

JC

Keep Up With JCP Eats

Thank you so much for visiting the blog today! I'd love to keep in touch via social media. You can follow my content on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Tik Tok, Twitter, and LinkedIn.