Wander Brewing

Looking for the true spirit of American craft beer? Wander Brewing is a family-owned brewery located in Bellingham that transformed an old ship repair warehouse into a modern hotspot for craft enthusiasts. Soaring ceilings and industrial decor create a unique atmosphere where the USA's industrial heritage meets brewing innovation.

The venue is famous for its Brewhall, where guests can watch the production process right from the bar. It features 15 taps with a rotating selection ranging from classic lagers to experimental ales aged in massive oak barrels known as foeders. The brewery has earned numerous accolades, including the title of "Large Brewery of the Year" in its state, reflecting the exceptional quality of every pour.

Founded by travelers for travelers, Wander Brewing uses a paper airplane logo to remind guests of the importance of finding their own path. The menu features over 260 unique brews created over the years, including their famous fruit sours and rich stouts brewed with local ingredients.

To plan your visit or check the current tap list, you can use the following contact details:

The main reason to visit Wander Brewing is, of course, the tasting experience. Start your journey with a flight of the 15 varieties available on tap. Pay special attention to the famous Global Mutt Baltic Porter, which features cacao beans from the Congo and coffee from Brazil. Thanks to the open-concept brewhall, you can sip a fresh ale while watching the magic of fermentation happen right before your eyes.

The atmosphere is complemented by regular visits from popular food trucks, such as Luchador Burgers, offering excellent snacks to pair with your drink. In the evenings, you can often catch DJ sets or participate in charity events that the brewery hosts in partnership with local animal shelters.

Don't forget to stop by the retail area to pick up rare barrel-aged releases in bottles that are hard to find anywhere else. It’s the perfect space to relax with friends, discuss travel plans, and soak up the welcoming energy of the local craft-loving community.

The brewery is located at 1807 Dean Ave in an industrial part of the city, very close to the downtown area. Reaching it by car from downtown takes just 5–10 minutes by following Samish Way west and turning onto Dean Ave. Free parking is available for visitors directly at the building.

If you prefer public transport, use the WTA buses. The nearest stops are on King St or Ellis St, from which it is about a 10–15 minute walk to the brewery gates. From Bellingham International Airport (BLI), the most convenient way is by taxi or Uber/Lyft services—the trip takes about 15–20 minutes.

For outdoor enthusiasts, walking or cycling is a great option. From downtown, the route is approximately 2 miles and takes about 30–40 minutes, passing through scenic trails along the bay. During the warmer months, many tourists choose rental bikes to combine a city tour with a craft beer tasting.

The history of this place didn't begin in a brew house, but rather through world travels. Founders Chad and Colleen Kuehl conceived the project in 2011 during a 13-month backpacking trek. One evening by a campfire in Mozambique, they finally decided to turn Chad's passion for homebrewing into a lifelong career. Upon their return, Chad graduated from a professional brewing school in Vermont, and in May 2014, Wander Brewing opened its doors.

The name and the paper airplane logo symbolize the philosophy of "wandering" and the unique journey of every beer style. The brewery is housed in a historic building that once served as a ship repair warehouse. The preserved 30-foot ceilings and elements of the heavy crane system give the hall an authentic industrial charm, echoing the region's maritime past.

Since its opening, the project has been a state pioneer in using coolships—special open vessels for spontaneous fermentation using local microcultures. Over the years, the team has brewed more than 300 unique varieties and won over 32 prestigious medals, including gold at the Great American Beer Festival. In 2018, the brewery was recognized as Washington's "Large Brewery of the Year."

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and appreciate the craft of the local brewers, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 2.5 hours for your visit. This is plenty of time to try a tasting flight, grab a bite from a food truck, and watch the open-concept production area in action.

If your visit coincides with a special event, a live DJ set, or a rare barrel release, you should budget an extra hour. The spacious hall is perfect for a leisurely break, so many guests choose to stay longer and immerse themselves in conversation with the local community.

The establishment welcomes guests daily according to the following schedule: Monday through Thursday, the brewery is open from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, while from Friday to Sunday, the tasting room doors open earlier, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Please note that hours may change during festivals or private events. It is recommended to check the official website before your visit to confirm the current schedule.

A visit to the brewery can easily be combined with sightseeing in the surrounding area. A stroll through the city's historic districts will allow you to better feel the atmosphere of Washington State and see architectural monuments from different eras.