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First State highlights its craft breweries, wineries and distilleries with new app

Delaware’s Tourism Office is trying to expand the reach of its Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail, by making it mobile.

Since launching in 2010, the trail has allowed people to go online to learn about the First State’s various craft breweries, wineries and distilleries and plan visits to them.

But until now, it wasn’t very mobile-friendly.  The state is addressing that issue with the Delaware On-Tap app.  The free app was unveiled Friday at Bellefonte Brewing in Marshallton.  It allows users to connect with venues on the Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail  and get information about them on the go.  They can also learn about related events, nearby dining options, or get a ride from Uber, as well as check in, connect on social media and win prizes.

State Tourism Director Liz Keller says it was a natural next step.

“The demographic that really travels and visits the craft beverage industry is the millennial demographic. And the feedback we were getting at all of the events we go to and the national trade shows was we want something on our device.  We want something that’s going to tell us where the breweries are, where’s the transportation offerings and where are the events.  And all of that is at their fingertips right now," said Keller.

Brandywine Brewing Company CEO Nick Shea says it should help his brewery and others reach new customers

“If your not here specifically looking for the beer, wine and spirits, this application also has the food options and has everything else that can spark your interest and have you say ‘I’ve never seen a brewery before.  I can stop by here. And while I’m here, there’s one up the road from us.’  And it can give you that information to find everything else,” said Shea.

Gov. John Carney calls the app is another economic development tool for the state, helping highlight a portion of the quality of life Delaware has to offer

When we talk about options in Delaware, we’re not just talking about the towns and counties for businesses to locate.  We’re also talking about interesting things to do, places to go to get a good beer or a good meal. And that’s what this is all about," said Carney.

The Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail is the most popular of the state’s 5 tourism trails.  It started in 2010 with 12 locations.  It currently features 28 breweries, wineries and distilleries, and expects another four to sign on in the coming months when they open

Tom Byrne has been a fixture covering news in Delaware for three decades. He joined Delaware Public Media in 2010 as our first news director and has guided the news team ever since. When he's not covering the news, he can be found reading history or pursuing his love of all things athletic.
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