Brewing Up Fun in Greenwood

Breweries and wineries have become the new social clubs, where people meet, greet, sip and share. Greenwood has you covered with several popular spots for sampling wines and locally made brews. Let’s get into the creative minds of the folks who are welcoming locals and visitors to the tasting table.

The Reason We’re Here

Greenwood strives to build a strong community that feels welcoming to visitors. Those who live here put their hearts into making their businesses special, not only for locals but also for visitors from all around. “Our community defines most everything we do, from events, to food selection, to brews on tap,” says Josh Curry, general manager of Good Times Brewery. Their beers have a wide range, from crisp lagers to juicy pale ales and rich porters—something for every palate.

If you are in the mood to feel right at home, then stop by Flynn’s on Maxwell, a mainstay in Greenwood’s charming Uptown. “When we opened I wanted to be Uptown; I just had a good feeling about it,” says owner Debbie Flynn. “I wanted our shop to feel like you were sitting on your front porch, just hanging out with friends. A place to go after work, golf or tennis, a relaxing home-away-from-home experience. We have met so many great people since we opened almost ten years ago, and so many of them have become our dear friends.”

Curious about what’s new in town? Swing by Sled Dawg Brewery—the new kid on the block. They carry a unique selection of beers and ciders that are all made in-house! “So far, the reception from the community has been great,” says Sidney Huskey, owner and master brewer. “Everyone is excited to have a new place to drink good craft beer.”

Let’s not forget about our grape lovers. There is plenty of wine—and entertainment—to go around at South Bend Winery. Larry and Mandy Cozine saw a need in the community and began their wine adventure.

“Wineries are a destination that brings visitors from all around. We only hoped the residents would love and appreciate a winery being here and they truly have,” Mandy says. “Our hope is that our customers feel a sense of community here.”

How They Got Started

We all start somewhere, and everyone here in Greenwood has a story to tell! Let’s dive in to see how the flavors many have grown to love and enjoy got their start.

Sidney Huskey can thank his sister for planting the seed that became Sled Dawg. Her Christmas gift of a Mr. Beer kit kicked off his interest and led to him eventually building an all-grain brewing system and his own unique recipes.

“I still enjoy making up my own recipes,” Sidney says. “I currently create the recipes and brew all 24 beers on tap at Sled Dawg Brewery. It is a rotating selection. So far, I have not made the same beer twice.” And the name? It’s a play on Sidney’s last name and his fondness for those Georgia Bulldogs.

When Mandy and Larry met, they started visiting wineries, took a wine making class, started making wine at home for friends and family to try. “We even took our own wine on vacation and would give out tastings to strangers,” Mandy recalls.

“Debbie Flynn saw a need in Greenwood for a friendly space to enjoy the good wines and craft beers that they were traveling out of town to find. “One day we decided maybe other people felt this way as well,” she says. “We decided we would open a business—a retail space where you could purchase it to-go or stay and enjoy it with your friends in a laid back atmosphere.”

Today, Flynn’s offerings include wines from around the world, 10 regional beers on tap and more than 150 more on the shelves and in the coolers ready to go.

Bringing the Fun—and the Food

One thing all four businesses have in common is a love of special events to keep customers entertained. Live music is high on the list, with performances by local musicians as well as regional acts. But each of the businesses goes well beyond music, creating opportunities for visitors and locals to unwind and enjoy the moment.

Everyone loves a good tasting, wine and beer tastings give visitors a chance to grow their knowledge, educate their taste buds and find new favorites. South Bend includes 10 wines and a charcuterie board in their tastings.

“You’ll see kids playing in the vineyard,” Mandy says, “new friendships budding, dogs hanging out, everyone laughing and relaxed because it’s a safe, serene, friendly and fun environment.”

In addition to tastings, they all have fun events to keep you coming back for more. Here are a few of the events you’ll find when you visit.

Flynn’s:

• Mimosa night
• Live music
• Wine and beer tastings
• Annual parking lot anniversary party
• Indoor tailgate parties during college football season
• Ugly Christmas sweater party

South Bend:

• Trivia nights
• Paint and sip events
• Outdoor fun with games and get-togethers around the pavilion
• A kitchen for tasty grilled sandwiches and quesadillas to eat around the firepit

Good Times:

• GT&D (a Dungeons & Dragons group)
• Trivia
• Music Bingo
• Monthly movie club
• Live Music Saturdays

In addition to their award-winning beers and great food, Sled Dawg has another way of bringing people together. Sidney and his nephew, Taylor Sims, created the striking community tables. “My thinking behind the longer community tables was to get different people to come together and get to know each other while enjoying a cold beer,” Sidney says.

Good Times offers a terrific menu that goes far beyond pub food, with delicious pizza, pasta and sandwiches from their sister company, Mill House. Flynn’s doesn’t have a kitchen but offers packaged snacks and welcomes customers bringing in their own food to foster an atmosphere of home-like hospitality.

Whatever your tastes in wine or beer, Greenwood has the flavors and fun to keep you entertained and coming back for more.