Grapevine, Texas, is a town known for its wine. With a name like “Grapevine,” one can hardly be surprised. But among the profusion of wineries and tasting rooms is a brewery that does more than make great beer. To get to know Grapevine like a local, meet the brewers of Hop & Sting Brewing Co.
Their mission includes connecting with the community and giving back every chance they get. They know what makes this town special better than most of the people who have been here their whole lives.
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How it started
My first visit to Hop & Sting was also the first time I’d heard the term “charity beer.” The Beertender explained that a portion of the proceeds for select beers is donated to local charities and nonprofit organizations. It wouldn’t take long to learn that giving back was more than a marketing tactic at this brewery.
Interviewing brewer Jon Powell for an article in Texas Highways, it became clear that doing the right thing was built into the brand’s DNA. In addition to the four charity beers served year-round in support of dedicated organizations, the brewery selects additional charities to support each month with proceeds from multiple taps.
How it’s going
The philanthropic spirit of Hop & Sting in Grapevine may have been what drew me in, but I keep coming back for the company. Nearly every night of the week, there’s some event planned to bring the community together. Many of these events also shine a spotlight on the other local businesses around town.
You’ll find Jon, Brian, and Lane there every day, and you’re likely to see their four-legged interns wandering around too. The brewery is more than where they work. It’s a celebration of their belief that life is better together, an opportunity for neighbors to get to know one another, and for newcomers to experience genuine Texas hospitality.
Meet the Brewers
What brought you to Grapevine?
Brian: I was assistant to Caton Orrell, the original head brewer for Grapevine Craft Brewery. We were tasked with overseeing the building of the brewery and the installation of the brewery equipment.
Lane: I was born [here] at Baylor on 26. I lived here until I went away for college at TAMS at UNT.
Jon: I had just graduated college a couple of years earlier, and since I always had a great time hanging out on Main St, plus it was centrally located so I wouldn’t have too bad a commute no matter where I ended up working.
What’s your favorite thing about living here?
Brian: It has been a goal [of mine] to live close enough to work that I can walk or bike there. I live close enough [now] that my commute is about 5 minutes driving or, if weather permitting, a short bike ride.
Lane: I always enjoyed how close I was to everything we have in the area.
Jon: Grapevine has everything I want or need nearby: hometown festivals, restaurants, bars within walking distance, a great lake recreation area, and easy access to the highways when I need to go somewhere else.
Why did you start Hop & Sting Brewing Co?
Brian: Many who get into brewing do so because they have a passion for beer. There is a creative and scientific aspect to the process that fulfills a broad range of interests. You also hope to hone your skills in order to produce a quality product. In reality, you might find yourself working for someone who cares little for any of those aspects. We felt that if we continued to work for others, who did not share our values (in regard to making beer), we would grow to hate what we do. So, the only solution was to start our own brewery.
Lane: I felt I had complementary skills to Jon and Brian’s brewing history. I wanted to be part of something we had control over where we could grow.
Jon: At some point, we decided that we were sick of dealing with other people’s mistakes. We felt that if we were going to be the ones dealing with the consequences, we should at least be the ones making the decisions.
What’s your favorite thing about running a brewery?
Brian: Helping others. We made it a goal to give back to charities and those in need as part of our business plan. While we couldn’t always afford to do so, we made it a point to make our charitable commitments a part of our overhead. So, when we made the commitment, we could keep it. At the end of 2020, after a difficult year, we were able to cut checks to all of our charity partners. It was a year where not only businesses struggled, charities often had difficulties meeting their fund-raising goals. Being able to help in our small way was a great feeling.
Lane: I really like the flexibility we have with our partners, we have over four charities we work with at any given time, and we get to give back to them, sometimes in a big way.
Jon: The people! While it’s great having unlimited beer at our fingertips, it means nothing if you don’t have the right people to enjoy them with.
Which Hop & Sting beer is your favorite??
Brian: Aluminum Cowboy, our Light Lager.
Lane: Funkadelicious, our Sour Berry Ale.
Jon: Hop Kash Bigosh, our West Coast IPA.
What are your favorite things to do in Grapevine?
Playing at Round 1 at Grapevine Mills Mall, visiting Lake Grapevine for hiking or a day on the water, walking up and down Main Street, and working out at the Grapevine Rec.
…to see?
People enjoying a day on Main St., the Dam at Lake Grapevine, Parr Park Trail, and the lights on Main St. during the holidays.
...to eat?
Vaquero’s BBQ and tacos, Mac’s on Main, Tolbert’s chili, and Weinberger’s Deli Jim Shoo sandwich.
What’s your all-time favorite thing about Grapevine?
Brian: Getting to have a home for our brewery.
Lane: [There’s a] little bit of everything for everyone
Jon: The location and proximity to everything else…just in case there is something you can’t find in Grapevine!
Are there any “locals” secrets you can share with visitors?
Brian: Bald Eagles can be seen around Lake Grapevine.
Lane: Murder Mystery [& other themed] train rides on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.
Jon: Our Rec Center is the best gym in the metroplex and probably one of the most affordable too.
What’s your favorite thing about meeting people visiting for the first time?
Brian: They are always ready to try something new.
Lane: The sheer number of them being so close to DFW Airport.
Jon: The way they all seem to be so surprised with how much the town has to offer.
What do you wish more visitors knew about Grapevine?
Brian: That they knew Grapevine made great beer in addition to wine.
Lane: I hope they know about the Tex Rail and where they can go.
Jon: That there is a brewery in town!
Anything else you think first-timers should know?
All: There is a very good likelihood that their beer purchase at Hop and Sting gave back to the community and North Texas!
Don’t be shy!
Jon, Brian, and Lane have worked hard to create a local’s place that not only produces excellent beer but makes everyone feel welcome. Their spirit of generosity is infectious and reverberates through the cheerful bartenders and in the customers too.
If you see them hanging out around the brewery, don’t be shy about introducing yourself! They’ll be happy to share more of their story, recommend a beer, and make you feel right at home.
Whether you find yourself in Grapevine for a short visit or the long-haul, Hop & Sting Brewing Co will help you make fast friends. And when you go, don’t forget to tell them Kerri sent you! <3
Ready to check out Hop & Sting?
You can find them off Dallas Road at 906 Jean St, Grapevine, TX 76051
Follow Hop & Sting on Instagram or check out the list of upcoming events here to find your perfect opportunity to say cheers! And don’t forget to join their Pint Club for $3 off your first beer, every visit.
