Victor Valley Gives Residents and Visitors Something to Toast to
If you're looking for the perfect place to get away, Victor Valley offers a wealth of venues to relax and unwind.
There is no generational divide in the Victory Valley when it comes to relaxing with a cold beer or fine glass of wine.
The region is popular with both retirees (who enjoy the 300 plus days of sunshine a year) and younger people (lured by the more than 20 universities, colleges and technical schools in the area). One thing many of them have in common is the taste for a place to kick back with a beverage and unwind.
Here is a quick look at some of those in the Victor Valley:
In This Article
Desert Barn Brewery
HESPERIA
When Josh and Sarah Waters opened Desert Barn in 2014, they wanted to create innovative craft beers as well as a low-key atmosphere.
So there is a calm, rustic vibe to the place. Customers can spread out along several large, wooden picnic-style tables in the main bar area or venture upstairs to play shuffleboard or soak in the sun on the outdoor balcony.
The beer offerings, however, are not laid back. Desert Barn uses an eclectic mixture of flavors in its brews, including coffee, toffee, honey, chocolate, jalapeño and even cactus. Food is available, too, including the always popular Bucket O’ Bacon.
Be sure to try: Mojave Mud IPA. Desert Barn’s first beer remains a customer favorite, with a heavy, spicy aroma and notes of citrus.
Find out more at: desertbarn.com
d’Vine Wine Bar
VICTORVILLE
d’Vine Wine Bar bills itself as a serene oasis amidst all the shopping, dining and entertainment options of Victorville. d’Vine describes its mission as providing “the highest quality product in the most relaxing and stress-free atmosphere in the Victor Valley.†To that end, d’Vine is “dedicated to leaving all pretentiousness at the door.”
For regulars, d’Vine offers a Wine Club membership. For $60 a month, members receive two bottles of wine, along with 10% off all visits.
Be sure to try: The d’vine Sangria. It’s as cool as the weekly jazz performances.
Find out more at: dvine-winebar.com
Oak Hills Brewing Co.
HESPERIA
Oak Hills Brewing Co. was such a hit when it opened in 2012 that it nearly tripled its space in less than two years. The brewery has since become a regular gathering spot for beer aficionados, with the emphasis solely on suds.
Oak Hills does not offer food (other than maybe a few pretzels to snack on), though customers are welcome to bring their own.
Even though beer is the priority, Oak Hills is a family-friendly establishment. So to keep the kids happy, the brewery also makes its own root beer, ginger ale and cream soda.
Be sure to try: Mango Range Wheat. It’s a beer that tastes like a mimosa.
Find out more at: oakhillsbrewing.com
Off the Grid Brewing
APPLE VALLEY
The Schneider family began its brewing experience by making honey wine, better known as mead. But when it was decided that their hobby could become an actual business, they turned their attention to beer. That led to the opening of Apple Valley’s first brewery in 2016.
The name is indicative of the place, as Off the Grid is located on a quiet side street. Hours are limited as well. Off the Grid is open only four days a week (Thursday through Sunday) and just five hours each day except for Saturday (noon to 9 p.m.). The rest of the time is spent crafting new recipes for the ever-changing beer list.
Be sure to try: Dawn Patrol. With the essence of banana, this is an ideal summer beer.
Find out more at: otgbrew.com
