Distilleries
Open your doors for a short, structured onsite experience that gives trainees real-world exposure to how your working distillery operates. By welcoming trainees for a brief, two-day observational visit, distilleries help connect training to practice.
Support Industry Learning with STEPUP
STEPUP host distilleries provide trainees with short, guided exposure to real-world operations—offering context that complements online learning and helps participants better understand how distilleries function in practice.
Open Doors Beyond a Distillery Tour – Demonstrate the Marriage of Science & Art
Provide Real-World Operational Context
Support Learning Through Observation & Conversation
HOW IT WORKS
Host Distillery Timeline
Participation as a STEPUP host distillery is short-term, structured, and designed to minimize operational burden. Host distilleries welcome trainees onsite for a two-day shadowing experience focused on learning and exposure. Our program allows distilleries to contribute to a better understanding of processes, workflow, and overall operations without disrupting daily business.
ONBOARDING
Program Overview
Host distilleries receive program details, trainee information, and clear participation guidelines in advance of the on-site visit.
PRE-VISIT
Scheduling & Coordination
STEPUP coordinates scheduling directly with host distilleries to confirm visit dates, trainee size (no more than 4 at a time), and logistical details.
2-DAY VISIT
Two-Day Onsite Experience
Trainees spend two days onsite observing operations, learning about distillery workflows and roles, and engaging in guided conversations with distillery staff. Trainees are not expected to participate in any segment of the operations. Observation and guided conversation are the goals of the visit.
POST-VISIT
Ongoing Connection
If the distillery schedule allows, we would be thrilled to have your team participate in the trainee graduation. Host distilleries may choose to stay connected with STEPUP through future program touchpoints, networking opportunities, or alumni engagement.
Westward Whiskey
1 of 12Eight Oaks Farm Distillery
2 of 12Sagamore Spirit Distillery
3 of 12New Riff Distilling
4 of 12Glacier Distilling Company
5 of 12Black Button Distilling
6 of 12Cardinal Spirits
7 of 12Stitzel-Weller Distillery
(Diageo Participating Distillery)
8 of 12Bulleit Distilling Co.
(Diageo Participating Distillery)
9 of 12Corsair Artisan Distillery
10 of 12Cascade Hollow Distilling Co.
(Diageo Participating Distillery)
11 of 12Sugarlands Distilling Co.
12 of 12= Current Host Distilleries
= Past Host Distilleries
Express Interest in Hosting By Clicking Here
Acceptance Notifications Will Be Sent May 2026
Sign up to get details on the 2027 Program Here
Eligibility
We Want to Partner With You
Together, we can help broaden access, spark curiosity, and give emerging talent a clearer view of what’s possible in the spirits industry.
We invite your distillery to participate if you meet the following requirements:
- Be a current member of the American Craft Spirits Association, or be willing to explore membership as part of participation (Explore Membership HERE)
- Be willing to host a group of trainees for a two-day onsite observational visit
- Maintain a formal safety program and provide proof of distillery insurance
- Support learning through observation and conversation, rather than hands-on training
- Designate a primary point of contact to coordinate and lead the on-site visit
Success Stories
Hear From Our Past Host Distilleries and Wholesaler
New Riff Distilling
STEPUP Host 2023
“STEPUP allows us to invest in diverse talent and helps ensure the distilling industry reflects the communities it serves. Working with the program opens doors for both graduates and employers, building a more inclusive workplace that welcomes skilled, highly motivated employees who make an impact from day one.”
Glacier Distilling Company
STEPUP Host 2023
“We chose to participate in STEPUP because interaction with the next generation of industry leaders strengthens the entire spirits community. Their curiosity and perspective challenge us and we leave each engagement with our own passion for the craft renewed.”
Sagamore Spirit
STEPUP Host 2023 & 2024
“Sagamore Spirit has been a part of the STEPUP program from the earliest opportunity. We think its an incredibly well put together, thoughtful opportunity to bring more voices, and more people, into this industry that we really love.”
Black Button Distilling
STEPUP Host 2024
“I am proud that we were able to assist in bringing new opportunities to those underrepresented in the alcohol industry. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the program.”
RNDC
STEPUP Distributor 2021-2025
“Partnering with STEPUP reflects RNDC’s commitment to developing talent and investing in the future of our industry. Through structured shadowing and hands-on guidance, participants gain meaningful exposure to the people, disciplines, and execution that power wine and spirits distribution—bringing our business to life in a real and practical way.”
Diageo North America
STEPUP Host Since 2022
“The community and leadership I found in the American Craft Spirits Association has enriched both my life and career, and I am thrilled Diageo is supporting STEPUP as they provide opportunity, training, and experience to all who are interested in this space.”
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the commitment?
Participation is limited to a single, two-day onsite visit. There is no ongoing or long-term commitment required.
What happens during the onsite visit?
Trainees observe distillery operations, learn about workflows and roles, and participate in guided conversations with staff. There is no hands-on production work or employment component.
When do distillery visits take place?
On-site visits occur during the summer portion of the program, in June and August. Scheduling is coordinated directly with each host distillery to align with availability and operations.
Are the trainees already involved in the industry?
They could be. We expect trainees to come with different life and work experiences. Whether they have a hospitality background or no prior work-related experience, the common denominator among all trainees is a passion for craft spirits.
Do I need separate insurance?
No, although a copy of your formal safety plan will be required.
How many trainees will be at my distillery?
To balance the needs of both host distilleries and trainees—and to avoid placing additional strain on operations or staff—no more than four trainees will be placed at any single distillery at one time.
How many distilleries will be chosen?
We anticipate working with two to three distilleries during each trainee calendar year, depending on program capacity and needs.
Will we be paid?
No. This is a volunteer-based program and an opportunity for your distillery to shine by showing trainees how the juice is made.