The beguiling waters off the coast of North Carolina are treacherous and have claimed many an otherwise worthy seafaring vessel. 

Years ago, lighthouses were built along the Carolina coast to help sailors find safe passage along the rocky shoals, and now these landmarks have become tourist destinations in their own right. 

Wrightsville Beach, NC has its own landmark lighthouse, though not the traditional kind.  Lighthouse Beer and WineLighthouse Beer and Wine is a beacon of glorious light to beer and wine connoisseurs on Wrightsville Beach.

Jason Adams founded Lighthouse, a beer and wine package store, 12 years ago.  At the time, it was tough to get a good beer in Wrightsville Beach, or the surrounding Wilmington area.  Jason had been working in restaurants since he was 14 and had a passion for great wine that led him to discover delicious beers that he found difficult to obtain.  He took it upon himself to find a way to deliver new varieties of wine and beer and awaken the sleeping community.  He sold everything he owned and took out a loan to start Lighthouse.  

Lighthouse InteriorLighthouse Beer & Wine now offers between 550 to 600 different kegs with a 24-hour turnaround on orders. They also stock between 50 to 60 different types of delicious microbrew, craft, domJason Adamsestic and import kegs. 

Lighthouse has become so popular that they sell thousands of t-shirts each year. You'll see Jason at work most days wearing flops, with dogs at his feet.  It's a relaxed atmosphere, but start talking with Jason or any of his employees and you'll find the relaxed atmosphere belies intense passion. 

Lighthouse employees like Spence Temple and Chris Holt share Jason's passion for beer and wine.  They know their repeat customers by name and are always willing to offer wise suggestions for anyone confounded by the immense selection. 

Jason says that 99% of his clients are happy when they walk in the door.  They've just gotten off work and are looking forward to having that five o'clock beer.  I'd argue that the Lighthouse Selectionfriendliness in Lighthouse is another reason that nearly all their clients are excited to walk through the door. 

Lighthouse has also arguably been one of the main driving forces for the craft brew industry in the region.  Since it's inception, the availability of great beers in local Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach restaurants has increased dramatically. 

Lighthouse not only whetted the appetite of the local beer drinker, but it has helped develop the beer drinker's palate with seasonal tastings, everyday suggestions, and the Beer Fest festival.  Lighthouse holds seasonal beer and wine tastings the first Saturday of the month throughout the beer and fall.  Lighthouse PatioJason has built a patio on the side of the Lighthouse, which has become a unique and relaxing gathering place for local surfers and businessmen alike.

Jason also created and runs the Beer Fest Festival each year in Wilmington, an event that beer distributors rave about due to the increased sales attributed directly to the event.  Over 55 different beer distributors will participate in this year's Beer Fest, which is in it's 8th year and will be held Oct. 17th, 2009 at Hugh MacRae Park in Wilmington, NC.  Over 5000 people attended last year and Jason also provides a courtesy shuttle service to allow people to relax, sample great beers and get home safely.

The future for beer drinkers in Wilmington and WrightsvilleAward-Winning Beers Beach is bright.  Jason says that the average consumer is "getting it" - demanding and expecting better quality, to which the local restaurants and bars have responded.  Even in this economic downturn, Lighthouse has posted record sales the past two years. 

It's been a long and remarkable road since Jason sold everything he had to get that initial loan, but it's flown by for Jason.  He says he's living on one of the most beautiful spots on the east coast, living his dream every day, and couldn't be happier. 

The Lighthouse Beckons...

Stop by and see Jason at:

Lighthouse Beer & Wine

220 Causeway Drive

Wrightsville Beach, NC  28480

Raise Your Glass to Lighthouse for shining a bright light on delicious beers!  Raise Your Glass again to Jason Adams, for having the courage taking a risk 12 years ago, and for continuing to find creative ways to share his love of beer and wine with everyone around him!