Zillie’s Pantry is Ocracoke Island’s gourmet spot for beer, wine and food connoisseurs. Located on Back Road, they offer wine tastings at 6pm on Thursday and Fridays which include a flight of 5 wines paired with their choice food selections. Usually it’s an interesting cheese paired with a jam, spread or sauce, and it’s always delish! Call ahead to book your party during the busy Summer season: it’s well worth the $15 per guest.

They also have a large refrigerated case with packs and individual beers, mostly microbrews. Draft beers are also available, and they change regularly. Our favorite beer this trip was the Outer Banks Brewing Station’s Lemongrass Wheat Ale made in Kill Devil Hills (ale which we also had fresh from the brewery). It was light, refreshing and citrus-y, we liked it much more than a typical Belgian White.

Zillie’s also has a small humidor with select cigars, so you can sample those with your drinks. They’ll supply you with an ashtray, cutter and matches as well for outdoor enjoyment.

Grab some cheese, crackers, libations and a cigar, and head out onto the covered porch. Even during a torrential downpour, we were able to relax, listen to music and munch on our pantry swag. Don’t forget to snag a Belgian chocolate-dipped Oreo. They’re perfect paired with a robust red.

This specialty shop is also an excellent location to pick up gifts for the wine and beer aficionado. They carry fancy glasses, corkscrews, napkins and plates, hilarious cards and gourmet snacks. Add to that a wonderful array of fantastic candles and soaps, plus a large assortment of vintage metal signage for purchase. Zillie’s Pantry wine and pint glasses are up for grabs as well.

You can’t visit Zillie’s just once, so make sure to leave time for a second trip after the initial wine or beer tasting.