Small Business Spotlight: Vitamin Sea Brewing
Vitamin Sea Brewing, Weymouth Location
Credit: Vitamin Sea Brewing
From humble beginnings in a basement to becoming one of the South Shore’s most talked-about breweries, Vitamin Sea Brewing has built something truly special. Known for its vibrant New England IPAs, beach-inspired branding, and strong local following, the brewery has grown into a destination for craft beer lovers across Massachusetts and beyond. We caught up with Dino Funari at Vitamin Sea to talk about their journey, their creative process, and what continues to fuel their momentum.
Life in Mass (LIM): For readers who may be discovering Vitamin Sea for the first time, how would you describe the story behind the brewery and how it all began?
Vitamin Sea Brewing (VSB): The brewery initially started in my basement years ago. Friends would come by and try beers that were in a cooler in my front yard in trade for feedback. They would tell their friends, and they would tell their friends, etc. – next thing you know, there’s people from all over the world coming to my house to try our elusive beers.
LIM: You started as homebrewers before opening your first brewery. What were those early days like, and what motivated you to turn the hobby into a business?
VSB: I started homebrewing in 1991 but put it down for 20+ years as I focused on making wine. When I started back up it was still just for fun, but the positive feedback from friends pushed us to pursue a commercial endeavor.
Greetings From Plymouth, Vitamin Sea Brewing
Credit: Vitamin Sea Brewing
LIM: Your Plymouth location has become a destination on the waterfront. What made Plymouth the right place for your second taproom?
VSB: Plymouth had everything our first location in Weymouth didn’t. It had room for an event space, a kitchen, expanded tap lines, a waterfront location and foot traffic. All things that have become so important as we have evolved.
LIM: Vitamin Sea has built a strong following across the South Shore. What do you think resonates most with your customers?
VSB: I feel like vitamin sea goes beyond just beer. We have embraced the south shore in our various beers and in our merch and there is a strong sense of pride here from south shore locals. I feel like we fly the south shore flag more than anyone.
LIM: Your beers, especially your IPAs, are very popular. How would you describe your brewing philosophy when creating new recipes?
VSB: I would say it’s threefold. Appearance, smell and taste. The look of our IPAs is the real catch. When people see them, they just look so good with that pale yellow color. We are always trying different hop and grain combinations as new varieties become available. It’s so important to always experiment and not get stale.
LIM: You’re known for constantly experimenting with new and seasonal releases. Where do you usually find inspiration for new beers?
VSB: It really depends on what we are brewing. It could be in a food magazine or something I see on social media that inspires me. Quite honestly I could be sitting in traffic and see something that triggers a thought in my mind. There’s no real science to it!
Vitamin Sea Brewing
Credit: Vitamin Sea Brewing
LIM: he branding and merchandise around Vitamin Sea has become iconic locally. How did the visual identity of the brand develop?
VSB: We have built our brand around the surf / beach subculture and lifestyle and I think that is why it’s so popular. Like I said before, the south shore pride also is very evident in the styles that we create. We’ve also been blessed to collaborate with so many other breweries, musicians and athletes.
LIM: The South Shore has an incredible craft beer scene. How has being part of that community influenced your journey as a brewery?
VSB: We have such a tight knit group on the south shore and we’re all friends that look out for each other. There’s a constant sharing of information and ideas which keeps us all current.
LIM: For someone visiting Vitamin Sea for the first time, what beer would you recommend they start with?
VSB: We’re obviously known for our New England IPAs but don’t sleep on some of our traditional beers that we’ve been recognized for.
LIM: Running a brewery comes with its challenges. What has been one of the most rewarding moments since launching Vitamin Sea?
VSB: What’s been most rewarding is the constant feedback we receive about our staff. It’s overwhelmingly positive and very humbling to see how thankful and excited customers are about the way that they’re treated when they visit us. It’s more important than any beer review.
LIM: Looking ahead, what’s next for Vitamin Sea Brewing? Any exciting projects, beers, or ideas you’re excited to share?
VSB: We’re constantly trying to innovate, work on our efficiencies and be the best at what we do, all while looking at continued growth. The best is yet to come……
Whether you’re a longtime fan or planning your first visit, Vitamin Sea Brewing offers more than just great beer, it’s a celebration of South Shore culture, community, and creativity. With a commitment to innovation and an eye toward the future, it’s clear this local favorite is only getting started.
Find Vitamin Sea Brewing
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(781) 803-2104