In a world of mass production and quick convenience, there’s something powerful about slowing down long enough to make something the right way.
That’s the heart behind Vetus (pronounced VEH-toos) Distillery, downtown Monroe’s first distillery. For founders Katerina and Diyan, distilling isn’t a trend or a business idea pulled from a spreadsheet. It’s heritage.
“We are from Bulgaria,” Katerina explains. “And in villages across Europe, people grow fruit all summer and distill their own spirits in the fall. My husband grew up doing this with his dad and granddad.”
Years later, after moving to North Carolina and dreaming about building a family business together, they realized nobody in the United States was legally producing the kind of fruit brandy they knew and loved from home.
So they decided to change that.
Bringing a European Tradition to Union County
In Bulgaria, fruit brandy is a part of culture. Back home, it’s called rakia, a centuries-old spirit crafted from fruit like grapes, plums, figs, and peaches. Using locally sourced fruit from North and South Carolina farms, the distillery creates small-batch brandies that are completely free of added sugars, artificial flavors, or coloring.
What you taste is simply fruit, time, and craftsmanship. And for many customers, it’s unlike anything they’ve experienced before.
“People come in thinking they don’t like brandy,” Katerina says. “Usually they’ve only tried cheap versions before. Then they taste ours and realize what real fruit brandy can actually be.”
A Different Kind of Distillery Experience
Walk into Vetus and you won’t find a loud bar scene or crowded nightlife atmosphere. The experience is built around connection, conversation, and slowing down. Visitors can tour the distillery, learn how spirits are made, taste fresh and aged expressions, and settle in for an evening.
“It’s more chilled vibes,” Katerina says. “Relaxing. Away from the noise and crowds.”
Why Monroe?
Interestingly, Monroe wasn’t part of the original plan. The couple lives in Harrisburg and initially searched for spaces closer to home. But distilling comes with strict building requirements, and the right space proved difficult to find.
Then they discovered Monroe. The building fit perfectly. The community welcomed them immediately.
“We’re the only distillery in Monroe,” Katerina says. “In a way, Monroe found us.”
Since opening, the support from local businesses and residents has shaped their growth. Katerina describes customers introducing her to community leaders, sharing ideas, and helping them build connections throughout Union County.
“It’s all about local supporting local,” she says.
Rooted in History
Even the name Vetus reflects the family’s story.
“Vetus” means “ancient” in Latin. It is a nod to Bulgaria’s deep history and traditions dating back to 681 AD.
That heritage appears throughout the distillery experience. Many of the spirits are named after rulers from the Bulgarian empire, and each bottle carries a story tied to the family’s culture and history.
Crafting Something Rare
One of Vetus Distillery’s most unique offerings is its scuppernong brandy. This spirit is made from North Carolina’s native grape. It’s difficult work. The fruit is stubborn, labor-intensive, and challenging to process by hand. But for Katerina , it’s worth the effort because it represents North Carolina itself.
Looking Ahead
Ask Katerina where she hopes Vetus will be in the next five to ten years, and her answer is simple: growing carefully, growing locally, and helping more people discover brandy.
She imagines expanded production, additional storage space, a small team, and a reputation known across North Carolina.
But even as the business grows, the mission remains the same.
Family. Heritage. Craftsmanship. Community. One glass at a time.
Vetus’ Hours are:
Thursday noon – 5 PM
Friday noon – 5 PM
Saturday noon – 8 PM
Sunday noon – 5 PM
They are located at 430 Crow St. Monroe, NC .
Last modified: May 7, 2026
