Things to do in California, United States: The Best Beer Tastings & Tours

September 27, 2021 Elouise Mccaul

California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Restaurants in California

1. Santa Rosa Bike 'n' Brew

175 Railroad St, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, USA Ace It Bike Tours
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Sonoma County’s claim to fame might be wine, but the region also boasts some celebrated breweries that are worth a visit. On this fun, scenic bike tour through Santa Rosa and Sebastopol, admire the beautiful scenery up close as you cruise from brewery to brewery. You’ll learn all about the history of beer brewing in this region from your expert guide.

Inclusions: Local guide, Use of bicycle and helmet, Use of wine carrier and handlebar bag

Exclusions: Gratuities, Additional food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By N8007FTrickm

My wife, son and girlfriend took the Bodega Bay Bike & Hike Tour Thursday, July 9th on a last minute whim. We spoke to the owner (Frieda) the day before and she was high spirited and very nice to deal with. Since my wife and I had our own bikes, she gave us a $20 discount. We decided to meet in Bodega bay at 10:00am. Omar met us with a trailer with 2 bikes for my son and his girlfriend. Omar introduced himself, explained what the 3 hrs will consist of and made sure we all had water and reassured us overall this was an easy bike ride except for one road with an incline where he mentioned we could walk our bike if we’d like. Safety was never an issue. Well, Omar was an exceptional Tour guide and was very informational and easy going. The bike ride was amazing. We saw deer, various birds (mostly egrets and seagulls) as the weather was perfect. We also had a 2 mile easy hike that overlooked Bodega Bay. As we biked back, we stopped at Spud Point Crab Company for some delicious New England Calm Chowder that was included in the Tour fee. Overall, I rate our experience with 5 stars! Thank you Frieda and Omar. We are now thinking of taking the Nike and Wine Tour next.

2. San Francisco Craft Beer Walking Tour in Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach

3150 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA SF on Tap - Walking Craft Beer Tours
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5.0 based on 17 reviews

Join up to 12 drinking buddies to explore San Francisco's most vibrant neighborhoods, taking breaks to drink and learn about California craft beer at 3 locations along the way. All beer plus snacks are included!

Inclusions: Beer at three locations, Tour of a craft brewery, Snacks, Local guide, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By ahumbledeveloper

Couple in our early 30s. We left booking Alcatraz to the very last minute, and the only tickets left were combos like this. We chose the early trip to Alcatraz to get the most out of it... Alcatraz was incredible, as expected. A couple of hours on the island was just enough time for the (very captivating) self-guided audio tour and time to take in the sights outside. The self-guided tour was really moving at times. It didn't feel too rushed . An unexpected bonus on the island was an art exhibition in one of the old factory houses. It displayed photo IDs created by former/current inmates and what they dream of becoming. We got back with little time to grab some lunch and head to the beer tour... I'll admit: we were considering (and very close to) bailing before the beer tour as we were getting pretty tired by this point... ... but I'm so glad we didn't! We arrived at the first stop and greeted by our wonderful tour guide, Henrique. I gather a lot of people chose the combos for last minute tickets to Alcatraz as there was only one other couple. Henrique talked us through all the different types of beer and walked us through the brewing (while tasting of course....). He had formal post-secondary training in brewing and was able to explain the process and methods from start to finish. It was at a very relaxed pace and as people who knew little about beer it was all explained with a perfect level of detail and kept our attention. We then wandered to a couple of spots across town. All the way Henrique would stop and point out hidden gems, describing the history behind unsuspecting buildings and areas. It was absolutely fascinating, and we learned so much of the city! It was a truly pleasant surprise. The first bar was the only brewery, but all bars served locally brewed beer. The bars that followed were both incredibly varied: an Irish bar ran by an Indian family, serving delicious Indian bar snacks and a dark/dive bar with cosmic decorations. All the way Henrique offered us options that allowed us to tailor the experience to which beers we liked and he'd take the lead when we were undecided. Even the other couple who didn't often drink beer / alcohol said they thoroughly enjoyed it all. The whole day was perfectly comfortable, interesting and all round lovely. I'm not sure if we just got lucky with having Henrique to guide us... we will have still enjoyed the day but his tour made it extra special. Thank you!! Highly recommended... and don't skip the walking/beer tour!

3. 6-Hour Private Santa Barbara Limousine Wine Tour

Golden Rooster Transportation & Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy a relaxing day in Wine Country on this 6-hour tour of the Santa Ynez Valley. Ride in style in a luxury black car, limo or mini-coach while sipping delicate California Pinot Noir, sparkling wine, or award winning Syrah. This driving service allow you to create your own itinerary and visit any wineries you like. Tasting fees and lunch are not included in the rate. If you would like us to make an itinerary for you including winery reservations, please let us know.

Inclusions: Private tour, Driver/guide, Bottled water, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Gratuities, Wine Tasting Fees, Lunch

Reviewed By EdK53

Highly recommend this company for any excursions in and around Santa Barbara and the Paso Robles area. Professional, knowledgeable and friendly drivers. The ride was smooth and comfortable. The amenities (beverages) were a nice touch. This is the only 5 star limo company I could find and they are fantastic!

4. Custom Muir Woods and Napa Wine Tour From San Francisco

Cardinal Transportation by Hansom
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Let us whisk you away on a private tour experience second to none. Receive VIP treatment and get chauffeured to the San Francisco Bay Area's North Bay's historic Muir Woods. But why stop there? Combine this experience with our company's signature service: Private Wine Touring of Sonoma, Napa and Russian River. There's absolutely no better way to experience scenic monumental points of the San Francisco Bay Area, while sneaking in a day of wine tasting in Northern California's wine country.  On this wine tour, you can expect:  • Exceptional service from our chauffeurs • Luxury sedan & SUV transport • Inexpensive tasting options available (Please contact tour provider via email or phone call after booking reservation to learn more!) • For group sizes larger than 7 persons, please contact supplier for specific details and changes per group size.

Inclusions: Available predetermined wine tour itineraries, Pre-travel consultation to plan and customize your group's itinerary and tour experience, 1 bottle of red or white wine (2 bottles for SUV reservations), Water, Optional group photograph service on the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pickup and drop-off from hotels/residences within a 15-mile radius of San Francisco, Fuel surcharge, Bottled water, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Lunch, Guide, Gratuities (standard 20% gratuity charged on total gross amount after trip completion), Additional time past the first 8 hours ($60 sedan / $75 SUV per hour), Airport pickup, Landing and facility fees

Reviewed By BosDVII

Dean was an exceptional guide and facilitator of tastings. He was also a wealth of knowledge regarding the history of the area, as well as current events. His recommendations for food were sublime.

5. Pretty Gritty Arts District Tour

310 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA Handlebar Bike Tours
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5.0 based on 17 reviews

Just past Little Tokyo, L.A.’s hottest neighborhood, The Arts District, is full of galleries, tech-industry, nightlife, murals, history, architecture, shopping, breweries, and restaurants. We visit Hauser and Wirth Gallery, Sci-Arc, Bloom’s Square, Warner Brother’s Music, Art Share, La Kretz Innovation Campus, The American Hotel, some of L.A.’s best restaurants and many more surprising locations. You’ll hear about the origins, history, new development and current status of The Art’s District. This tour breaks at galleries and shopping, allowing participants to explore a bit on their own. This ride is perfect for visitors looking for off the beaten path, up and coming neighborhoods in DTLA.

Inclusions: Includes 8-speed bike, helmet and guided tour.

Exclusions: This tour does not include any food.

Reviewed By chriswangtopher

Jen was amazing. I ended up being the only one booking so she took me on a solo tour and showed me more than what was scheduled. The tour was very covid-safe, she gave easy-to-follow instructions while biking, and overall, it was a fun experience. Would definitely recommend to friends!

6. Paso Robles Wine Adventure with pickup from Pismo Beach, CA

Wine Wrangler - Day Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Our Wrangler Adventure Tour is a social tour and our most popular. You can expect to meet other wine enthusiasts and get to know them over the course of the day. You'll share the day with a small group and visit 4 wineries while enjoying a complimentary lunch along the way.

Inclusions: Rain or Shine we Wine!, Friendly, experienced, personable, and knowledgeable guides - the best in the area!, Bottled Water, Tour of winery production operations possible - if requested, A complimentary deli-style picnic lunch, Visit 4 wineries (sometimes more), An introduction to wine tasting lesson - if requested, Small intimate tour sizes so we can craft a personalized itinerary

Exclusions: Gratuity, Wine Tasting Fees

Reviewed By SeeTheWorld608

Coy from Wine Wrangler gave us a fantastic tour. The wineries weren’t offering formal tours because of COVID but we geek out on understanding the operations so Coy found ways to get us to the vines and talk through the process. He’s was incredibly knowledgeable and had good relationships with the wineries. He suggested all sorts of off tasting-menu options that made our experience unique. We had such a good time and would absolutely book Wine Wrangler again.

7. Explore Santa Ynez Wine Country: All-Inclusive Guided Tour from Santa Barbara

805 All Inclusive Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We are the only All Inclusive Tour Group with experienced & licensed professionals. We are not only knowledgeable but it is our goal to make sure that you & your party has the best experience during your visit to Santa Ynez wine country. We have luxurious vehicles that gives you the next level of comfort and relaxation. Sit back and let 805 All Inclusive Tours do the rest!

Inclusions: Tastings at 3 Vineyards., Lunch, Private transportation

Exclusions: Gratuities, Unscheduled Stops

8. 8-Hour Private Sonoma or Napa Wine Tour with Concierge Service

Wine Nation Tours
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

Enjoy the Beauty of Napa Valley and Sonoma. Taste Best Wines , the region has to offer. We'll plan the day for you, based on your wine and personal preferences. We'll do our best to accommodate your requests and build most joyful itinerary for your group. - We are unable to list all of the wineries on Viator. We'll discuss your preferences during customization. - If you are unsure of which wineries to visit, there are predetermined lists of our top picks available, and we can accommodate your specific desired wine type. - ALL TRAVELERS MUST CALL SUPPLIER TO BEGIN THE CUSTOMIZATION OF THE TOUR. Usual pick up times available: from Sonoma , Napa as early as 9:30am from San Francisco as early as 8:30 am - Some of the wineries , we frequently visit are in Tour Details, below. However, each group is different and we will make sure your day in Wine Country spent with joy and pleasure.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Bottle of Champagne or Wine with Each Booking., Private transportation, Available predetermined wine tour itineraries , Pre-travel consultation to plan and customize your group's itinerary and tour experience, Free Pick up in South Central Sonoma Only , Napa and Marin County

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuity - Industry Standard 20%, Tastings at Wineries, Additional time past the first 8 hours , San Francisco Pick up and other areas - call for rate

Reviewed By zo_m995

Lonny was excellent! He was able to add some last minute reservations and recommend additional wineries. One of our faves was a place we weren’t planning to visit but he recommended. Friendly, great driver, go with the flow but professional.

9. 5-Hour Limo Tour with Open Bar

Private limo tours by Sunpower
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Your private tour guide is Michael Raines, who has worked for a number of limo companies as a driver and bodyguard to some of the biggest celebrities in the world. A TV personality on his own rite, Michael Raines has starred in two survival shows on Discovery and other Film and TV roles in the past 20 years. Just to hear his celebrity stories is worth the price of the ride!! You will ride in style in 6 passenger Lincoln town car with a duel bar setup for wine, beer and liquor with mixers, chocolates and nuts all complimentary. A Bluetooth stereo so you can use your playlist on your phone, with IPhone and android chargers with cables on the rear deck. Your tour is completely customizable, you tell us what you want to see and we will take you there in style.

Inclusions: Beer,wine,liquor,mixers,sodas and candy We have the best stocked limo in town!

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Reviewed By Penny R

Book today you won’t be disappointed! We loved hearing all of the history of LA and surrounding areas. Mikey knew just when and where we would like to take pictures and always offered to take them for us as well.

10. 8-Hour Custom Private Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour

Wine Nation Tours
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Enjoy the Beauty of Napa Valley and Sonoma. Taste Best Wines , the region has to offer. We'll plan the day for you, based on your wine and personal preferences. We'll do our best to accommodate your requests and build most joyful itinerary for your group. - We are unable to list all of the wineries on Viator. We'll discuss your preferences during customization. - If you are unsure of which wineries to visit, there are predetermined lists of our top picks available, and we can accommodate your specific desired wine type. - Usual pick up times available: from Sonoma , Napa as early as 9:30am from San Francisco as early as 8:30 am - Some of the wineries , we frequently visit are in Tour Details, below. However, each group is different and we will make sure your day in Wine Country spent with joy and pleasure. ALL TRAVELERS MUST CALL SUPPLIER TO BEGIN THE CUSTOMIZATION OF THE TOUR.

Inclusions: Free Pick up in South-Central Sonoma only, Napa and Marin County, Pre-travel consultation to plan and customize your group's itinerary and tour experience, Available predetermined wine tour itineraries , Optional group photograph service on the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bottle of Champagne or Wine with Each Booking., Bottled water, Private transportation

Exclusions: Additional time past the first 8 hours , San Francisco Pick up and other areas - call for rate, Tastings at Wineries, Gratuity - Industry Standard 20% , Lunch

Reviewed By daniellelS1847KJ

We had such an amazing time on our 8 hour wine tour. Our driver was very knowledgeable of the area and help us set our itinerary ahead of time. We we’re able to visit 5 wineries and was not rushed at all. Couldn’t have asked for a better Concierge service!

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