Brewery, Winery & Distillery, Meal

Beer, wine, spirits and a meal in one 3.5-hour outing: Sip Happens Tours leads it, rated 5 across 3 reviews, from $124 per person.

Overview

Three stops, one meal, and a guide who drives. That is the shape of this 3.5 hour tour from Sip Happens Tours, which strings together a mix of breweries, wineries and distilleries around Boston and hands the logistics to someone else. The destinations change from week to week, so no two departures are quite the same, but every run includes free samples at each venue and a proper meal at one of them.

The tour runs in English and is built for drinkers of all levels, from people who have never set foot in a distillery to regulars who know their hops. Between stops there is trivia with prizes, and at most locations the group gets a behind-the-scenes look at how things are made. Seating is reserved at every stop, so nobody waits for a table.

Transport is provided by the operator, with a sober guide at the wheel, which makes this a good fit for visitors who would rather not plan a crawl themselves or worry about driving between venues. The tour is designed for craft beverage lovers of all levels, from curious first timers to seasoned enthusiasts. Dietary needs can be accommodated for the meal, and the meeting point is generally close to public transportation and parking.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at One Financial CenterThe tour starts at One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111. Pickup location details are sent before the tour and are generally near public transportation and parking.
2. Board the vehicleTravel with a knowledgeable, engaging guide who drives the group between all three stops. Trivia and prizes keep things lively on the ride.
3. First craft stopVisit the first of three local craft beverage vendors, which may be a brewery, winery or distillery depending on the week. Free samples are included.
4. Second stop with mealAt one of the stops the group sits down to a meal, with dietary needs accommodated and seating reserved. Behind-the-scenes access is offered at most locations.
5. Third craft stopFinish the circuit at a third local producer, again with free samples and an insider look at the process where available.
6. Return transferThe guide drives the group back at the end of the tour. The total experience runs 3.5 hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day smoother, from footwear rules to how the stops get chosen.

• Wear closed-toe shoes. Closed-toe shoes are required. Sandals, flip flops, open-toed shoes and bare feet are all turned away, so check what is on your feet before leaving the hotel.
• Trust the stops. The venues vary week to week, so the exact lineup is not fixed in advance. One reviewer said the tour selections were up to the guide and advised putting your trust in them, and their run took in Sam Adams, a cocktail lounge with lunch, and Bully Boy distillery.
• Pace and group feel. Reviewers describe the tour as comfortable, exciting and accommodating, with trivia and prizes filling the time between stops. The guide drives, so the group can relax between venues.
• Food and drink. Free samples are poured at each of the three stops, and a full meal is served at one of them. Additional drinks beyond the samples and any personal purchases cost extra.
• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup. Meet at One Financial Center, and note that the meeting spot is generally close to public transportation and parking, which makes arrival straightforward.
• What not to bring. Leave large bags and luggage behind, as oversize luggage and big bags are not allowed. Pets, non-folding strollers, smoking and vaping in the vehicle are also off limits.

Common issues. The stops are not fixed, so travellers hoping for a specific brewery or distillery may not get it, though one reviewer said the guide's choices paid off. There is no hotel pickup, which means getting to One Financial Center is on you. The guide tip is not included in the price, and neither are extra drinks beyond the samples. Showing up intoxicated is prohibited, and the tour cannot be joined in sandals or open-toed shoes.

Questions People Ask Before Booking