Knowing how to plan and enjoy your brewery and distillery tours is the difference between whether you will enjoy it or not.
Brewery and distillery tours are a great way to explore the craft and culture of different regions, taste some of the finest beverages, and have fun with your friends or family.
Whether you are a beer lover, a whisky aficionado, or a wine enthusiast, there is a tour for you.
In this blog, I will share some tips on how to plan and enjoy your brewery and distillery tours.
And also highlight some of the best destinations in St Augustine, Florida.
Let’s get to it.
What is a brewery and distillery tour?
A brewery and distillery tour is a type of tour that visits places where alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, whisky, or gin, are produced.
You can learn about the history, culture, and process of making these drinks, and also taste some of them.
Some tours may also include food, music, or other activities. You can find many brewery and distillery tours in different regions and countries, such as Niagara, England, or St Augustine.
Next, we need to define if brewery and distillery tours is for you.
Who is brewery and distillery tours for?
Brewery and distillery tours are for anyone who is interested in learning about the production and culture of different alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, whisky, or gin.
They are also for people who enjoy tasting and discovering new flavors, styles, and ingredients of these drinks.
Brewery and distillery tours can be a fun and educational way to explore a region, meet new people, and support local businesses.
However, they are not for people who are underage, pregnant, allergic, or have a medical condition that prevents them from drinking alcohol.
They are also not for people who are driving, as drinking and driving is dangerous and illegal.
If you are planning to go on a brewery and distillery tour, you should always drink responsibly and in moderation.
If you are all set for the tour, here’s how you should plan your trip:
How to Plan Your Brewery and Distillery Tours
Before you embark on your tour, there are some things you need to consider and prepare. Here are some of them:
Do your research
Find out what kind of breweries and distilleries are available in your area of interest, what kind of products they offer, and what kind of tours they provide.
Some tours may require reservations, some may have fees, and some may have age restrictions.
You can use online resources, such as Brewery & Distillery Tours St Augustine to discover options.
Plan your itinerary
Depending on your time, budget, and preferences, you may want to visit one or more breweries and distilleries in a day.
You can either join a guided tour, which will take care of the transportation and logistics, or create your self-guided tour, which will give you more flexibility and freedom.
Either way, you should plan your route, schedule, and stops in advance, and make sure you have enough time to enjoy each place without rushing or getting too drunk.
Be responsible
Brewery and distillery tours involve tasting and drinking alcoholic beverages, so you need to be responsible for your safety and well-being.
You should always drink in moderation, drink plenty of water, eat some food, and avoid driving.
Also either designate a sober driver, use public transportation, or book a hotel nearby.
You should also respect the rules and etiquette of each place, and tip your guides and servers generously.
How to Enjoy Your Brewery and Distillery Tours
Once you have planned your tour, you are ready to enjoy it. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your experience:
Learn from the experts
Brewery and distillery tours are not only about drinking but also about learning.
You will have the opportunity to meet the people behind the products, see how they are made, and hear their stories and passion.
Ask questions, take notes, and take photos (if allowed).
Also learn how to taste and appreciate the different flavors, aromas, and textures of each beverage, and how to pair them with food or other drinks.
Try something new
Brewery and distillery tours are a chance to expand your horizons and discover new things.
You may find a new favourite drink, a new style, or a new ingredient that you never knew existed.
You may also encounter some local or seasonal specialities that are unique to the region or the time of the year.
Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it sounds weird or unfamiliar.
You may be pleasantly surprised or challenged by what you find.
Have fun
Brewery and distillery tours are meant to be fun.
Share your opinions, impressions, and stories with your companions, or make new friends with other visitors or locals.
Also participate in some games, activities, or events that may be offered by the places you visit, such as trivia, bingo, karaoke, or live music.
You can also buy some souvenirs, such as glasses, bottles, or merchandise, to remember your tour and support the local businesses.
The Best Brewery and Distillery Tours in St Augustine, Florida
If you are looking for a destination for your brewery and distillery tours, you may want to consider St Augustine, Florida.
St Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States, and it has a rich and diverse history and culture.
It is also home to some of the best breweries and distilleries in the country, offering a variety of products and experiences.
Here are some of the places you should not miss:
St Augustine Distillery
This is a craft distillery that produces small-batch spirits, such as vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and bourbon, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods.
You can either take a free tour of the distillery or take a guided tour with us, which is housed in a historic ice plant, and learn about the history and process of distillation.
You can also sample some of their products in their tasting room, or buy some bottles or cocktails in their gift shop.
San Sebastian Winery
This is a family-owned winery that produces award-winning wines, such as table, sparkling, dessert, and port wines, using hybrid and muscadine grapes grown in Florida.
You can either take a free tour or a guided tour of the winery, which is located in a restored railway building, and see how the wines are fermented, aged, and bottled.
You can also taste some of their wines in their tasting room, or enjoy some food and live music in their rooftop bar.
Ancient City Brewing
This is a local brewery that brews a range of beers, such as ales, lagers, stouts, and IPAs, using quality ingredients and innovative recipes.
You can visit their taproom, which is located in a historic building in downtown St Augustine, and try some of their beers on tap or in cans.
You can also join their brewery tours, which are offered on Saturdays, and learn about the history and craft of brewing.
These are just some of the places you can visit in St Augustine, but there are many more to explore and enjoy.
You can find more brewery and distillery tour options in St. Augustine.
I hope this blog has given you some ideas and inspiration on how to plan and enjoy your brewery and distillery tours.
Whether you are a novice or a connoisseur, you will find something to suit your taste and interest. Have fun and drink responsibly!
Cheers! 🍻