The Finger Lakes region of New York has long been renowned for its scenic landscapes and world-class wineries. However, in recent years, a thriving craft beer scene has emerged, drawing beer enthusiasts from near and far. The Finger Lakes Brewery Tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy this burgeoning industry, exploring the unique terroir that influences the region’s hops and the artisanal brewing process that transforms them into distinctive ales and lagers. With stops at local hop farms and breweries, this small-group experience promises to enlighten and delight those eager to discover the stories behind the…
Key Points
• The Finger Lakes Brewery Tour offers visits to four local hop farms and breweries, providing a comprehensive look at the beer-making process.
• The tour includes round-trip transfers from select hotels, lunch (for the ‘Farms & Delights plus Lunch’ option), and all taxes, fees, and handling charges.
• The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its thriving craft beer scene, featuring diverse locally-produced brews with unique flavors and styles.
• Participants can learn about the hop growing process and the role of hops in beer’s bitterness, aroma, and profile during the hop farm visits.
• The small-group tour experience (up to 12 participants) ensures a personalized and intimate exploration of the local brewing industry.
Tour Overview
The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its thriving craft beer scene.
The Finger Lakes Brewery Tour offers travelers a chance to explore this vibrant local industry. The tour includes visits to four local hop farms and breweries, providing a comprehensive look at the beer-making process.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the small-group experience ensures a personalized and intimate tour. Hassle-free round-trip transfers from select hotels are available, making it convenient for participants to enjoy the tour without worrying about transportation.
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or simply curious about the Finger Lakes’ brewing culture, this tour is designed to provide a memorable and informative experience.
Inclusions
In this tour, a driver/guide provides hassle-free round-trip transfers from select hotels upon request. Plus, all taxes, fees, and handling charges are covered. For those booking the ‘Farms & Delights plus Lunch’ option, a delightful lunch is also included.
The inclusions for this tour are as follows:
| Inclusions | Farms & Delights | Farms & Delights plus Lunch |
|---|---|---|
| Driver/guide | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hotel pick-up/drop-off | ✓ | ✓ |
| All taxes, fees and handling charges | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lunch | – | ✓ |
Exclusions
Aside from the inclusions, travelers will need to cover their own gratuities as well as any additional food and drinks not specified in the tour.
While the tour provides a comprehensive experience, there are a few exclusions to keep in mind:
Gratuities for the driver/guide aren’t included, allowing travelers to show their appreciation based on the level of service received.
Any additional food or drinks beyond what’s provided during the included lunch on the ‘Farms & Delights plus Lunch’ tour will need to be purchased separately.
Travelers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the meeting point, unless the optional round-trip transfers are selected.
Personal expenses, such as souvenirs or any other items not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions, aren’t covered by the tour.
Meeting and Pickup
Travelers convene at the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Geneva Lakefront Resort, which serves as the meeting point for the Finger Lakes Brewery Tour.
This is where the small-group tour of up to 12 you will begin their adventure.
The tour ends back at the same location, allowing for hassle-free round-trip transfers from select hotels, if requested.
The tour departs at 10:30 am, so participants should arrive on time to ensure a smooth start to the day’s activities.
A valid photo ID is required, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are permitted.
With these details in mind, travelers can look forward to an engaging and well-organized Finger Lakes Brewery Tour experience.
Craft Beer Scene
The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its thriving craft beer scene, attracting beer enthusiasts from near and far with its diverse array of locally-produced brews. The area boasts an impressive number of craft breweries, each offering unique flavors and styles that reflect the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
Exploring the hop farms that supply many local breweries with their signature ingredients.
Sampling a wide variety of ales, lagers, and seasonal specialties, each with its own distinct character.
Discovering the innovative techniques and sustainable practices employed by Finger Lakes brewers.
Enjoying the scenic backdrops and convivial atmospheres that make these breweries popular destinations for both locals and visitors.
Hop Farm Visits
Farms, Flights: Finger Lakes Brewery Tour
One of the highlights of the Finger Lakes brewery tour is the opportunity to visit local hop farms that supply many of the region’s acclaimed craft breweries.
Travelers will get an inside look at the hop growing process, from planting and harvesting to drying and processing. They’ll learn how the unique terroir of the Finger Lakes region imparts distinct flavors and aromas to the hops.
Guides will explain the critical role hops play in beer’s bitterness, aroma, and overall profile. Guests can even sample freshly harvested hops straight from the bine.
These educational farm visits provide a deeper appreciation for the craft of brewing and the ingredients that make Finger Lakes beers so exceptional.
Small-Group Experience
A small-group setting allows for a more personalized and interactive experience on the Finger Lakes brewery tour. Participants can expect an intimate exploration of the region’s craft beer scene, with a maximum of 12 travelers per tour.
This cozy group size ensures ample opportunities for:
- Engaging conversations with the driver/guide, who provides in-depth insights into the local brewing process and history.
- Asking questions and receiving attentive, individualized attention at each hop farm and brewery.
- Bonding with fellow beer enthusiasts and sharing tasting notes and personal experiences.
- Enjoying the scenic Finger Lakes landscape without feeling overwhelmed in a larger group setting.
The small-group experience creates a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, allowing participants to truly enjoy the Finger Lakes brewing culture.
Additional Information
Specific breweries included on the tour may change due to availability and other factors. Confirmation of the tour details is provided at the time of booking. Travelers must be at least 21 years old and have a valid photo ID to participate. The tour is stroller accessible, though it may not be wheelchair friendly. A minimum of two people is required per booking, with a maximum group size of 12 participants.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Confirmation | Provided at time of booking |
| Age | Minimum 21 years |
| ID | Valid photo ID required |
| Accessibility | Stroller accessible, not wheelchair |
| Group Size | Minimum 2, maximum 12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?
The tour information does not explicitly state whether passengers can bring their own snacks. However, it’s generally acceptable to bring personal snacks on these types of tours, as long as they don’t interfere with the experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Brewery Visits?
The tour has a minimum age requirement of 21 years old. Guests must provide a valid photo ID to participate in the brewery visits. This age restriction is in place to comply with local laws regarding alcohol consumption.
What Type of Transportation Is Provided for the Tour?
The tour provides hassle-free round-trip transfers from select hotels. This service is available upon request and ensures participants are transported to and from the tour locations comfortably and conveniently.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?
The tour company generally does not allow customers to customize the tour itinerary. The itinerary is pre-determined and includes visits to 4 local hop farms and breweries. Customers can, however, communicate any special needs or preferences to the tour operator in advance.
Is There a Dress Code for the Brewery Visits?
There is generally no formal dress code for brewery visits. Visitors should wear comfortable, casual attire that’s suitable for walking around the facilities. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety reasons. The focus is on enjoying the beer, not formal attire.
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Recap
The Finger Lakes Brewery Tour provides an immersive exploration of the region’s thriving craft beer scene.
Travelers can expect a comprehensive look at the beer-making process, from visiting local hop farms to engaging with the driver/guide and fellow enthusiasts.
The small-group format ensures a personalized experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the unique terroir and its impact on hop flavors.
