Rochester’s craft beer scene shines through two excellent guided experiences. My top pick, the Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour, combines four carefully selected craft breweries in a convenient half-day format. You’ll get thoughtful tastings, behind-the-scenes looks at brewing operations, and the chance for a hearty pub lunch. I’m also impressed with the Rochester Bar Hunt – it turns a traditional bar crawl into an engaging scavenger hunt where participants tackle fun photo and video challenges. Both options showcase the city’s excellent beer culture while keeping groups engaged and entertained. Let’s explore these outstanding tour choices…
Key Points
- The Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour offers a half-day experience visiting four craft breweries with beer tastings, educational tours, and optional pub lunch.
- The Rochester Bar Hunt: Rochester Rocks is an interactive scavenger hunt and bar crawl that begins and ends at Roc Brewing Co.
- Brewery tours in Rochester feature an educational component with a knowledgeable driver/guide, a minimum age requirement of 21, and are stroller accessible.
- The scavenger hunt experience in Rochester encourages team formation, provides digital photo souvenirs, and requires a moderate fitness level for participation.
- Rochester’s vibrant craft beer culture, nightlife exploration, and support for local businesses make it a top destination for unique drinking tour experiences.
Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour
One of the top brewery tours in the Rochester area is the Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour. This half-day experience takes visitors to four top craft breweries in the Finger Lakes region.
With a maximum group size of 12, it offers a personal and intimate tour. The tour includes beer tastings, educational brewery tours, and an upgrade option for a pub lunch.
Guests will be picked up from the Canandaigua Lake area hotels and taken to the meeting point at the Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack. The tour starts at 11:30 am and returns to the same location. A knowledgeable driver/guide provides local information throughout the tour.
To participate, guests must be at least 21 years old and present a valid photo ID. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible. A minimum of two people per booking is required.
While the specific breweries may change, most travelers can enjoy this brewery tour. With 9 reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating, it’s a top pick for beer enthusiasts in the Rochester area.
Read our full review: Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour Review
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Rochester Bar Hunt: Rochester Rocks
Frequently, adventurous visitors to Rochester can experience the city’s vibrant nightlife through the Rochester Bar Hunt: Rochester Rocks. This interactive scavenger hunt and bar crawl combines exploring local bars and restaurants with various photo and video challenges. Participants download an app, form teams, and compete to earn the title of Bar Hunt champion.
The experience begins at Roc Brewing Co., the meeting point, and ends back at the same location. Throughout the hunt, teams complete tasks, snap photos, and earn points. Digital copies of the scavenger hunt photos are provided to participants.
The event is open seven days a week, from 7 AM to 11:30 PM, accommodating various schedules. With a moderate fitness level required, the Rochester Bar Hunt is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Priced at $12.31 per person, the non-refundable experience includes all taxes, fees, and digital photo souvenirs, making it an affordable way to enjoy Rochester’s vibrant bar scene.
Read our full review: Rochester Bar Hunt: Rochester Rocks Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Wear on the Brewery Tour?
When going on a brewery tour, it’s best to wear comfortable, casual clothing. Opt for closed-toe shoes, and avoid anything too fancy or restrictive. The focus should be on enjoying the tour, so dress for comfort and convenience.
How Long Do the Tours Typically Last?
The tours typically last around 90 minutes, though the exact duration may vary depending on the specific brewery or distillery. Visitors should expect to spend approximately an hour and a half exploring the facilities and learning about the production process.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The tours are generally wheelchair accessible, though it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand. They’ll be able to provide details on accessibility and make any necessary accommodations for guests with mobility needs.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?
Participants are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tours. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure their policy and any restrictions.
Do the Tours Allow for Photo Opportunities?
The drinking tours typically allow ample photo opportunities throughout the experience. Guests are encouraged to capture memorable moments and share their experiences. However, it’s important to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines or restrictions on photography.
Recap
Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour and Rochester Bar Hunt: Rochester Rocks offer visitors a chance to explore the vibrant drinking scene in Rochester. These tours provide an opportunity to sample local craft beers, cocktails, and learn about the city’s rich drinking culture. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or a cocktail connoisseur, these tours are sure to quench your thirst and provide a memorable experience.