Savannah: Historic Drinks in a Historic City

Savannah, Georgia, is a city steeped in history, and its rich drinking culture is no exception. The Historic Drinks tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore this vibrant past through the lens of iconic beverages. From the refined elegance of Madeira wine to the refreshing allure of mint juleps, this immersive experience promises to transport you back in time while tantalizing your taste buds. As you uncover the stories behind each sip, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Savannah’s enduring legacy – a legacy that continues to shape the city’s present-day charm. Prepare to be captivated, for there’s more to this historic city than meets the eye.

Key Points

• This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Savannah’s rich drinking history through the sampling of iconic beverages like Madeira wine, mead, mint juleps, and Chatham Artillery Punch.

• The tour covers four different locations, including historic squares and establishments, providing a comprehensive experience of Savannah’s tippling culture from the 19th century to the present day.

• Participants can enjoy a curated selection of drinks while learning about the historical significance and cultural traditions associated with each beverage, creating an immersive and educational experience.

• The tour is accessible to all, with a 3-hour duration, a maximum group size of 10, and a flexible cancellation policy, making it convenient for visitors to Savannah.

• Key features of the tour include a dress code requirement at the first stop, wheelchair accessibility, and the ability to operate rain or shine, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience for all participants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Savannah Historic Drinks tour offers an immersive experience into the city’s rich drinking history.

Priced at $100 per person, the 3-hour tour takes visitors to local hotspots to sample iconic beverages like Madeira wine, mead, mint juleps, and Chatham Artillery Punch.

With a group size limited to 10 participants, the tour provides an intimate exploration of Savannah’s tippler-friendly reputation.

Accessibility is accommodated, and the tour operates rain or shine, with a 24-hour free cancellation policy.

Whether you’re a history buff or a cocktail connoisseur, this experience promises to transport you back in time and tantalize your taste buds.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at Telfair Square, the Savannah Historic Drinks tour takes guests on a journey through the city’s storied past. Along the way, participants visit several historic establishments, sampling iconic beverages that have defined Savannah’s drinking culture.

Stops	Drinks Served
Jazzd Tapas Bar	1 Madeira wine and cheese plate
Savannah Bee Company	1 flight of 6 meads
17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant	1 mint julep
The Pirates House	1 Chatham Artillery Punch

These libations offer a glimpse into Savannah’s 19th-century refreshment traditions, blending historical context with modern enjoyment. The tour concludes at The Pirates House, where participants can continue exploring the city’s spirited heritage.

Historical Context

Savannah’s reputation as a tippler-friendly city dates back to the 19th century, when the city’s residents and visitors indulged in a variety of historical drinks.

These included:

1. Madeira wine, a fortified wine that was a popular choice among the elite.
2. Mead, a honey-based fermented beverage that had been enjoyed for centuries.
3. The mint julep, a classic cocktail made with bourbon, mint, and sugar.
4. Chatham Artillery Punch, a potent mixture of rum, brandy, and citrus juices.

Today, visitors can experience these 19th-century refreshments in a modern context, gaining a deeper appreciation for Savannah’s rich drinking culture.

Inclusions and Additional Information

The tour includes a Madeira wine and cheese plate at Jazzd Tapas Bar, a flight of 6 meads at Savannah Bee Company, a mint julep at 17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant, and a Chatham Artillery Punch at The Pirates House.

Tips for waitstaff at each stop are also included. Additional drinks and gratuities for the guide are excluded. Participants must be 21 or older and present a valid ID.

The first stop has elevator access, and the tour takes place both indoors and outdoors, regardless of weather conditions, except in disruptive circumstances.

Jazzd requires male patrons to wear shirts with sleeves.

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Important Notes and Requirements

Participants must be 21 or older and present a valid passport or ID card to join the Savannah Historic Drinks tour.

The dress code requires male patrons to wear shirts with sleeves at the first stop, Jazzd Tapas Bar.

The tour is partially indoors and outdoors, with the first stop having elevator access for wheelchair users.

The tour takes place regardless of weather, except in disruptive conditions.

Key requirements include:

1. Participants must be 21+ years old
2. Passport or ID card required for identification
3. Male patrons must wear shirts with sleeves at Jazzd Tapas Bar
4. Partially indoor and outdoor tour with elevator access at the first stop

Starting Location and Tour Route

The tour begins at Telfair Square, a historic public square in the heart of Savannah’s downtown district.

From there, you will embark on a journey through the city’s storied past, stopping at iconic establishments to savor some of the region’s most renowned historical libations.

The itinerary includes a visit to Jazzd Tapas Bar for a Madeira wine and cheese plate, followed by a flight of six meads at the Savannah Bee Company.

Guests will then enjoy scenic walks through Oglethorpe, Columbia, Warren, and Washington Squares before sipping on a mint julep at the 17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant and a Chatham Artillery Punch at The Pirates House, where the tour concludes.

Beverages and Tasting Experiences

Savannah’s storied past comes alive through the distinctive libations showcased on this tour. Participants savor a Madeira wine and cheese plate, a flight of six meads, a traditional mint julep, and the legendary Chatham Artillery Punch.

These historic drinks offer a flavorful journey through 19th-century Savannah’s drinking culture:

1. Madeira wine, a fortified Portuguese wine, was a popular beverage among the city’s elite.

2. Mead, a honey-based fermented drink, nods to Savannah’s colonial roots.

3. The mint julep, a bourbon-based cocktail, epitomizes the South’s genteel hospitality.

4. The Chatham Artillery Punch, a potent blend of spirits, recalls Savannah’s militaristic past.

Sipping these timeless tipples in atmospheric settings transports guests to Savannah’s bygone eras.

Tour Duration and Cancellation Policy

This historic drinks tour spans 3 hours, allowing ample time to savor each distinctive libation.

Participants can join the small group of up to 10 people, exploring Savannah’s drinking culture at a leisurely pace. The tour is wheelchair accessible and available in English.

Notably, there’s a flexible cancellation policy – travelers can receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours in advance. This ensures guests can plan their Savannah adventure without worry.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply appreciate fine drinks, this tour provides an immersive experience showcasing the city’s storied tippling tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Children?

No, the tour is not suitable for families with children. It is an adults-only experience that includes sampling alcoholic beverages like Madeira wine, mead, mint julep, and Chatham Artillery Punch. Children under 21 are not permitted to participate.

Can Special Dietary Needs Be Accommodated?

The tour is not specifically designed to accommodate special dietary needs. However, the company recommends contacting them in advance to discuss any requirements, as they may be able to make arrangements on a case-by-case basis.

Is Transportation Provided to and From the Tour?

The tour does not provide transportation to and from the starting location. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Telfair Square, where the tour begins. The tour focuses on walking between the various stops.

What Is the Dress Code for the Entire Tour?

The dress code for the entire tour is casual, though the first stop, Jazzd Tapas Bar, requires male patrons to wear shirts with sleeves. Otherwise, participants can wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire for the walking portions of the tour.

Can Guests Arrive Late and Still Join the Tour?

No, guests cannot arrive late and still join the tour. The itinerary has a specific schedule, and late arrivals would disrupt the group dynamics and miss key experiences. Punctual arrival is required to fully participate in the tour.

Recap

The Historic Drinks tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Savannah’s rich drinking culture and take in the city’s captivating history. With a carefully curated itinerary, engaging historical insights, and delightful tastings, this tour provides an authentic and memorable experience for visitors seeking to uncover the charm of Savannah through its iconic beverages.

You can check if your dates are available here: