Small Group – Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour – 5.5 – 6 Hours

Experience the ultimate beverage adventure with this small group tour, exploring the finest ciders, wines, gins, and ales that New Zealand has to offer. Over 5.5 to 6 hours, you’ll indulge in curated tastings, guided by knowledgeable hosts, and delight in locally-sourced cheeses and snacks. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this personalized journey promises an unforgettable exploration of the region’s vibrant drink culture. With convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, and the option to cancel free of charge, the stage is set for an exceptional experience that may just surprise you.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Napier.

Key Points

• Personalized small-group experience with a maximum of 20 travelers, focusing on sampling cider, wine, gin, and ale over 5.5 to 6 hours.
• Includes hotel pick-up/drop-off, air-conditioned minivan transportation, and a souvenir.
• Offers tastings at a cider brewery, wine tasting flight, gin tasting, and an ale house, complemented by local cheese and snacks.
• Provides insights into the beverage-making processes from knowledgeable staff, showcasing New Zealand’s diverse and high-quality cider, wine, gin, and craft beer scene.
• Allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it a flexible and accessible tour option.

Tour Overview and Experience

The tour offers a personalized small-group experience, with a maximum of 20 travelers exploring the beer, wine, cider, and gin offerings in Napier, New Zealand.

It’s a 5.5 to 6-hour journey, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included. Guests will travel in an air-conditioned minivan, enjoying a souvenir provided as part of the experience.

The tour’s focus is on sampling a variety of beverages, from cider and wine to gin and ale, providing a well-rounded taste of the local offerings.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a flexible and immersive way to discover Napier’s vibrant beverage scene.

Beverage Sampling Lineup

Travelers first stop at a cider brewery, where they’ll choose 3 glasses from a selection of cider, beer, vodka, sangria, and other offerings.

Next, they enjoy a flight of 6 or 7 different wines during a wine tasting.

The tour then moves on to a gin tasting, where participants sample 3 distinct gins.

Finally, the group concludes their beverage exploration at an ale house, where they can choose 3 glasses of ale, beer, or cider.

This comprehensive tour allows visitors to explore a diverse range of local alcoholic beverages, complemented by a selection of local cheese and snacks.

With hotel pickup and drop-off included, this personalized experience is a convenient way to discover Napier’s vibrant beverage scene.

Cider Brewery Tasting

At the first stop, visitors can choose from a selection of ciders, beers, vodkas, and sangrias, sampling 3 beverages of their choice.

The cider brewery offers a wide range of flavors and styles, allowing participants to explore the diverse world of cider. From crisp and refreshing apple ciders to more experimental options like berry or hopped ciders, the tasting provides an opportunity to discover new favorites.

Whether guests prefer a dry, sweet, or sparkling cider, the knowledgeable staff is on hand to guide them through the tasting and share insights into the cider-making process.

This initial stop sets the tone for the rest of the engaging tour.

Wine Tasting Flight

From the cider brewery, the tour proceeds on to a wine tasting flight, where participants can sample a carefully curated selection of 6 or 7 different wines.

This tasting offers a chance to explore the diverse flavors and styles of New Zealand’s renowned wine regions. The knowledgeable guide provides insights into the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of each varietal.

Guests have the opportunity to savor the bouquet, appreciate the color, and discern the subtle nuances of each wine, all while enjoying the company of their small group.

This wine tasting experience is a highlight of the tour, allowing participants to discover the exceptional quality of New Zealand’s viticulture.

Gin Tasting Selection

After exploring the diverse flavors of cider and wine, the tour now shifts its focus to an exhilarating gin tasting experience.

The group samples three distinct gins, each offering a unique botanical profile and distilling technique that showcases the art of gin making in New Zealand.

The first gin boasts a vibrant, citrus-forward taste, while the second features a subtle, herbal complexity. The third gin surprises with its bold, juniper-driven character.

As the participants sip and savor each pour, they gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances that can be achieved in the world of craft gin.

This tasting segment allows the group to discover the versatility and quality of New Zealand’s thriving gin scene.

Ale House Finale

Capping off the tour, the group eagerly makes their way to the final destination – the Ale House, where they can choose three glasses of ale, beer, or cider, providing a satisfying conclusion to their beverage exploration. The selection at the Ale House offers a diverse range of craft brews, from hoppy IPAs to crisp lagers and refreshing ciders. As they sip and savor their final samples, the group reflects on the journey they’ve embarked on, appreciating the unique flavors and stories behind each stop.

Ale	Beer	Cider
Pale Ale	Pilsner	Crisp Apple
India Pale Ale	Amber Lager	Pear
Oatmeal Stout	Wheat Beer	Blackberry

Included Amenities

The tour package includes a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience for participants.

Visitors can enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off within Napier, ensuring a seamless start and end to their journey.

Plus, the tour provides a local cheese board and snacks to accompany the beverage tastings, allowing travelers to savor the flavors of the region’s culinary offerings.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts is also included, providing flexibility for guests.

Throughout the tour, travelers will receive a souvenir, serving as a memento of their small group adventure.

These thoughtful inclusions contribute to a well-rounded and personalized experience, catering to the needs and preferences of the participants.

Important Considerations

Certain age and identification requirements apply for participants to engage in the alcohol tastings during the tour. The minimum age for consuming and purchasing alcohol is 18 years old, and a valid ID may be requested for anyone appearing under 25.

Children are welcome on the tour but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

It’s important to note that the tour may not be suitable for cruise ship passengers due to time constraints. Guests are advised to check with their cruise line before booking to ensure the tour fits within their schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Gratuities for the Tour Guide Included in the Price?

The tour information does not explicitly state whether gratuities for the tour guide are included in the price. As such, it’s recommended to inquire about this directly with the tour provider if you have any concerns about tipping.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Beverages?

Participants are generally not allowed to bring their own food or beverages on this tour. The tour package includes cider, wine, beer, gin tastings, local cheese boards, and snacks, which are provided as part of the overall experience.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Samples per Person?

The tour provides a set number of samples per person at each location. While the exact limit may vary, it’s typically around 3-7 samples per stop to ensure a balanced tasting experience for all participants.

Can Participants Purchase Additional Bottles of Wine or Spirits?

The tour includes a set number of tastings per person, but participants can purchase additional bottles of wine, cider, or spirits at their own expense during the stops. Purchasing extra beverages is allowed, though not included in the tour price.

Are There Any Discounts for Large Groups or Families?

The tour operator doesn’t offer discounts for large groups or families. However, they may be able to accommodate special requests or group pricing for larger bookings. It’s best to check with them directly for any available offers or customization options.

Recap

This tour offers a comprehensive sampling of New Zealand’s finest beverages, from cider to wine, gin, and ale.

With knowledgeable guides, convenient transportation, and the opportunity to enjoy local cheeses and snacks, it’s an excellent way to experience the country’s vibrant drinking culture.

Whether you’re a casual explorer or a dedicated enthusiast, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.