There are no shortages of beer or wine in the United States. With over 8,000 wineries and nearly 4,000 breweries, going straight to the source is easier than you may think! Planning a group trip to a few establishments on a beer or wine trail is a great idea for special events, or just because! Here are some tips that you don’t want to forget when you embark on your tour:
- Call each winery or brewery you want to visit.
Of course these places want you to come visit, but keep in mind that they can get pretty busy, especially on weekends or in the summer time. Ask if they offer group tours or tastings, if they offer different price rates for larger groups, and make sure you have at least a rough estimate of how many people will be attending. When you have a final head count, be sure to call them back. - Decide how long your trip will be.
Is this a day trip or a multi day bus tour? Will you need to book hotels or lodging for your group? Charter services are especially helpful with finding affordable lodging and keeping your whole group together. When you’re tasting for a long period of time, it’s not a bad idea to break it up and rest for a night. - Find a charter bus rental service or other reliable transportation to get you to your destination safely.
This is the most important part of the trip! There are over 30,000 vehicles in the United States that are operated by licensed charter services, ranging from stretch and non-stretch SUVs, to large buses. By hiring a charter bus rental service, you will ensure the safety of yourself and everyone else, save up to 55 vehicles from clogging the road, reduce your CO2 emmissions per passenger mile, and allow for hassle-free, easy travel. - Bring water and snacks.
This one is simple. Stay hydrated, stay full, or suffer the consequences of the day after. Cheese, crackers, chips or fruit are all great things to munch on while on the road, but don’t forget to plan a lunch break. Advise everyone to bring their own lunch to maximize time, or plan to stop somewhere that can accommodate your large group event. (Again, be sure to call ahead!) - Lastly, bring cash.
Regardless if you’ve collected tasting fees in advance, have all participants bring cash for tips and souvenirs.