Beautiful Ithaca reveals its culinary soul through three standout tours that I’ve personally vetted. The Keuka Lake Winery Tour hits four vineyards with expert transport, perfect for wine enthusiasts who want to focus on tasting, not driving. Downtown’s Ithaca Is Foodies walking tour offers the best mix of local beverages – from craft beer to regional wines – while exploring the city center. For serious wine lovers, the private Grape Escapes tour provides an intimate, full-day immersion into the area’s finest vineyards. Let’s explore these excellent tours in detail.
Key Points
- The Keuka Lake Winery Tour offers an immersive wine tasting experience with a designated driver and educational components on the Finger Lakes region.
- The Ithaca Is Foodies: Downtown Ithaca Craft Beverage Tour provides a guided walking tour with samples of craft beer, artisan cider, local wine, and craft cocktails.
- The Grape Escapes Wine Full-Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Ithaca’s top vineyards with a professional local guide and wine tastings.
- The Wine Tasting Experience focuses on immersive experiences within Ithaca’s wine region, emphasizing local vineyards and unique varietals with educational aspects.
- The Culinary and Beverage Tours highlight the local food and drink culture in Ithaca, combining tastings and educational insights through walking tours.
Keuka Lake Winery Tour
For travelers seeking an immersive wine tasting experience in Ithaca, the Keuka Lake Winery Tour offers a delightful opportunity to explore the Finger Lakes region.
This 4.9-rated tour takes visitors to four different wineries, providing breathtaking views of Keuka Lake and the surrounding vineyards. With a designated driver/guide, travelers can enjoy wine tastings without worrying about transportation.
The tour also includes an educational component, allowing guests to learn about the region’s winemaking history and processes. While lunch is available on the Kings & Queens plus Lunch option, gratuities aren’t included.
With a maximum group size of 12, this tour provides an intimate and personalized experience.
Read our full review: Keuka Lake Winery Tour Review
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Ithaca Is Foodies: Downtown Ithaca Craft Beverage Tour
As one of the top-rated tours in Ithaca, the Ithaca is Foodies: Downtown Ithaca Craft Beverage Tour offers an immersive experience for visitors seeking to explore the city’s vibrant craft beverage scene.
This 3.5-hour walking tour takes guests to multiple establishments, where they can sample craft beer, artisan cider, local wine, and craft cocktails.
Along the way, participants enjoy three light food tastings and exclusive discounts from all tasting locations.
The tour departs from the downtown area and ends near the State Street corridor.
With a maximum group size of 10, the experience caters to those 21 and older who can navigate moderate physical activity.
Read our full review: Ithaca Is Foodies: Downtown Ithaca Craft Beverage Tour Review
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Grape Escapes Wine Full-Day Tour in Ithaca
Designed for wine enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in Ithaca’s renowned wine region, the Grape Escapes Wine Full-Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the area’s top vineyards.
With a professional local guide, the tour includes transportation, wine tastings, and food costs. Participants can expect to sample flights of 3 to 5 wines at each winery, ranging from $10 to $25 per tasting.
The tour starts at 10:00 am with hotel pickup and drop-off, and though it’s a private tour, the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Despite the non-refundable policy, the tour provides exceptional value with a 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews.
Read our full review: Grape Escapes Wine Full-Day Tour in Ithaca Review
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The Sum Up
Ithaca offers a range of engaging tours that cater to diverse interests. Whether it’s exploring the local wineries, craft beverage scene, or the wider Finger Lakes region, visitors can discover the area’s rich culinary and agricultural heritage. These tours provide an excellent opportunity to take in Ithaca’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.