Savannah: Historic Drinks in a Historic City

Savannah’s long-standing reputation as a city that embraces leisure and libations is no mere rumor. Visitors can enjoy the city’s storied past by exploring its historic pubs, bars, and distilleries, where they’ll uncover a vibrant local brewing and distilling scene, a celebrated Madeira wine culture, and the rich heritage behind iconic cocktails like the mint julep and Chatham Artillery Punch. This accessible and inclusive experience offers a captivating glimpse into Savannah’s enduring love affair with drinks, tempting travelers to discover the stories behind the spirited sips that have shaped the city’s identity.

Key Points

• Savannah’s longstanding reputation as a tippler-friendly city with a vibrant social scene and acceptance of public drinking.
• Thriving local brewing and distilling scene showcasing regional agricultural bounty and reflecting the city’s rich history and modern tastes.
• Curated Madeira wine and cheese pairings offering insight into the city’s storied past and the production methods and aging processes of Madeira.
• Mead tasting experience introducing participants to the ancient alcoholic beverage and its enduring appeal in the historic city.
• Sampling of signature cocktails, including the mint julep and Chatham Artillery Punch, which provide a deeper appreciation for Savannah’s vibrant tippler culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Savannah’s Tippler-Friendly Culture

Savannah’s reputation as a tippler-friendly city dates back centuries, with a long-standing culture of drinking and socializing among its residents.

The city’s historic district is dotted with cozy pubs, lively bars, and renowned distilleries, all of which have contributed to its convivial atmosphere.

From sipping Madeira wine in the 19th century to enjoying craft cocktails today, Savannah has embraced its reputation as a place where leisure and libations go hand in hand.

The city’s acceptance of public drinking, known as ‘open container laws,’ further encourages a vibrant social scene, as residents and visitors alike can freely explore Savannah’s charming streets with a drink in hand.

Local Breweries and Distilleries

Along with its historic charm, Savannah boasts a thriving local brewing and distilling scene that has gained recognition in recent years.

Craft beer enthusiasts can explore the city’s numerous microbreweries, each offering unique takes on classic styles and innovative recipes.

Meanwhile, Savannah’s distilleries showcase the region’s agricultural bounty, crafting small-batch spirits that pay homage to time-honored techniques.

These establishments have become a source of pride for the community, attracting visitors and locals alike to sample the diverse range of libations on offer.

From bold, hoppy IPAs to smooth, sipping-friendly bourbons, Savannah’s beverage landscape reflects the city’s rich history while embracing modern tastes and trends.

Tour Details and Inclusions

The tour offers a 3-hour exploration of Savannah’s historic drinking culture, catering to a small group of no more than 10 adults aged 21 and over.

During the tour, you will enjoy a Madeira wine and cheese plate, a flight of 6 meads, a mint julep, and the city’s signature cocktail, the Chatham Artillery Punch.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and tips for waitstaff at each stop are included.

While the tour is partially outdoors, it will proceed regardless of weather, except in disruptive conditions.

Visitors should note that one of the stops, Jazzd Tapas Bar, requires male patrons to wear shirts with sleeves, and an elevator is available for those who need it at the first stop, which is down one flight of stairs.

Madeira Wine and Cheese Experience

Though Savannah has long been known for its vibrant Madeira wine culture, the tour begins by introducing participants to this historic libation through a curated Madeira wine and cheese pairing. Guests will sample three distinct Madeira wines, each paired with an artisanal cheese that complements the wine’s unique flavor profile. The experience offers a glimpse into the city’s storied past, when Madeira was a beloved staple among Savannah’s elite. As participants sip and savor, they’ll learn about the distinctive production methods and aging processes that give Madeira its rich, complex character.

Madeira Wine	Cheese Pairing	Flavor Notes
Rainwater	Manchego	Nutty, Caramelized
Verdelho	Brie	Bright, Citrus
Bual	Blue Cheese	Dried Fruit, Spice

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Mead Tasting in Historic Savannah

From the refined elegance of Madeira, the tour next whisks participants to the world’s most ancient alcoholic beverage – mead.

Guests will savor a flight of six distinct mead varieties, each offering a unique flavor profile that showcases the versatility of this storied libation.

Mead’s origins date back thousands of years, with references in ancient texts from Greece, China, and Northern Europe. This honey-based drink was once the preferred tipple of Vikings and medieval lords.

Today, Savannah’s local meaderies are reviving the tradition, blending traditional techniques with modern flair. As participants sip and savor, they’ll learn about mead’s rich history and its enduring appeal in this historic Southern city.

Signature Cocktails of Savannah

Next, participants journey to sample two of Savannah’s most iconic cocktails – the mint julep and the Chatham Artillery Punch.

The mint julep, a refreshing blend of bourbon, sugar, and mint, has long been associated with the antebellum South. Participants learn about its origins and how to properly craft this classic cocktail.

The Chatham Artillery Punch, a storied libation dating back to the 19th century, follows. This potent punch combines rum, brandy, and citrus, resulting in a complex and historically significant sip.

Throughout the tasting, the guide shares tales of Savannah’s vibrant tippler culture, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the city’s unique cocktail heritage.

Accessibility and Dress Code

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with an elevator available for the first stop, which is down one flight of stairs.

Jazzd Tapas Bar requires male patrons to wear shirts with sleeves. This ensures the tour is inclusive and comfortable for all participants.

The tour takes place both indoors and outdoors, so guests should dress appropriately for the weather. The tour goes on regardless of weather conditions, except in the case of disruptive conditions that would make the experience unsafe or unpleasant.

The organizers have designed the tour with accessibility and comfort in mind, making it an enjoyable experience for adults 21 and over, regardless of their mobility or attire preferences.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

The tour goes on regardless of weather conditions, except in the case of disruptive conditions that would make the experience unsafe or unpleasant. Guests should dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour takes place both indoors and outdoors.

If the weather is deemed too disruptive, the tour will be canceled, and guests will receive a full refund. The organizers monitor the forecast closely and make the call on cancellation at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure.

Guests are encouraged to check the website or contact the tour company for the latest updates. With proper preparation, guests can enjoy the historic cocktails and sights of Savannah, rain or shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Tour’s Cancellation Policy?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy. Participants can receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a 50% fee.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. The tour operator offers flexible options to accommodate the needs and preferences of private parties, ensuring a personalized historic drinking experience in Savannah.

Is Gratuity Included in the Tour Price?

Yes, the tour price includes tips for the waitstaff at each stop. The tour’s inclusion details state that tips are covered as part of the overall tour experience.

Are Cameras and Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Cameras and photography are generally allowed during the tour. However, participants should be respectful of other guests and avoid disrupting the tour experience. Check with the tour guide for any specific guidelines or restrictions.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The minimum age requirement for this tour is 21 and older. The tour is restricted to adults only, as it includes alcoholic beverages such as Madeira wine, mead, mint julep, and Chatham Artillery Punch.

Recap

Savannah’s rich history of leisure and libations comes alive through its vibrant local brewing and distilling scene, celebrated Madeira wine culture, and iconic cocktail traditions.

Visitors can enjoy the city’s storied past, indulging in curated wine and cheese pairings, mead tastings, and learning about the heritage behind Savannah’s enduring love affair with drinks.

You can check availability for your dates here: