If you’re someone who loves craft beer, beautiful scenery, and a laid-back vibe, the Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour might just be up your alley. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, we’ve looked into what it offers and heard plenty of positive feedback. It’s a well-rated experience that seems to offer a good mix of education, tasting, and scenery—perfect if you’re in the Rochester or Finger Lakes area and want a taste of local brewing culture without the hassle of driving.
Two aspects we really like about this tour are its small-group size, capped at just 12 people, which tends to make things more personal and relaxed, and the fact that your guide handles the driving, so you can focus on enjoying the beers and scenery. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the price point (around $242 per person) might seem steep if you’re on a tight budget. This experience is best suited for beer lovers who want a leisurely, educational day with friends or even solo, as long as they enjoy meeting new people.
Key Points
- Small-group experience: Keeps things intimate and relaxed
- Hassle-free: Guide drives, so no worries about navigating
- Four top breweries: Focused visit to some of the best local craft spots
- Tastings included: You’ll get good-sized samples and learn about the brewing process
- Optional pub lunch: Elevates the experience with hearty, Irish-inspired food
- Duration: About 5 to 6 hours, making it a half-day outing for most travelers
What the Tour Includes
This tour is organized by Crush Beer & Wine Tours, a provider known for guided brewery and winery trips around the Finger Lakes and Rochester. It’s set up as a small-group tour, which means fewer crowds and a more personalized experience—something that many travelers find makes a difference. The tour kicks off with hotel pick-up in the Canandaigua Lake area (if you request it), and the transportation is comfortable and private.
The itinerary takes you through four distinct breweries, each with its own character and brewing style. You’ll enjoy educational tastings that range across different beer styles, plus a chance to learn about the brewing process directly from the experts.
An upgrade option for a pub-style lunch means you get to sit down for a meal that complements your tastings, with Irish-inspired burgers and food, adding a nice touch if you’re hungry after sampling beers all morning.
Planning more time in Rochester? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Stops: What You Can Expect
Naked Dove Brewing Company
Your first stop is Naked Dove in Canandaigua. This microbrewery is proud of its focus on quality ingredients and straightforward brewing. Their beers have to pass strict quality standards, so you can expect a selection that’s well-crafted and flavorful. The review from one guest mentions that all the breweries were nice and the beers were good, with particular praise for the quality. Naked Dove’s emphasis on local, high-quality ingredients makes it a great start to the day, especially if you appreciate transparency in brewing.
Peacemaker Brewing Company
Next, you’ll visit Peacemaker, located in the heart of downtown Canandaigua. This brewery is famous for its creative names inspired by music and its broad selection of beers, including IPAs, stouts, porters, and some surprises. The reviews highlight that the guide, Gary, was especially knowledgeable and friendly, adding a personal touch that many appreciated. Expect to get a good variety of tastings here, with the chance to try different styles and learn what makes each unique.
Frequentem Brewing Co.
On Main Street, Frequentem Brewing is a newer addition to the local scene but already making a mark. The word “frequentem” suggests gathering and good vibes, and the brewery aims to produce the best beer possible. One reviewer noted that the focus is on putting out top-quality beer and creating a welcoming environment. You’ll likely find a cozy, friendly atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and chatting about what you’re tasting.
The Irish Mafia Brewing Company
Your final stop is The Irish Mafia, a brewery dedicated to creating high-quality drinks previously reserved for the Irish Mafia’s elite. The Mighty Ego IPA is highlighted as a specialty, perfect for those who enjoy bold, flavorful beers. If you choose the Great Growlers plus Lunch option, you’ll be treated to an elevated pub lunch featuring Irish-inspired burgers and dishes, rounding out the day with a hearty meal.
One reviewer raved about the delicious food and tapas, which complemented the beers perfectly. This final stop provides a relaxed, convivial atmosphere where you can reflect on the day’s tastings while enjoying some good food.
What Makes This Tour Valuable?
The educational aspect is a major plus. You won’t just be sampling beers—you’ll learn about how they’re made and what differentiates each style, as one review mentioned that the guide provided local information about the area and the beer, adding depth to the experience. The small-group format ensures you get personal attention and can ask questions comfortably.
The tastings are described as generous, giving you a real sense of each brewery’s style. And the optional lunch adds value, especially if you prefer a sit-down meal to round out your day. The tour’s duration of about 5-6 hours strikes a good balance—long enough for an immersive experience but not so lengthy that it becomes tiring.
Pricing wise, at around $242, you’re paying for a curated experience with transportation, guide, tastings, and optional lunch included. For craft beer enthusiasts or those wanting to spend a relaxed day exploring local breweries, this can be a worthwhile splurge, especially considering the personal touch and quality of the stops.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for beer lovers who enjoy discovering new breweries and learning about the brewing process. Its small-group size and guided format make it perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, intimate outing rather than a rowdy pub crawl. It’s also well-suited for visitors to the Finger Lakes or Rochester who want a taste of local craft culture without the stress of planning logistics themselves.
If you’re someone who appreciates good food alongside your drinks, the optional pub lunch is a nice bonus. But if you’re strictly budget-conscious or prefer self-directed exploration, this might not be the best fit since the price reflects the guided, curated nature of the experience.
The Bottom Line
In the end, this Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour seems to offer a well-rounded, quality experience that balances education, taste, and scenery. With knowledgeable guides, a manageable group size, and a variety of breweries to explore, it provides a great way to spend half a day in the Finger Lakes area. The optional lunch adds a delicious finish, making it a good choice for those who want more than just tasting but a sense of local hospitality.
While the price might be a consideration, the value you get from a curated, guided experience with good company, expert insights, and top breweries makes it worth considering if craft beer is your thing. It’s best suited for curious, relaxed travelers who want a taste of the region’s brewing scene without the hassle of organizing it themselves.
Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour
“Great time on the tour, all the breweries were nice and the beers were good. Our guide, Gary, was wonderful!”
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for people under 21?
No, the minimum age for this tour is 21, so it’s strictly for adults enjoying craft beers.
What’s included in the price?
The price covers the guide, transportation, beer tastings, and a tour of the breweries. If you choose the lunch upgrade, that’s included too, and hotel pick-up is available if requested.
How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 5 to 6 hours, making it a comfortable half-day outing.
Can I customize the breweries visited?
The breweries are subject to change, but the tour usually includes four top-rated spots in the region. Specific brewery choices aren’t customizable by individual travelers.
What if the weather is bad?
Since most of the tour is indoors at breweries, weather shouldn’t be a major issue. If conditions are severe, the tour provider may offer a different date or a full refund.
How do I book?
Most travelers book about 9 days in advance via the provided platform, but it’s wise to secure your spot early, especially for weekends or peak seasons.
Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the guide provides transportation in a comfortable vehicle that takes you from your hotel and between breweries smoothly.
Can I join this tour solo?
Absolutely, it’s designed for individuals and small groups, and reviews mention that guides like Gary make the experience welcoming.
What about the cost?
While around $242 per person, the price reflects a curated, educational experience with tastings and transportation. For craft beer enthusiasts, it’s a good value for a relaxed, guided day.
If you’re looking for a casual, educational way to explore some of the best craft breweries near Canandaigua, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just remember to come thirsty and ready to learn about what makes Finger Lakes beers so special.