Full day Long Island Brewery Tour

If you’re someone who appreciates a good craft beer and wants to explore Long Island beyond its beaches and vineyards, this Full-Day Long Island Brewery Tour promises a fun, educational, and tastebud-pleasing adventure. While we haven’t personally joined the tour, the detailed itinerary, glowing reviews, and thoughtful structure paint a picture of a well-rounded experience that balances education, relaxation, and authentic local flavor.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you’ll visit breweries in Long Island that aren’t in guidebooks, offering an off-the-beaten-path vibe. Second, the comfortable Wi-Fi-equipped vehicle makes the journey enjoyable and practical, especially if you want to stay connected or catch up on messages en route. Third, the tour includes complimentary appetizers at each stop, a thoughtful touch to balance the beer tastings and keep everyone fueled.

A potential consideration is that, as with all group tours, the experience depends on the size of the group and the weather. Also, the $150 price point is quite reasonable when considering the multiple brewery visits, tastings, and included snacks, but it’s worth noting that gratuities for drivers are not included—so some extra cash might be appreciated.

This tour appeals most to beer enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone looking for a relaxed and immersive day in Long Island’s local brewing scene. If you enjoy good company, thoughtful guides, and discovering hidden gem breweries, this experience probably deserves a spot on your Long Island itinerary.

Good To Know

• Unique Brewery Visits: Explore breweries in Long Island that aren’t found in standard travel guides.
• Comfortable Transportation: Travel in a Wi-Fi-enabled, air-conditioned vehicle for a smooth ride.
• Authentic Tasting Experience: Enjoy a broad range of locally-produced beers paired with complimentary appetizers.
• Educational Behind-the-Scenes Access: Gain insights into the beer-making process directly from passionate brewers.
• Flexible and Convenient: Easy pickup and drop-off points in Manhattan, with a 9-hour itinerary suited for a full-day adventure.
• Value for Money: Includes multiple tastings, snacks, and transport for $150, making it an accessible option for many.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Starting Point and Departure

The tour kicks off at 369 Lexington Ave, New York, at 9:00 am. From there, you’ll be driven in a cozy, Wi-Fi-equipped bus to Long Island. This setup is perfect for those who like to relax, chat, or catch up on some scrolling while en route. The mini-journey is just long enough to build anticipation without feeling too arduous.

First Stop: Riverhead and the Peconic River Brewery

At around 10:45 am, you’ll arrive at the Peconic Country Brewery in Riverhead, a newer addition to Long Island’s brewing scene. Here, the view of the Peconic River provides a stunning backdrop while you sample a beer flight and indulge in a cheese board. The review highlights the “awesome brewery overlooking the beautiful Peconic River,” which suggests you’ll love the combination of scenic views and quality brews. The 90-minute stop allows plenty of time to chat with the staff, learn about their brewing, and enjoy some laid-back downtime.

Second Stop: Long Ireland Beer Company

Next, around 12:30 pm, the tour heads to Long Ireland Beer Company, known as the original craft brewery in Long Island. This stop is significant because it offers a peek into the roots of the local craft scene. Expect to sample a variety of beers, and the reviews mention “delicious food and tapas,” so you might find some unexpected tasty bites alongside your drinks. This brewery’s reputation for quality and friendly atmosphere makes it a highlight for many visitors.

Third Stop: Hidden Gems & Additional Breweries

While the review details focus on the first two stops, the itinerary mentions visiting three cozy breweries in total. Each offers its own unique personality, from scenic views to innovative brews. The behind-the-scenes access and engaging conversations with passionate brewers mean you’ll walk away with more than just a tasting — you’ll gain insights into the craft of brewing itself.

Return to Manhattan

The tour concludes in the late afternoon or early evening, giving you a full 9 hours of exploration, tastings, and relaxation. The drop-off point is back near Manhattan, ensuring a stress-free end to the day.

The Value of This Tour

At $150 per person, this experience offers a lot for craft beer lovers or curious travelers. The cost covers transportation, multiple beer tastings, cheese boards, and snacks—all important factors when considering value. Compared to organizing your own day with taxis or ride-shares, it’s a convenient, hassle-free way to explore. Plus, the inclusion of Wi-Fi on the bus allows you to keep connected or share your experience in real-time.

Transportation & Comfort

A key aspect is the Wi-Fi-equipped vehicle, which transforms what could be a boring bus ride into a relaxing part of the journey. The air-conditioning and restroom on board ensure comfort throughout the day, making the long 9-hour window manageable.

Professional Guides & Local Knowledge

Though the tour provider isn’t explicitly named as including guides, the reviews praise “knowledgeable guides” who add context and enthusiasm to each stop. This personalized approach means you’re not just tasting beers—you’re learning about their origins, ingredients, and the craft behind them.

Food & Tastings

Complimentary appetizers at each brewery, often cheese boards or tapas, elevate the experience by providing palate cleansers and enhancing the beer tasting experience. Such thoughtful touches are appreciated, especially when sampling a broad range of beers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for beer aficionados, couples, friends, or solo travelers eager to explore Long Island’s under-the-radar breweries in a relaxed, social setting. It’s perfect if you want to skip the crowded bars and instead enjoy a curated, behind-the-scenes look at craft brewing. Those who enjoy scenic views, good conversation, and local flavors will find this experience highly rewarding.

It’s also well-suited to visitors staying in Manhattan who want a hassle-free day trip. The morning departure and return in the evening make it a practical, full-day adventure without the need for extensive planning.

Final Thoughts

The Full-Day Long Island Brewery Tour offers a well-balanced blend of education, relaxation, and local flavor. The inclusion of three unique breweries, comfortable transportation, and thoughtful touches like snacks and Wi-Fi make it a compelling choice for those wanting to dive into Long Island’s craft beer scene.

While it’s not a party-heavy event, the focus on behind-the-scenes access, quality brews, and scenic stops offers genuine value. You’ll leave with new knowledge, a collection of flavorful beers, and a better appreciation for the local craft movement.

For travelers seeking an authentic, laid-back experience that combines sightseeing with beer tasting, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to tip your driver, bring some extra cash for souvenirs or additional drinks, and prepare for a fun day with fellow beer lovers.

FAQ

How early should I book this tour?
Most travelers book about 93 days in advance, suggesting it’s popular enough to warrant early planning.

What is included in the price?
The $150 fee covers all tastings, snacks, the air-conditioned bus, Wi-Fi, restroom access, and bottled water.

Are there any additional costs?
Driver gratuity isn’t included, so tipping is appreciated. Also, if you want extra drinks or souvenirs, those will be additional.

What stops are planned during the tour?
You’ll visit at least three breweries, including Riverhead, Peconic River Brewery, and Long Ireland Beer Company, with additional stops possibly depending on the day.

What’s the group size?
This tour can accommodate up to 100 people, but the experience is likely more intimate with smaller groups, allowing for better interaction.

Is this tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, but with the caveat that poor weather might lead to rescheduling or refunds, as the tour relies on outdoor brewery visits and scenic views.

To sum it up, this Long Island Brewery Tour is a fantastic way to combine a love of craft beer with sightseeing and learning. Its balanced approach makes it suited for anyone eager to explore Long Island’s hidden brewing gems without the hassle of planning, providing a fun, educational, and flavorful day out.