Calgary: Wine & Grape Tour

Thinking about adding a splash of local flavor to your Calgary trip? The Calgary Wine & Grape Tour offers a refreshing way to discover Alberta’s craft wine scene without needing to venture far from the city. Run by YYCTOURS, this experience promises educational insights, guided tastings, and a chance to meet the passionate people behind Calgary’s burgeoning wine and spirits industry.

What makes this tour stand out? We’re talking about knowledgeable guides who keep things fun and informative, a comfortable transportation setup that keeps your group together, and a variety of tastings that include not just wine but also grape spirits and craft cocktails. Plus, the inclusion of charcuterie makes the tasting experience feel complete without breaking the bank.

Of course, as with any tour, there’s a small caveat — this experience is quite focused on the local scene, so if you’re after a broad, international wine tasting, it might not satisfy every craving. Still, for those wanting an authentic taste of Calgary’s craft scene or curious about how Alberta produces wine and spirits, this tour offers genuine value. It’s perfect for small groups, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a relaxed, behind-the-scenes look into the city’s local producers.

Good To Know

• Exclusive access to Calgary’s only wine tour, with private options available for larger groups.
• Insightful guides who are both funny and knowledgeable, making the experience engaging.
• All transportation included, so no need to worry about logistics or waiting around for cabs.
• Tastings of local wines, grape spirits, liqueurs, and craft cocktails, with the chance to sample directly from the tank.
• Educational presentations by owners and venue staff, deepening your understanding of the local craft scene.
• Charcuterie included to complement the tasting experience and add flavor to your journey.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Calgary Wine & Grape Tour

This experience is designed to give you a relaxed, enjoyable exploration of Calgary’s craft wine and spirits scene over roughly 3 hours. The tour is structured around visits to two venues—one an urban winery, the other a wine-making distillery—each offering a different perspective on Alberta’s growing craft industry.

The Itinerary

Meeting Point & Transportation

You’ll meet right outside the Calgary Tower in the designated loading area for public tours. If your group exceeds four people, the tour provider can come to pick you up, adding convenience and comfort. Once everyone’s onboard, the tour’s transportation keeps your group together, ensuring a seamless experience without the need to coordinate separate cabs or rides.

Venue 1: Urban Winery

Expect a warm welcome from winery owners or staff, who lead the tour. As you stroll through the facilities, the guide will explain the wine-making process, emphasizing how Alberta’s unique climate influences the craft. Visitors note that one of the highlights is the chance to sample wine straight from the tank, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse normally reserved for industry insiders. You’ll receive a variety of samples, from locally made wines to wine/grape-based spirits and liqueurs.

Venue 2: Wine-Making Distillery

The second stop explores a distillery focusing on grape-based spirits. Here, you’ll learn how spirits are distilled, what makes Alberta’s approach different, and sample some craft cocktails. The guides often include educational presentations about the process and the challenges of producing quality spirits locally. The tour’s focus on small-scale, craft production means you’ll get a more intimate, authentic experience compared to mass-produced options.

Tastings & Charcuterie

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy a variety of tastings. These include local wines, spirits, and liqueurs, as well as a well-curated charcuterie board that pairs nicely with the samples. The inclusion of charcuterie broadens the tasting experience, offering savory counterpoints to the drinks. Guests often mention that the charcuterie was a thoughtful addition, making the experience feel more complete.

Educational Insights

Guides are usually owners or seasoned staff who are eager to share their knowledge. One reviewer appreciated “the funny and knowledgeable guides,” noting that they kept the atmosphere lively while providing meaningful insights into local production. Expect to learn about the local industry, pairing tips, and the specifics of Alberta’s winemaking environment.

Duration & Flexibility

The entire experience lasts around 2.75 to 3 hours, mostly in the afternoon. If you’re looking for a shorter or longer option, it’s worth noting the tour’s structure is quite flexible and centered on a relaxed pace, making it ideal for a leisurely afternoon.

The Value of the Calgary Wine & Grape Tour

At $96 per person, the tour offers solid value, especially considering the inclusions. With guided tastings, transportation, educational talks, charcuterie, and the chance to sample wine directly from the tank, you’re paying for a curated experience that’s both fun and informative. For those interested in supporting local producers, this tour offers a genuine chance to understand the craftsmanship behind Calgary’s small but growing wine and spirit industry.

The small group size—either as a private tour for six or more or a “jump on” experience with fewer participants—means you’ll get personalized attention, making it easier to ask questions or indulge in a bit of extra tasting.

Why it’s Great for Travelers

This experience is ideal for cultured explorers, wine-curious visitors, or anyone looking for a relaxed, educational tour that emphasizes local talent. Families with older kids (over 18) will find it particularly suitable, thanks to the focus on craft beverages rather than commercial mass-market options.

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Final Thoughts

The Calgary Wine & Grape Tour offers a balanced mix of fun, education, and authentic local flavor. Thanks to knowledgeable guides, you’ll gain a better understanding of how Alberta produces its wines and spirits, all while enjoying a variety of tastings in a relaxed setting. The inclusion of transportation and charcuterie makes the experience well-rounded and hassle-free.

For those wanting a behind-the-scenes look at Calgary’s craft scene, this tour delivers more than just a tasting—it’s a genuine peek into a passionate industry. It’s particularly well-suited for small groups, couples, or friends who appreciate good wine, good company, and a little education thrown in.

If you’re after a memorable, taste-driven outing that highlights Calgary’s local spirit industry, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s not a giant wine tasting experience, but rather a curated, authentic glimpse into Alberta’s craft wine and spirit production — and one you’ll walk away from with a new appreciation for what local artisans are creating.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides transportation to keep your group together, so no need to worry about arranging cabs or driving yourself.

Can I join if I have fewer than six people?
Yes, there is a “jump on” option for groups smaller than six, allowing anyone to join the scheduled tour.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.75 to 3 hours, typically scheduled in the afternoon.

Are additional drinks included in the tour cost?
No, the price covers the tastings, but you can purchase extra drinks if you wish.

Is gratuity included?
No, gratuity is not included and is at your discretion.

Can minors join the tour?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 due to the alcohol tasting focus.

What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is conducted in English.

What should I bring?
Bring valid identification, as it’s required for alcohol sampling, and be prepared to sign waivers.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any hidden costs?
All major aspects are included; additional drinks and gratuity are extra, but no hidden fees are specified.

To sum it up, the Calgary Wine & Grape Tour by YYCTOURS is a well-curated, fun, and informative way to explore Alberta’s craft wine and spirits scene. It balances education with entertainment, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate authentic local flavors without the fuss. Whether you’re a wine novice or a craft spirits enthusiast, this tour offers a glimpse into the passionate world of Calgary’s craft producers—delivering good value, memorable moments, and a chance to taste the best of Alberta’s small-batch creations.

You can check if your dates are available here: