Boston For The Alcohol Enthusiast

Boston for the alcohol enthusiast

One of the best things about touring a winery or brewery is all the free alcohol – but better yet are the added perks. Most places give you a chance to taste special new concoctions that are not on the market yet, or may even only be offered at that location. Not to mention the fact you can buy their stock at outlet prices, receive alcoholic or non-alcoholic gifts to take home, and an amazingly inexpensive way to have a great time and taste the finer things in life.

Brewer. Patriot.

Going to the Sam Adams Brewery not only allows you to taste all-America beer, but also a full meal of American beer history. The brewery itself is a haven for beer lovers, likened to the beer equivalent of the fictional Wonka chocolate factory more times than I can count.

Not only do you get to taste many different kinds of beer, but also the beer ingredients themselves, all the while getting a full education on the founder, the family, and their way of making beer. Last but not least, stop by the gift shop on the way out for their wonderful and beautiful array of souvenirs. Last I heard they also send you home with a few gifts too.

As of 2006, tours of the Sam Adams Brewery are offered Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2 pm., Fridays at 2 and 5:30 pm. and Saturdays from 11 am. until 2 pm. roughly every half-hour. A $2 donation is requested, and all monies collected are donated to local charities. The tour is open to all ages, but you must be 21 with proper ID to sample beer. For more tour information, call (617) 368-5080.

The finer things in life

Out in the lovely countryside, less than an hour outside Boston off 495, is the Nashoba Valley Winery and Orchard. I would highly recommend a trip out there for anyone, especially in the summer months as the scenery there is gorgeous. The tour is very inexpensive, just a mere three dollars, and you definitely get your money's worth, and then some!

The tour includes the wine-making rooms and the wine-tasting bar. The primary fruit of the winery is apple, not grapes, although they also grow and use grapes, elderberries, strawberries, pears, and peaches. All of the wine is delicious and a spectacular treat, especially for those who haven't had much of a chance to try alcohol made with fruits other than grapes.

Guided tours are available every weekend, starting at 11am with additional tours approximately every 45 minutes thereafter, the final tour starting at 4pm. All ages are welcome, but those under 21 do not have to pay the admission fee as they will not be tasting wine. Every person receives a complimentary wine glass to take home too.

Last but certainly not least, clean your palate with the excellent and exquisite food at J's Restaurant, which is also right on the grounds. Making a reservation is highly recommended, as you probably would not be able to get in otherwise. Best of all – I'll give you one guess as to what is on their wine list!