Wine & Mead Tasting, Distillery and Brewery Tour with Lunch

A Day of Unique Spirits and Local Flavors in Kingman, Arizona

Imagine a 7-hour journey exploring some of Arizona’s best-kept drinking secrets — from honey wine at the state’s first meadery on Route 66 to award-winning rum and vodka at a historic distillery, topped off with craft beers. For $189, this tour offers a chance to taste specialty beverages and learn about their craft in a relaxed, small-group setting. The experience is centered around Kingman’s vibrant local scene, far from the bright lights and casino crowds, making it perfect for those seeking authentic tastes and behind-the-scenes stories.

What we really like about this tour are the personalized touches — such as the chance to sample up to 4 wines from ancient vines and see the distillation process firsthand. Plus, the included lunch at a top-rated restaurant adds a hearty finish to a day filled with flavor. One thing to consider is that the transportation time takes about 2 hours each way, so this isn’t a quick jaunt but a full immersion into the local spirits culture. This tour suits travelers who appreciate craft beverages, enjoy small-group experiences, and want a fun, educational diversion from typical Vegas excursions.

Key Points

• Authentic tasting experiences at Kingman’s first and only meadery and a historic distillery.
• Educational insights into the distillation and brewing process from friendly guides.
• Variety of beverages including mead, wine, rum, vodka, and craft beer.
• Great value: includes tastings, lunch, transportation, and a small group.
• Personalized experience with reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides and friendly service.
• Ideal for those interested in local spirits, craft beverages, and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Exploring Kingman’s Hidden Spirit Treasures

This tour gives you a rare chance to sample Arizona’s most interesting spirits while soaking in the charm of Kingman, a historic Route 66 town. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing — you get educational tastings, small-group intimacy, and the opportunity to see how local beverages are crafted.

What the Tour Includes and How It’s Structured

Starting early at 9:00 am from Laughlin, Nevada, the journey begins with a comfortable ride that takes about two hours each way. This might seem like a long drive, but it’s a small price to pay for the exclusive access and personalized attention you’ll receive. The group size is limited to 12, ensuring a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, ideal for asking questions and getting to know the guides.

First Stop: Hive Five Meadery — A Sweet Start

The adventure kicks off at Hive Five Meadery, Arizona’s first and only meadery in Mohave County. This is a particular highlight, especially if you’ve never tasted honey wine before. Mead is an ancient drink, but Hive Five has reimagined it with a modern twist — flavors like Mango, Black Cherry Vanilla, and Chocolate Covered Strawberry surprise your palate.

What makes this stop stand out, according to reviews, is the opportunity to taste up to four different mead wines crafted from Kingman’s oldest vines. Many visitors comment on how unique and delicious these flavors are, making it a memorable start to the day. The staff is friendly and eager to share their passion, turning a simple tasting into a mini lesson in fermentation and flavor.

Second Stop: Desert Diamond Distillery — Arizona’s Oldest Craft Distillery

Next, you’re off to Desert Diamond Distillery, tucked away near the Kingman Airport. This historic distillery has been crafting spirits for years and is known for award-winning rum and vodka. Here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the distilling process, which many reviewers find fascinating.

The fact that it’s Arizona’s oldest craft distillery means you’re tasting local tradition and craftsmanship. The handcrafted spirits are highly praised, and seeing the distillation equipment up close adds to the appreciation of what goes into each bottle. The tasting here is a big highlight, with many reviewers noting how knowledgeable guides make all the difference.

Third Stop: Black Bridge Brewery — Craft Beer in Action

The third leg of the day takes you to Black Bridge Micro Brewery, famous for creative recipes and quality brews. This stop offers a relaxed environment where you can enjoy fresh craft beer, possibly trying a specialty brew that’s not available elsewhere.

This part of the tour appeals to those who enjoy beer tasting and want to see what local breweries are making. The reviews emphasize the friendly atmosphere and delicious beer as a perfect way to wind down the tasting journey.

Final Stop: Lunch at a Local Favorite

The last stop varies depending on the day: you might dine at Sirins Cafe, ranked among Yelp’s Top 100 places to eat, or at the Grand Canyon Brewery, a local favorite. Lunch is included in the price, and reviewers consistently mention how the food complements the day’s tastings — hearty, tasty, and well-portioned.

Many visitors note that having lunch included is a great value, removing the need to hunt for a meal afterward, and allowing more time to enjoy the local flavors.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Experiences and Friendly Guides

The glowing reviews highlight the professionalism and enthusiasm of the guides, often mentioning Wil or Mike as standout personalities. Travelers love the wealth of knowledge they share, making the experience both educational and fun. One reviewer notes, “Our guide Wil was so informative and had the answer to all of our questions,” capturing the essence of a personalized, engaging experience.

Many reviews also emphasize the quality of the tastings. One says, “The wine and mead were incredible,” and another appreciates the exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the distillery. Several mention how the small group size results in a more intimate, less rushed atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable asking questions.

The Meal and Overall Value

The included lunch gets high marks for quality and portion size, with some reviewers mentioning the great variety and local flavor. The overall value for money is seen as excellent, considering the tastings, transportation, lunch, and small-group setting.

Considerations for Travelers

A key consideration is the two-hour drive each way, which means you’re on the road for about four hours of the total seven. For some, this may feel like a long travel time, but many find it worth it for the exclusive visits and comfort of a guided tour. Also, the maximum group size of 12 helps keep things intimate, but it does mean booking in advance is advisable.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for craft beverage enthusiasts curious about local distilling and brewing traditions. It’s also suitable for history buffs who enjoy seeing artisan production and learning the stories behind each drink. If you’re looking for a relaxing day out that combines tasting, sightseeing, and good food, this tour hits the mark.

Travelers who prefer large, noisy group tours might find this a little quieter and more personal than some Vegas options. It’s great for couples, small groups of friends, or anyone keen on authentic regional flavors away from the casino scene.

The Sum Up

For just under $200, this full-day tasting tour offers a well-rounded experience of Kingman’s vibrant beverage scene. You’ll get to savor rare meads, award-winning spirits, and craft beers, all while learning about their history and production. The included lunch and transportation make it a convenient and value-packed choice for curious travelers.

This tour truly shines for those who appreciate craftsmanship and local flavor—whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just curious about Arizona’s hidden drink gems. The knowledgeable guides, personalized tastings, and authentic stops create a memorable outing that’s both fun and educational.

If you’re after a break from the bright lights of Vegas or simply want to expand your palate, this trip provides a delicious, well-organized option. Just be prepared for a bit of a drive, but know that the reward is a day full of great stories and new favorites.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation is included in the tour, with pickup offered, and the vehicle is air-conditioned for comfort during the approximately 2-hour ride each way.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts about 7 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point, with most of that time dedicated to visits, tastings, and lunch.

What beverages will I taste?
You’ll sample mead, wine, rum, vodka, and craft beer. Hive Five Meadery offers meads with creative flavors, and Desert Diamond Distillery provides award-winning spirits.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a lunch is part of the experience, with options depending on the day. Many reviews mention the quality and ample portions.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, creating an intimate setting ideal for questions and interaction.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Is this suitable for all ages?
The tour involves alcohol tastings, so it is intended for adults. Most travelers can participate unless they have specific restrictions.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, many reviews praise guides like Wil and Mike for their friendly attitude and extensive knowledge of the area and the beverages.

Would this tour appeal to non-drinkers?
While primarily focused on spirits, non-drinkers can still enjoy the local stories, scenery, and food at lunch.

How much walking is involved?
Most of the tour involves vehicle transport with brief visits to each location, so extensive walking isn’t necessary.

This tour is a thoughtfully curated way to sample Arizona’s craft beverage scene, meet local artisans, and enjoy a day of flavorful discovery. Whether you’re a liquor lover, history enthusiast, or just looking for a fun, relaxed outing, it offers a genuine taste of Kingman’s hidden gems.