Anchorage is a surprisingly rich place for wine tours, especially for those who appreciate unique scenery combined with excellent local flavors. With its proximity to stunning glaciers like Matanuska, scenic drives along Turnagain Arm, and a thriving local culinary scene, Anchorage offers more than just your average wine experience. For example, the Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting tour combines a breathtaking glacier hike with a tasting of local honey and wine, making it a memorable way to enjoy Alaska’s natural beauty while indulging in regional flavors. The guide’s explanations about glacier formation add an educational touch that elevates the experience beyond simple sightseeing.
While some tours focus purely on local wine and chocolate, others blend wildlife encounters with wine tastings, giving you a well-rounded Alaskan adventure. Whether you’re after a quick afternoon escape or a full-day excursion, the options below cover a variety of interests and activity levels.
Quick Overview
Our list includes glacier hikes paired with wine and honey tastings (Tour #1), intimate wine and chocolate pairings (Tour #2), wildlife and scenic drives combined with wine tastings (Tour #3), a chocolate and wine tasting experience (Tour #4), and another glacier hiking option with local honey (Tour #5). Lastly, the Wildlife, Glacier, and Wine Tasting Tour (Tour #6) offers a comprehensive look at Alaska’s wild side with a glass in hand.
1. Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting
At number 1, this small-group glacier hike offers an extraordinary chance to walk between towering ice walls and marvel at stunning natural formations. The tour includes crampons and snow pants, so no need to rent gear—just bring your sense of adventure. What makes this experience special is its combination of glacier exploration, local honey tasting, and wine, providing an authentic taste of Alaska’s natural bounty. The guides are passionate and knowledgeable, sharing insights into glacier formation and Alaska’s environment during the 8.5-hour journey.
Most reviewers raved about the glacier walk, calling it “amazing” and praising the guides for their expertise and friendliness. The drive along the Glenn Highway offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, adding to the overall appeal. The trip concludes with a quick visit to Palmer for snacks, making it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive outdoor and culinary experience.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for active travelers who want an immersive, educational adventure with the bonus of local wine and honey tasting—best suited for those comfortable with outdoor walking and variable weather.
2. Taste of the Wild: Chocolate and Wine Pairings in the Alaskan
Our number 2 pick is the intimate and delicious Alaskan wine and chocolate experience. For around $109, you’ll visit local wineries like 61 Degree North Winery, and sample handcrafted chocolates from Chugach, all while learning about Alaska’s culinary artisans. The tour is designed to give a personalized experience, with knowledgeable guides sharing stories behind each pairing.
Guests rave about the quality of the wine and chocolates, describing the experience as “chill,” “fun,” and packed with interesting stories about Alaska’s heroes and local ingredients. The small-group setting makes it easy to ask questions and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. The focus on local craftsmanship and sustainability adds depth to the tasting, making it more than just a typical wine tour.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those seeking a leisurely, intimate afternoon that combines Alaskan flavors, making it a great choice for couples or wine lovers interested in local food stories.
3. Wilderness and Wine Tasting out of Anchorage
Number 3 on our list takes you on a scenic scenic drive along Turnagain Arm, with chances to spot Dall sheep and Beluga whales. This wildlife-focused tour combines visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center with views of Portage Glacier Lake, culminating in a wine tasting back in Anchorage. It’s a wonderful blend of nature, wildlife, and wine, perfect for travelers wanting a bit of everything.
The guide, Angie, is praised for her enthusiasm and wildlife spotting skills. The tour highlights Alaska’s diverse ecosystems, sharing stories about its animals and landscapes. The wine tasting at the end is relaxed and includes snacks and water, giving you time to soak in the scenery and reflect on your wildlife encounters. Guests describe the experience as “magical,” with one saying it was “the most wonderful experience,” especially for those who love wildlife and scenic drives.
Bottom Line: This tour works well for nature lovers who want the wildlife component alongside wine tasting, making it perfect for families or those who enjoy a mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation.
4. Anchorage: Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour
Number 4 offers a focused culinary journey—a chocolate and wine tasting experience centered in Anchorage. For $110, you’ll visit 61 Degree North Winery and sample handcrafted chocolates from Chugach, pairing local wines with sweet treats. This tour is shorter, at 3 hours, making it ideal for those with limited time but still wanting a taste of Alaska’s culinary creativity.
Guests love how the guide explains the local ingredients and wine pairings, making each tasting educational as well as delicious. It’s a relaxed experience, perfect for an evening after a day of sightseeing or outdoor activities. Reviewers mention enjoying the quality of the chocolates and the attention to detail, describing it as “a must-do for chocolate and wine lovers.” Due to its shorter duration, it’s best suited for those looking for a culinary treat in a compact format.
Bottom Line: A perfect pick for travelers seeking a light, tasty experience with a focus on local flavors and craft, especially if you’re short on time.
5. Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey, Wine Tasting
Number 5 is a similar glacier adventure to our top pick, but with a more relaxed pace—a full-day, 8.5-hour tour that combines hiking with local honey and wine tastings. It guides you through the stunning Matanuska Glacier with a professional guide, providing a personal connection to the landscape.
This tour not only features a leisurely glacier hike but also emphasizes Alaska’s artisanal products, especially honey. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a less intense outdoor experience but still want to see the glacier and enjoy regional flavors. The reviews are glowing, with many mentioning the beautiful scenery and friendly guide who customized the trip to their interests. The trip includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, easing logistics.
Bottom Line: This is a good choice for those who want a scenic glacier experience combined with local food tasting but with a gentler pace and more flexibility.
6. Anchorage: Wildlife, Glacier, and Wine Tasting Tour
Finally, our number 6 provides a comprehensive exploration of Alaska’s natural beauty with wildlife viewing, glacier scenery, and wine tasting all in one day. Starting with a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm and a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the tour continues to Portage Glacier Lake and concludes with a wine tasting in Anchorage.
This tour offers a balanced mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, making it suitable for travelers wanting a full picture of Alaska’s wilderness. The inclusion of snacks and water keeps you comfortable throughout the day. While reviews aren’t listed, the combination of wildlife, glacier scenery, and wine makes this a flexible and engaging option.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a full-day, multi-faceted experience with wildlife viewing, stunning glacier vistas, and a wine tasting in one package.
$199 per person
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Anchorage
When selecting your tour, consider your interests and fitness level. If you’re eager for an adventure and outdoor activity, the glacier hikes (Tours #1 and #5) are excellent choices—just be prepared for variable weather and physical exertion. For a more relaxed experience centered on culinary delights, the Chocolate and Wine Tour or the Taste of the Wild offer intimate tastings in cozy settings.
Wildlife lovers should look at the Wilderness and Wine Tasting or the Wildlife, Glacier, and Wine Tour, which combine scenic drives with opportunities to see Alaskan animals. Lastly, if your time is limited but you want a culinary highlight, the Chocolate and Wine Tour offers a compact, flavorful experience.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the more popular glacier hikes, as they fill quickly during peak season. Consider weather, physical readiness, and personal interests to pick the perfect Alaska wine adventure.
Anchorage offers a surprising variety of wine-related experiences, from exhilarating glacier hikes to intimate tastings of local chocolates. Whether you’re craving outdoor adventure or a relaxed culinary journey, there’s a perfect tour waiting. Explore the options early and secure your spot—Alaska’s wines and scenery won’t disappoint.