Discover the Adirondack Winery Tasting Session: A Genuine Taste of Lake George
If you’re heading to Lake George and want a true local experience, the Works Tasting Session at Adirondack Winery is an excellent choice. For around $40.66 per person, you’ll spend about an hour sampling some of the best hand-crafted wines, whiskeys, or ciders in the region. The tasting takes place at their lively Lake George Tasting Room, right in the heart of town, making it convenient whether you’re coming from your hotel or exploring downtown.
What we love about this experience is how informative and friendly the staff are, making even first-timers feel comfortable. Plus, the variety of options—whether you prefer wines, ciders, or whiskeys—means there’s something for all. One especially appealing feature is the inclusion of artisanal snacks like cheeses, chocolates, and crackers, which perfectly complement the beverages.
A possible consideration is that the tour does not include a tour of the winery itself, as it’s based at the tasting room rather than the production facility. So, if a behind-the-scenes look at wine-making is your priority, you might want to check the other location in Queensbury. This tasting session is best suited for those who appreciate a relaxed, social atmosphere with quality drinks and engaging guides, particularly first-time visitors and couples looking for a romantic outing.
Key Points
- Multiple options: Choose from wine, whiskey, or cider tastings to suit your taste preferences.
- Knowledgeable guides: The staff are friendly and well-informed, making the experience educational and fun.
- Snacks included: Artisanal cheeses, chocolates, and crackers enhance each sip.
- Great value: For the price, you get to try 7 different drinks along with a premium souvenir glass.
- Flexible timing: Multiple sessions are offered throughout the day, fitting various schedules.
- Ideal for couples: Romantic and intimate, perfect for celebrating a special occasion.
A Deep Dive into the Adirondack Winery Tasting Experience
When we think about tasting experiences, the goal is to enjoy quality drinks in a relaxed setting with a knowledgeable guide who can help us understand what we’re sipping. The Adirondack Winery’s Works Tasting Session hits that mark well, especially given their excellent reputation and high overall rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on 80 reviews.
Location and Convenience
The tasting occurs at 285 Canada St, Lake George, making it easy to access whether you’re staying in town or just passing through. The location is right downtown, close to other attractions and restaurants, so you can combine it with a day of sightseeing or a lakeside stroll. The meeting point is straightforward, and since the ticket is delivered via mobile, there’s no fuss about paper tickets.
The Itinerary: What to Expect
You’ll start your visit with a sparkling toast, setting a cheerful tone for the session. The guide, often described as friendly and professional, then walks you through a flight of 7 different beverages—you get to select your preferred options. The choices include locally produced wines, extreme heights hard ciders, and American Oak whiskeys and bourbons.
One of the most appreciated aspects is the personalized guidance. As one reviewer noted, “the people working there are knowledgeable and professional.” They help you understand each drink’s background, flavor profile, and pairing suggestions, which elevates the whole experience beyond just sipping.
Tasting and Snacks
The artisanal snack platter is a highlight, often praised for its quality and local sourcing. It typically includes cheeses, chocolates, and crackers, adding flavor contrasts and making each sip more enjoyable. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, a non-alcoholic slushie or hot wine cocktail completes the tasting, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Additional Touches
A premium wine is served as a special treat, and you can take home a souvenir glass to remember the day. These small touches make the experience feel special without being overly formal. Some reviews mention buying bottles afterward, often because of how believably great the wines are, especially the Cabernet Franc.
Value for Money
At just over $40, the tasting includes 7 different drinks, a snack platter, a premium glass, and a fun, intimate environment with up to 10 travelers in your group. Many reviewers call it “totally worth it” and a “great value”. Considering the personalized attention and quality of the drinks, it’s a memorable and reasonably priced outing.
What Could Be Better?
The main limitation, noted by some, is the lack of a tour of the actual winery—which might be disappointing if you’re interested in learning about wine production. However, for many visitors, the focus on tasting and learning about local craft beverages more than makes up for it.
Authentic Feedback from Visitors
One reviewer appreciated the knowledgeable staff, saying, “the people working there are knowledgeable and professional,” while another enjoyed the diverse selection: “We chose the cider, and it came with a flight of four, plus a snack platter.” The consensus is that the experience is educational, fun, and welcoming.
Who Should Book This Experience?
This tasting session is best suited for first-time visitors wanting an introduction to Lake George’s local drinks. It’s perfect for couples seeking a romantic outing or small groups looking for a relaxed, social activity. If you’re interested in learning about local craft beverages without a heavy price tag, this is an ideal choice. It’s also a good option if you want to sample several drinks in one sitting, taste artisanal snacks, and take home a souvenir glass.
FAQs
Can I choose my drinks?
Yes, you select your preferred drinks from options including wine, cider, or whiskey during the tasting.
How long does the tasting last?
The experience is approximately 1 hour long, perfect for a relaxed visit without feeling rushed.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome to wait inside away from the bar, and non-alcoholic options like slushies are available at an additional fee. The tasting is restricted to those 21 and over with valid ID.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially since multiple sessions are offered throughout the day.
Is there parking nearby?
While not explicitly stated, being downtown, parking options are likely available nearby, and the location is near public transportation.
Are tips included?
No, gratuities are not included and are typically around $6.84 per person.
Can I visit the winery’s production facility?
Not at this location. The tour of the wine-making facility is only available at their Queensbury location.
Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the maximum is 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.
What makes the experience special?
The friendly, knowledgeable staff and the variety of locally crafted beverages truly stand out, making it an engaging way to spend an hour.
Can I buy bottles to take home?
Absolutely, many visitors buy bottles afterward, especially the Cabernet Franc, which was praised as “unbelievably great” in reviews.
Final Thoughts
The Adirondack Winery Tasting Session balances educational value, local charm, and relaxed fun. It offers a genuine taste of Lake George’s artisanal beverages in an environment that’s welcoming and fun. The inclusion of snacks, the opportunity to sample 7 different drinks, and the souvenir glass make it a memorable outing that’s great value for money.
This experience is ideal if you’re new to wine or craft drinks, want a romantic activity, or simply enjoy sampling local flavors in a cozy setting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a delightful way to spend an hour, this tasting session delivers on quality, friendliness, and authenticity.
In all, if you’re after a laid-back, friendly introduction to Lake George’s best locally made beverages, this tasting session is a fantastic choice.