Private Back-Country Distillery, Brewery, or Pub Tour

Discover the Private Back-Country Distillery, Brewery, or Pub Tour in Portland

This private tour offers a curated journey through Oregon’s Willamette Valley, focusing on small-batch distilleries and breweries. Priced at $290 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours and includes private transportation and lunch. It departs from Portland at 10:00 am, with the flexibility to customize visits based on your preferences.

The tour is perfect for those who appreciate craft spirits and brews in a relaxed, off-the-beaten-path setting. It’s designed for small groups, providing a personalized experience with spacious, upfitted vehicles. The reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, spectacular scenery, and well-curated stops, making it a popular choice booked about 91 days in advance.

While the tour offers tastings at multiple stops, tasting fees are payable directly to the distilleries and breweries, typically around $50 if no bottles are bought. The tour’s inclusive amenities—like lunch, bottled water, coffee, and air-conditioned transport—add to its value.

Key Points

• Private, fully customizable back-country tour exploring Oregon’s best distilleries and breweries
• 8-hour experience with pickup in Portland and spacious private transport
• Includes lunch with deli sandwiches, chips, and beverages
• Visit 5 stops in the Willamette Valley, including distilleries, breweries, and a local butchery
• Tastings are paid on-site; expect around $50 if no bottles are purchased
• Highly rated for knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and unique destinations

Start Your Day in Wilsonville with Cigar and Spirits Pairings

The tour begins in Wilsonville, where your first stop offers an opportunity to sample spirits and brews and grab cigars to complement the tasting experience. This initial stop lasts about an hour and sets the tone for a day of indulgence. The setting provides a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for savoring your first tastes and preparing for the adventures ahead.

The Wilsonville stop is notable for its focus on pairing fine spirits with cigars, appealing to those who enjoy a sensory combination. It’s a good chance to stretch and soak in the local vibe before heading deeper into the valley.

Enjoy a Gourmet Lunch at Aurora’s Local Butchery and Deli

Next, the tour moves to Aurora, known for its local butchery and deli. Here, travelers can enjoy a delicious lunch featuring sandwiches, burger options, or steaks — ideal for fueling the afternoon adventures. There’s a cooler onboard, so you can pick up meats or burgers for an after-party BBQ if you wish.

The Aurora stop lasts about an hour, giving plenty of time to relax and enjoy the fresh ingredients. This stop stands out for its local flavor and the chance to purchase quality meats directly from the source. It’s an authentic experience that connects you with the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

Explore Small-Batch Distilleries in Newberg and Dundee

The core of this tour lies in visiting two distinct distilleries in Newberg and Dundee. The Newberg stop lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, where you’ll find a local distillery favorite and a working farm. Expect a behind-the-scenes look at small-batch spirits production, with tastings that highlight local ingredients and craftsmanship.

In Dundee, you’ll encounter a backyard craft distillery nestled in wine country. This stop surprises visitors who may not be fans of vodka, gin, or whiskey but end up loving the offerings. The 1 hour 30-minute visit emphasizes artisan processes and unique flavor profiles that distinguish it from larger producers.

Both stops showcase different approaches to craft spirits and have small-batch mentalities, making each visit a distinct experience. The stops are praised for their off-the-beaten-path locations and personalized attention.

Discover McMinnville’s Innovative Distilling Techniques

The tour’s final distillery stop takes place in McMinnville, another local favorite. This stop lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and features a completely different process from the previous distilleries, resulting in equally impressive spirits.

Many visitors appreciate how this stop demonstrates the diversity of craft distilling in the region, with innovative methods producing exceptional results. The setting and process here add a layer of culinary and artistic intrigue to the tour.

Experience the Comfort and Convenience of Private Transportation

Throughout the day, travelers enjoy private, air-conditioned vehicles that make traveling between stops comfortable. The upfitted fleet ensures space for purchases and personal belongings, with beverage holders and a picnic-friendly design.

Pickup occurs at 17900 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd, Portland, and the tour ends back at the same location—making logistics simple and straightforward. The timing allows for a leisurely exploration of each spot, with the flexibility to tailor the experience to your preferences.

Tasting Fees and Additional Costs

While the tastings at each distillery and brewery are included in the experience, the fees are paid directly on-site. Expect to pay around $50 if no bottles are bought, which covers the sampling of spirits and brews. It’s advisable to budget for these additional expenses to fully enjoy the tasting sessions.

The tour also includes bottled water, coffee, and hot chocolate, enhancing comfort and hydration throughout the day. Gratuities for the driver are not included but are customary.

Scenic Drive and Stunning Views

The tour takes you through the Willamette Valley, renowned for picturesque landscapes and rolling vineyards. While the stops focus on spirits and food, the scenery adds to the overall experience, making the drive an enjoyable part of the day.

Travelers frequently mention the spectacular views, especially on clear days, which elevate the casual stops into memorable photo opportunities.

Flexibility and Customization of Stops

One of the major strengths of this private tour is the ability to curate your experience. The trifecta of brewery or distillery visits can be tailored to your interests, whether you prefer spirits, beer, or a mix. This flexibility makes the tour appealing to collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.

The small-group setting ensures a more personalized experience, with guides who are attentive and knowledgeable, as reflected in glowing reviews praising excellent customer service.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

To secure a spot, it’s recommended to book about 3 months in advance due to high demand. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, providing peace of mind. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, so planning ahead is advised.

The activity is suitable for most travelers, including service animals, and is accessible via public transportation nearby.

Perfect for Craft Spirits Enthusiasts and Curious Foodies

This tour appeals to those who value craftsmanship, enjoy small-batch spirits, and want an off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s especially suited for groups seeking a private, personalized day exploring Oregon’s local distilling scene.

The combination of delicious lunch, scenic drives, and boutique stops makes it a well-rounded outing for anyone interested in Oregon’s food and beverage culture.

Final Thoughts on the Back-Country Distillery and Brewery Tour

This 8-hour private experience delivers a relaxed, engaging, and well-curated exploration of the Willamette Valley’s best craft distilleries and breweries. The knowledgeable guides and unique stops stand out, making the tour a favorite among connoisseurs of spirits and food.

While tasting fees are additional, the overall value, considering the private transport, lunch, and exclusive destinations, makes this a compelling choice for small groups or individuals who want to discover Oregon’s craft scene in a comfortable setting.

Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a day of flavorful adventure, this tour offers a personalized taste of the region’s craftsmanship and scenic beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the tour customized?
The itinerary focuses on a curated trifecta of distillery or brewery visits, which can be tailored to your preferences.

What is included in the tour price?
The 8-hour private tour, lunch with deli sandwiches, bottled water, coffee, hot chocolate, and private transportation are included. Tasting fees are paid on-site.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at 17900 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd, Portland.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While primarily designed for adults, the tour’s focus on spirits and brews means it’s best suited for those over 21. The private vehicle and scenic drives are accessible for most travelers.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

How long are the stops at each distillery or brewery?
Stops range from 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, allowing enough time for tastings and exploration.

Are gratuities included?
No, gratuities for the driver are not included and are at your discretion.

Is transportation comfortable and private?
Yes, the tour uses upfitted, air-conditioned vehicles with features like beverage holders and storage baskets.

What makes this tour stand out?
The off-the-beaten-path destinations, personalized experience, and spectacular scenery distinguish this tour from more mainstream options.

Is there an option to extend the experience or customize stops?
The tour’s private nature allows for some customization, and additional multi-day or overnight trips can be arranged upon request.