5 Thirst-Quenching Trips, Designated Driver Required

From micro breweries in Denver to a romantic Napa Valley weekend, we have 5 exciting destinations for you and your crew, because let’s face it, no one should drink alone. And if caffeine’s more your thing, we’ve got you covered too! But most of all, remember to drink responsibly!

1. Denver

Colorado takes beer very seriously and Denver has large selection of micro breweries to prove it. One of them, The Breckenridge Brewery, has been in business since the 80’s. Be sure to try The Vanilla Porter. Vanilla beans give this traditional dark ale an exotic edge to its standard chocolate and roasted nut flavors. Great Divide is another brewer worth checking who’s won many awards for the quality of their beers. The Denver Pale Ale is a classic you should sample.

Stay: Denver Marriott City Center

2. Napa Valley

For any wine lover, Napa Valley is a “can’t miss” destination. And with so many great restaurants it’s also the perfect place to visit with your foodie friends. My favorite is The Kuleto Estate Winery. The reservation-only visit is worth the chance to taste the premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Zinfandel that Kuleto offers. Also worth checking out, Ad Hoc from renowned Chef Thomas Keller (dinner only).

Stay: The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa

3. Santa Barbara

Take the scenic road up the PCH and head to Santa Barbara, an hour north of Los Angeles.  In the San Ynez Valley you will find a large selection of wineries but you don’t even have to leave town to sample some of their offerings. Walk from one tasting room to another, such as Santa Barbara Winery. I love their Rosé of Syrah and Pinot Noir.    Next, grab dinner at The Lark, their Caramelized Scallops with Squid Ink Couscous is out of this world.

Stay: Courtyard Santa Barbara Goleta

4. Boston

What better way to discover most of Boston’s breweries than with a guided tour. Boston Brew Tours is the only beer tour company in Massachusetts to offer daily brewery tours to the city’s best breweries, brewpubs, and bars. Every tour includes 12 or more different craft beers, a lunch and beer tasting, entrance fees to all the breweries and round-trip transportation so you don’t have to find a designated driver.

Stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Cambridge

5. Seattle

Alcohol may not be your cup of tea so how about a cup of coffee? Seattle is known of course for being the birthplace of Starbucks but how about checking some smaller independent roasters. Caffé Vita for example is is locally owned and they are also part of the coffee farms they purchase from. Another one is Victrola Coffee Roasters, where every Wednesday at 11 am you can visit them, watch the owner and his crew work with the beans, and sip and slurp the latest brews.

Stay: Seattle Marriott Waterfront

Photography and words by Jonathan Ducrest