The Guilderland Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents and visitors to hop aboard a comfortable bus for its third annual Beer and Winery Tour. The multi‑stop event showcases a handful of the town’s best craft beverage producers, from breweries and cideries to boutique wineries, and underscores the Chamber’s broader tourism push funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars from Albany County.
Tour highlights and participating venues
Guests will travel in a single, convenient bus that makes exclusive stops at several of the region’s premier drinking destinations. The lineup includes Allied Brewing Company, Altamont Vineyard & Winery, Back Barn Brewing Company, Helderberg Mountain Brewing Company, Indian Ladder Farms Cidery & Brewery, Meadowdale Farm Winery, and Northern Barrell. Each stop offers a tasting of locally‑crafted beers, ciders or wines, along with a brief look at the operation’s history and its role in the community.
New Vendor Square at The Appel Inn
This year’s tour adds a Vendor Square at The Appel Inn Gathering Space. The new addition expands the event’s mission of spotlighting the local hospitality economy by bringing together businesses and organizations tied to tourism, food and beverage, and visitor services. Attendees can explore booths, learn about upcoming events, and connect with entrepreneurs who help make Guilderland a growing destination for travelers.
Why the tour matters for families and the local economy
Beyond the fun of sampling craft drinks, the tour serves a larger purpose. By highlighting small, family‑owned producers, the Chamber reinforces the traditional‑family values that underpin the town’s economic health. The event also offers a safe, family‑friendly environment where parents can enjoy a day out while teaching children about local agriculture, responsible consumption and the importance of supporting home‑grown businesses.
Chamber leadership shares the vision
Sandra Dollard, Executive Director of the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce, explained on the CBS6 morning show that the tour is part of a strategic effort to draw visitors to the area and boost the hospitality sector. Franca DiCrescenzo of Altamont Vineyard & Winery added that the collaboration among breweries, cideries and wineries creates a unified brand for the region, encouraging tourists to explore beyond a single stop.
Practical details for riders
The bus departs from a central meeting point in Guilderland (exact location to be announced by the Chamber) and runs on a set schedule that allows ample time at each venue. Tickets include transportation, tastings at each stop, and a souvenir guide to the featured businesses. The Chamber encourages early purchase, as seats are limited and the event has sold out in previous years.
Looking ahead
With ARPA funding supporting the initiative, the Chamber hopes the tour will become an annual staple that continues to drive tourism revenue and showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of Guilderland and its neighboring communities. Organizers are already exploring additional stops and partnerships for next year’s edition, aiming to further expand the region’s reputation as a premier craft beverage destination.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
