When it comes to good libations, Claremont is a friend (and a mighty good one at that) to those who revel in an exceptional glass of wine, a well-crafted cocktail, or a meticulously brewed craft beer.
So, if it’s wine, beer, or spirits you’re after, we’ve got your sip-and-savor-worthy weekend planned. Cheers! (*clink)
Wine Lovers
Wine Tastings
Now, it’s up to you. But if you want to dive right in, you can start your weekend stay with a wine tasting at Packing House Wines, a winner of multiple Wine Spectator ‘Best of’ Awards, and a regionally recognized source for boutique wines.
Housed in the Packing House, one of the most historically recognized buildings in the Inland Empire, the wine shop also offers a seasonal menu of new American classics—that pair perfectly with wine, of course.
Nestled inside We Olive, you’ll find a wine bar that features small production, artisan-produced wines from all over the state. You can taste everything from classic California Cabernets to less common varietals like Trousseau Gris.
You can also discover amazing wines at the wine bar at Magnolia Bistro & Wine Bar, an unpretentious, buzzing little restaurant that features limited and specialized wine from local and worldwide vineyards.
Wine with your Dinner
If you’d prefer to ease in to your wine weekend, you can start with dinner. In addition to being awarded the Diner’s Choice Award by Open Table, Tutti Mangia Italian Chophouse has also earned an award of excellence from Wine Spectator. So you guessed it, the wines are exceptional.
Wine Down for the Evening
There really isn’t a better way to end a relaxing evening than a glass of wine by one of the courtyard firepits at Hotel + Lounge Casa 425. And here’s a tip: go on a Wednesday and receive 50% off any bottle of wine when you order two or more items from the small plates menu (some items are excluded).
Summer Wine Tasting
Visiting Claremont in the summer? Good news, wine lover! You can enjoy over 30 brands of wine paired with amazing food from local artisan restaurateurs while listening to live music from over 15 bands at the annual Claremont Village Wine Walk, usually held in September.
Craft Beer
If not just any beer will do for you, sipping award-winning beers at Claremont Craft Ales is a must. With about 20 beers on tap, this cozy pub-like tasting room is the perfect place for a flight—especially if you like hoppy beers.
Belgian beers more your thing? Stop at The Back Abbey, a gastropub with seriously good burgers to boot.
If you like to keep busy while drinking well-curated craft beer, head to Union on Yale where you can play bocce ball on the patio while sipping your delightfully frothy brew.
Regional craft beers can also be found on tap at various other establishments such as Eureka! Claremont, The Whisper House, Walter’s, PianoPiano Dueling Piano Show and The Orchard restaurant at Doubletree by Hilton.
And if you’re visiting Claremont in June, sample local craft beers while rocking out to music at The Claremont Village Craft Beer Walk, every June.
Ooh, Cider!
Looking for something a little different to sip on? At Ironbark Ciderworks all the craft ciders are free of sulfites, preservatives and sugars. On top of that, some of them are probiotic, which means they’re healthy for the gut. The Volcano, a combination of Haberno chiles and grapefruit cider, is a must-try. Cheers to your health!
Splendid Spirits
Claremont’s Citrus Grove Distillers is a members-only establishment (don’t worry: you can be a member!) producing its own whiskeys and clear spirits. Check them out right next to Ironbark and Claremont Craft Ales.
Go wild for whiskey? In addition to gourmet burgers and craft beers, Eureka! Claremont offers a wide variety of small-batch whiskeys.
From Sour Cherry Vodka to Alpine Gin, vomFASS offers a sundry selection of artisan-crafted spirits you can sample right in their tasting room. They also offer fun events such as Whiskey 101 and Cocktail Class.
Cocktail Lovers
From a Strawberry Gimlet Thyme at Bardot to a Bourbon Daisy at The Whisper House, Claremont’s first speak-easy, the magnificent mixologists of Claremont never cease to concoct cleverly crafted cocktails.
In addition to the previously mentioned establishments, you can also find unique craft cocktails at Hotel + Lounge Casa 425, The Meat Cellar, Tutti Mangia Italian Grill and Tutti Mangia.
Book now, bottoms up later! 😉
