Claremont is known as the city of trees and academia. However, did you also know it is a mecca for good libations? The gracious hospitality of Claremont makes it the perfect place for those who revel in an exceptional glass of wine, a well-crafted cocktail or a meticulously brewed craft beer.
For many, with the warmer weather come plans for adventures. So, why not explore the many fantastic establishments of Claremont for a sip-and-savor weekend with your friends! Whether you prefer wine, beer, whiskey or cocktails, finding something you’ll enjoy in Claremont is easy. It’s the place to be when it comes to any and all craft beverages.
Here’s our list of local watering holes when you’re ready to wet your whistle. What would your favorite drink be in each one of these local, popular hangouts?
Salut! (*clink)
Wine Lovers
Wine Tastings
Start off 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.
Discover amazing wines at the Magnolia Bistro & Wine Bar, an unpretentious, buzzing little restaurant with limited and specialized wine from local and worldwide vineyards.
Add the Claremont Village Wine Walk to your fall itinerary. You’ll enjoy walking around Claremont Village, with over 30 tastings at multiple locations and live music. Local artisan restaurateurs offer small bites as you stroll. Sip, taste and shop all afternoon with your friends, family and pets. It’s one of the best-loved events of the year.
Wine with your Dinner
You can start with dinner if you’d prefer to ease into your wine weekend. In addition to being awarded the Diner’s Choice Award by Open Table, Tutti Mangia Italian Chophouse has earned an excellence award from Wine Spectator. So you guessed it, the wines are exceptional.
Wine Down for the Evening
There 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. 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).
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 perfect for a flight—especially if you like hoppy beers. The whole family can enjoy an afternoon here as well. They’ve created a chic and cozy pub-like brew-system Tasting Room where you can sample craft beer flights, play Bingo, do yoga, rock out to a local DJ, order from a food truck outside or just chill with a delicious craft beer.
Are Belgian beers more your thing? Stop at The Back Abbey, a gastropub with seriously good burgers. With a passion for flavors and quality Belgian Beers, they are a culinary, beer and cocktail destination where you’ll feel at home. The beer list at The Back Abbey is extensive and features local and international options. They have rotating taps featuring different brews each month, so there’s always something new to try. And if you can’t decide on just one beer, they offer beer flights featuring four 5oz pours for you to sample.
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 as you sip your delightfully frothy brew.
Regional craft beers are also on tap at other establishments like Eureka! Claremont, The Whisper House, Walter’s, PianoPiano Dueling Piano Show and The Orchard restaurant at Doubletree by Hilton.
Start off your summer right by visiting Claremont in June for the Claremont Village Craft Beer Walk. It’s the best kick-off ever, as you’ll be sampling local craft beers while rocking out to music.
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. All are gluten-free and 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 great-tasting cider and drinking that’s good for your health!
Splendid Spirits
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.
We mentioned The Back Abbey’s extensive beer list, but they also have an impressive cocktail menu featuring classic and unique cocktails made with fresh-pressed juices and house-made syrups. You can also find unique craft cocktails at Hotel + Lounge Casa 425, The Meat Cellar, and Tutti Mangia Italian Chophouse.
Book now, and bottoms up later! 😉
