Anchorage: Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour

Exploring Anchorage through Chocolate and Wine: A Tasty Journey

If you’re visiting Anchorage and craving a taste of local culture with a sweet twist, the Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour offers a unique and delicious way to spend a few hours. This experience combines handcrafted Alaskan chocolates with locally produced wines in a cozy, well-curated setting. With a friendly guide and small group atmosphere, it promises both intimacy and insight, perfect for those who love food, drink, and storytelling.

One of the things we love most about this tour is the way it showcases Alaska’s culinary creativity—from chocolates that highlight local ingredients to wines crafted in the region. Plus, the guided element means you’ll learn not just about what you’re tasting but also about Alaska’s rich food scene. That said, the price of $110 per person is quite reasonable given the quality and the detailed attention to local flavors. A potential consideration is that the tour lasts just around 3 hours, so it’s best suited for those with flexible schedules eager to indulge without overcommitting. This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts, chocolate lovers, and anyone interested in Alaskan culture and cuisine in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Flavors: Enjoy chocolates and wines made with Alaskan ingredients and craftsmanship.
• Expert Guidance: Guides share engaging stories about Alaska’s culinary culture, making the experience informative and fun.
• Small Group Intimacy: Limited to 9 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Balanced Tasting Experience: Curated chocolates and wines allow for thoughtful pairing and exploration.
• Flexible Booking & Value: Pay later option and a reasonable price point make it accessible and risk-free.
• Ideal for Food & Drink Fans: A flavorful way to understand Anchorage’s local food scene beyond typical sightseeing.

A Deep Dive into the Anchorage Chocolate & Wine Tour

Starting Point: Downtown Anchorage at the Egan Civic & Convention Center

The tour kicks off in the heart of Anchorage, right outside the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center. Meeting here is convenient for most travelers, and the large white van you’ll recognize signals the start of this tasty adventure. The small group size ensures you’ll receive personalized attention and have plenty of opportunities to ask questions or chat with fellow foodies.

The First Stop: Chugach Chocolates

Your first tasting session takes place at Chugach Chocolates, a local artisan chocolatier. The guide—who’s often a friendly, knowledgeable person like Chris—will introduce you to the process of making these chocolates, emphasizing how local ingredients are incorporated to reflect Alaska’s flavors.

Here, you’ll sample up to six different chocolates, each crafted with passion and precision. Reviewers rave about the quality and originality, with one noting, “We sampled a lot of great chocolate and were able to customize our wine tasting to our specific tastes.” This part of the tour is a delightful blend of sensory pleasure and education—learning how local ingredients influence flavors, whether it’s through unique fillings or innovative techniques.

Expect to spend around 45 minutes here, giving you enough time to savor each piece and take notes. The chocolates are more than just sweet treats—they are small works of culinary art that highlight the creativity thriving in Anchorage’s local food scene.

The Main Event: 61 Degree North Winery

Next, the group heads to 61 Degree North Winery, a welcoming spot renowned for its local-crafted wines. The tasting here is guided, with five wines carefully selected to showcase the region’s wine-making talent.

The environment is relaxed but insightful, with guides sharing the stories behind each wine—whether it’s a robust red or a crisp white. One reviewer mentions how Chris, the guide, was very knowledgeable about Alaska’s wine scene and friendly, making the experience even more enjoyable.

What makes this part of the tour stand out is the pairing experience. Using customized wine tasting cards, you’ll note your preferences and experiment with pairing each wine with the chocolates sampled earlier. Many find that the bold reds and smooth chocolates create surprising harmony, revealing new flavor dimensions.

If you’re a wine lover, you’ll appreciate the curated selection and the chance to explore different profiles crafted with Alaskan grapes or influences. Plus, the intimate atmosphere means you’re encouraged to ask questions and really understand what makes each wine special.

The End of the Tour: Back at the Egan Center

After about an hour at the winery, the tour concludes back where it started. If you’ve fallen for a particular wine or chocolate, there’s an opportunity to purchase your favorites, helping you take a little piece of Alaska home.

This flexibility to buy means you can continue your culinary exploration beyond the tour, making it a practical and memorable souvenir experience.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

The knowledgeable guides like Chris add a lot of value, sharing stories that deepen your appreciation for Alaska’s local ingredients and craftsmanship. Reviewers consistently mention how much they learned and how friendly and approachable the guides were.

The curated tasting cards are a thoughtful touch—these allow you to record your impressions and favorite pairings, turning your tasting into a personal exploration. Coupled with the small group size, this creates an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and included.

Another highlight is the quality of the chocolates and wines. Though Alaska doesn’t have vineyards as large as other regions, the wines sampled here are noted as delicious and thoughtfully crafted, with one reviewer describing them as “delicious,” despite the region’s climate.

The tour’s value for money is clear when considering the quality, the guide’s insights, and the opportunity to purchase local products at the end. At $110, it’s a well-rounded experience offering both a taste of Alaska’s culinary talent and a fun, engaging social activity.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: About 3 hours, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.
• Price: $110 per person, which includes transportation, chocolates, winery visit, and guided tastings.
• Group Size: Limited to 9 participants for a more personalized experience.
• Booking: Reserve now, pay later—offering flexibility for your travel plans.
• Meeting Point: In front of the Egan Center on 5th Ave, look for the white van.
• What to Bring: Passport or ID (must be 21+), comfortable shoes, camera.
• Not Allowed: No drinks in the vehicle, and alcohol consumption is not permitted during transportation.
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours in advance.

Additional Considerations

While the tour is perfect for many, it’s not suitable for those under 21 or with food allergies, as sample options may contain common allergens. Also, be prepared for a relaxed pace, with no rushed stops, allowing you to truly savor each tasting.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour is an excellent choice for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a relaxed, authentic experience of Anchorage’s culinary scene. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy learning about local ingredients and crafts in a friendly setting, with guides who can turn tasting into storytelling.

The tour offers superb value—combining delicious tastings, engaging guides, and the chance to purchase regional products—making it a memorable highlight of any Anchorage trip. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate small group intimacy, thoughtful pairings, and authentic local flavors.

If you’re after a fun, educational outing that blends culinary delights with Alaskan culture, this tour won’t disappoint. Whether you’re a local wanting to explore more or a visitor eager to experience the region’s hidden gems, it delivers a taste of Anchorage you won’t forget.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour requires participants to be 21 or older due to alcohol tasting and legal drinking age restrictions.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and a camera. No drinks are allowed in the vehicle, so plan to enjoy your tastings during stops.

Can I purchase the wines and chocolates I taste?
Yes, at the end of the tour, you’re welcome to buy your favorites to take home, making it a perfect souvenir of your Anchorage trip.

Is transportation included?
Absolutely. The tour includes transportation in a comfortable van from the Egan Center and back.

How long does each stop last?
Chugach Chocolates tasting lasts about 45 minutes, and the winery experience is approximately one hour.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This detailed, carefully curated experience is sure to add a flavorful highlight to your Anchorage adventure—combining local craftsmanship, engaging storytelling, and pure indulgence.