Nothing says fall like sweaters and boots, crisp mountain air, leaves changing colors, and gathering around a cozy fire with a glass of wine in the company of friends or family. Check out some of our tips for tasting some great California wines on your next Big Bear getaway. Cheers!
Sip Locally
Located conveniently in The Village, Barrel 33 is a family-owned wine bar pouring wine, beer, cider, hard seltzer, and plenty of non-alcoholic options. Their wine list features some of their favorite California wines, as well as their own exclusive labels. They also offer a delicious selection of small plates to choose from. We love the burrata prosciutto flatbread and charcuterie platter. All are welcome, even pups too! Everything is first come first serve, so no reservation is needed.
Barrel 33 also offers live music from local band Bearly Famous every Saturday from 2pm to 7:30pm. If you can’t make Saturday, the band plays upbeat hits from the 60s, 70s, and the 90s every other Friday.
Every other Friday, the bar also hosts a Paint and Sip night. $45 per person includes a friendly and skilled instructor, painting supplies, and your choice of beverage. Tickets can be purchased through EventBrite.com
Feel like sipping after zipping? After finishing your Action Zipline adventure, head to Barrell 33 for a wine flight of 6 tastings, or opt for 4 pours of California craft beer. To purchase, select the Zip & Sip option under Tour Add-Ons when making your zipline reservation. What a perfect way to end an adventure-filled day with a group of friends!
Plan a Day Trip
Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery
Enjoy a scenic 1-hour drive to Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery. Tucked away in the mountains near Lake Arrowhead, this winery is a combination of rugged elegance and natural beauty.
The 90-minute tastings are outside at wine barrel umbrella tables that comfortably seat 4 people, maximum 6. The tasting fees are $25 for a wine flight of 5, or $15 for a hard cider flight of 4-4oz pours. (Wine tasting fees may be waived with the purchase of any two bottles of wine. Cider tasting fees are not waived with purchases).
You are welcome to bring your own snacks to enjoy with your wine tasting. They also offer ‘picnic style’ tastings on their beautiful lawn. Bring your own chairs and blankets.
On Saturdays & Sundays the winery offers cheese boxes curated by the Grapevine in Lake Arrowhead. Each box includes a variety of cheeses, salami, grapes, and crackers for $8 plus tax. If you’d like to order a cheese box, please let them know by 4pm on the Friday prior to your tasting.
North Cork Vineyard and Winery
Another scenic drive will lead you to North Cork Vineyard and Winery. This locally-owned and operated boutique winery is the perfect place to watch the sun set over the stunning hills of Yucaipa.
Enjoy outdoor wine tastings with breathtaking views of the valley below. Tastings flights start at $15, and they also offer wine by the glass and bottle. They do offer some light snacks, but encourage guests to bring their own picnic, charcuterie, or take-out. Reservations are highly recommended. Limited walk-ins available, but not guaranteed. Guests must be 21+.
Sit back, relax by their fire pits, and watch the sun go down as you toast to a magical afternoon.
Looking for a Big Bear Wine Tasting Tour? (Temecula has some!)
There are some great wineries and tasting rooms in Temecula, but most wine tasting tour companies that service this region only operate out of Temecula, which is about a 2-hour drive from Big Bear. Need help planning your own wine tour, or have inquiries about their services? We recommend contacting Rockin’ Wine Tours or Woody Wagon Wine Tours.
Stay with Big Bear Getaway by Meredith Lodging!
Ready to plan a Fall getaway to remember? Book a stay with us at Big Bear Getaway or from our Meredith Lodging Collection of Big Bear vacation rentals! We have everything you need to enjoy your time in the mountains, including Big Bear cabins, cottages, and luxurious lakefront estates. Cheers to an unforgettable stay with us!
Note: Big Bear’s Wine Walk Was Cancelled this Year. Read more here >
