Anchorage isn’t just a gateway to stunning wild landscapes and wildlife; it also offers some surprisingly memorable wine-related experiences. Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime glacier hike paired with local honey and wine, or a cozy tasting of Alaska-made chocolates and wines, Anchorage has options tailored to diverse interests. You can explore the vast Matanuska Glacier with guided hikes that include tasting local honey, or indulge in chocolate and wine pairings at intimate venues that highlight Alaska’s culinary creativity.
This guide walks you through four of the best wine-related tours in Anchorage. You’ll find detailed descriptions of glacier hikes with tasting add-ons, small-group chocolate and wine experiences, and guided excursions that combine scenic beauty with local flavor. We’ll help you weigh the unique features of each, from their cost and duration to what makes them stand out—so you can pick the one that best fits your mood, budget, and sense of adventure.
Quick Overview
Anchorage’s top wine experiences range from 8-hour glacier hikes with wine and local honey tastings to shorter, intimate chocolate and wine tasting tours. Two options focus on adventure and nature, with guided walks on the Matanuska Glacier, while the other two emphasize culinary delights—sampling Alaska-made chocolates paired with local wines, often in cozy, personal settings. All tours have received high praise for their knowledgeable guides and memorable experiences.
1. Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting
This guided glacier hike with honey and wine tasting offers a rare chance to walk on one of Alaska’s most spectacular glaciers. At $295 per person, the 8.5-hour tour provides an immersive experience with a small group—limiting it to just 14 travelers—ensuring a personal touch. You don’t need special equipment; crampons and snow pants are provided, making this accessible even if you’re not an experienced hiker.
What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to see towering ice walls, deep crevasses, and mesmerizing blue ice formations up close, all guided by professionals who share their glaciology insights. The highlight is walking between massive glacial walls, hearing the ice crack and shift—an unforgettable natural symphony. After exploring, you’ll taste local honey and wine, which adds a delicious local flavor to your adventure. The reviews emphasize the friendly guides and the not-to-miss opportunity to sample glacial water and walk through a crevasse — a true bucket-list experience.
This tour is ideal for active travelers who want a mix of adventure, education, and authentic tasting. The price reflects a premium experience, considering the small group size, expert guides, and unique access. The main drawback? It’s a long day, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with outdoor activity and cold weather.
Bottom Line: A perfect mix of adventure, education, and taste for those who want to see Alaska’s glaciers up close and taste local treats in a memorable setting.
2. Taste of the Wild: Chocolate and Wine Pairings in the Alaskan
At just $109, Taste of the Wild: Chocolate and Wine Pairings offers an intimate, relaxed dive into Alaska’s culinary scene. This 3-hour experience gives you a chance to savor Alaskan wines and handcrafted chocolates while exploring the stories behind their creation. The guided tour emphasizes supporting local businesses and discovering the flavors that make Alaska unique.
The experience stands out because of its focus on personal stories from local guides and the opportunity to taste high-quality, all-natural chocolates paired with carefully curated wines. Reviewers describe it as “chill and fun,” with guests appreciating the informative guides and the opportunity to sample a variety of chocolates and customize their wine tasting. This makes it especially appealing for those who prefer a relaxed, social atmosphere without the physical exertion of a glacier hike.
Given its affordable price and shorter duration, it’s well-suited for travelers with limited time or those seeking a casual tasting experience. While it doesn’t include scenic outdoor activities, it offers a deep dive into Alaska’s flavor profile and culinary talent. The only caveat is that it’s more of a seated tasting than an outdoor adventure, which might be less appealing for those seeking active experiences.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for foodies and wine lovers wanting to explore Alaska’s local flavors in a cozy, friendly setting.
3. Anchorage: Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour
For $110, this Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour offers a well-rounded, shorter experience in the heart of Anchorage. Starting at the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, it provides a taste of Alaska’s culinary craftsmanship, with a focus on handcrafted chocolates from Chugach and local wines at 61 Degree North Winery. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, yet rich, tasting immersion without committing to a full-day tour.
Guests rave about the friendly guides and the ability to customize wine pairings—which makes the experience more personal. You’ll learn about local ingredients used in the chocolates and explore the culinary culture of Alaska. The reviews highlight the delicious chocolates and informative storytelling, making it ideal for travelers curious about Alaska’s food scene but with limited time.
Though this tour is shorter and more intimate, it’s best suited for those interested in culinary culture and tasting rather than outdoor adventure. The main limitation is that it doesn’t include scenic outdoor activities, but its focus on quality and storytelling provides a warm, engaging experience.
Bottom Line: A perfect quick taste of Alaska’s culinary artistry, especially for chocolate and wine enthusiasts seeking a fun, informative outing.
4. Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey, Wine Tasting
This guided glacier hike with honey and wine tasting offers a slightly different take on glacier adventures, priced at $295 per person and lasting 8.5 hours. It combines a scenic walk on the Matanuska Glacier with a relaxed taste of local honey and wine afterward. The tour stands out for its personalized service, including hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off, and the chance to explore Mother Nature’s grandeur in a comfortable setting.
This tour is praised for the friendly guides and extraordinary glacier views, including deep crevasses and massive ice formations. The reviews note the considerate guide who made extra efforts for a family with a child and highlighted the beauty of the glacier, despite some concerns about the environmental impact of gas-powered snow machines. The tasting of local honey and wine is a delightful way to unwind after the hike.
It appeals to travelers seeking a full-day outdoor adventure combined with tasting Alaska’s local flavors. It’s best suited for those comfortable with outdoor activities and willing to spend a full day immersed in scenery and nature. The main challenge could be the environmental impact of the snow machines, depending on your sustainability values.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for outdoor lovers who want to combine scenic exploration with tasting local honey and wine in one memorable day.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting the best wine experience in Anchorage, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you’re after a full-day adventure with scenery and glacier exploration, the Hike Matanuska Glacier options provide breathtaking views and unique tasting moments, especially if you’re comfortable outdoors and physical activity. For a shorter, relaxed experience focused on culinary delights, the chocolate and wine tours offer a cozy, engaging atmosphere ideal for foodies or those with limited time.
Budget-wise, the $109 chocolate and wine pairing is affordable and perfect for a quick taste, while the glacier hikes at $295 deliver a more immersive, adventurous experience. Booking early is wise, especially during peak summer months, when tours fill quickly.
Consider your fitness level and weather when choosing outdoor options—Alaska’s unpredictable climate can impact glacier hikes. Indoor tasting tours are more flexible and less weather-dependent. Lastly, whether you prefer a scenic outdoor adventure, a culinary exploration, or a combination of both, Anchorage’s wine-related tours offer diverse ways to enjoy local flavors amid stunning scenery.
Final Thoughts
Anchorage’s wine tours range from spectacular glacier hikes with tastings of local honey and wine to intimate chocolate and wine pairings that showcase Alaska’s culinary artistry. The Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting provides a truly adventurous and scenic experience—ideal for outdoor lovers willing to combine physical activity with tasting. The shorter Taste of the Wild and Anchorage: Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour are perfect for those seeking a relaxed, flavorful journey into Alaska’s local food scene.
For a well-rounded, scenic experience with a touch of indulgence, the glacier hike with tasting is hard to beat. But if your priority is exploring Alaska’s culinary gems without the physical exertion, the chocolate and wine tours offer just as much delight. Whatever your choice, booking early and preparing for Alaska’s variable weather will ensure you get the most out of your tasting adventures.