The Works Tasting Session (Wine, Whiskey or Cider)

REVIEW · LAKE GEORGE

The Works Tasting Session (Wine, Whiskey or Cider)

  • 5.083 reviews
  • 1 hour (approx.)
  • From $40.66
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Operated by Adirondack Winery & Extreme Heights Cidery · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (83)Duration1 hour (approx.)Price from$40.66Operated byAdirondack Winery & Extreme Heights CideryBook viaViator

Seven pours and a souvenir glass in an hour. In Lake George, The Works Tasting Session at Adirondack Winery & Extreme Heights Cidery starts with a sparkling toast, then moves through flights you can actually tailor to your taste.

I love how the Wine Concierge guides you through the tasting without making it feel like a class. I also love the snack setup: a happy snacker plate with locally sourced cheeses plus crackers, wine-infused chocolates and jelly, and a few sweet-and-salty surprises.

One thing to consider: limited seating can make the room feel a bit tight during the busiest tasting times.

Key things to know before you go

The Works Tasting Session (Wine, Whiskey or Cider) - Key things to know before you go

  • You choose your flight: 7 Adirondack Winery wines, or swap to Extreme Heights ciders or American Oak whiskey
  • The tasting is paired with food: artisanal locally sourced cheese, crackers, wine-infused chocolates and jelly
  • You get a premium wine bonus: one extra pour from Sparkling, Dessert, or Reserve options
  • The finish is included: wine slushie (seasonal) or warm mulled wine / hot apple toddy (winter)
  • Small group feel: maximum of 10 people, so it’s easier to ask questions

Where the Works Tasting fits in downtown Lake George

The Works Tasting Session (Wine, Whiskey or Cider) - Where the Works Tasting fits in downtown Lake George
This tasting session is set up for an easy stop in the middle of a day in town. You meet at Adirondack Winery & Extreme Heights Cidery Lake George Tasting Room, 285 Canada St. It’s a short, walkable-feeling activity in a very visitor-friendly area, and the session runs multiple times during the day.

The vibe is best described as relaxed and social. You’re at a counter, tasting in a small group, with staff keeping things moving. The whole experience is about 1 hour, which is a sweet length for people who want something special without losing half a day.

One more reality check: this is not a full “tour the vineyard” situation. If you’re hoping to see the winemaking process, you’ll need to look for options at their Queensbury location instead.

The timeline: toast to slushie, with plenty to taste

The Works Tasting Session (Wine, Whiskey or Cider) - The timeline: toast to slushie, with plenty to taste
The Works Tasting Session follows a simple flow, and each part has a reason. You start with a celebratory moment, then you taste, then you snack, then you finish with a drink you’ll actually want to remember.

Here’s what your hour looks like at a comfortable pace:

  • Sparkling toast to start
  • Choose your tasting flight (wine, cider, or whiskey)
  • Happy snacker plate for sharing
  • One premium wine bonus pour
  • Finish with a slushie or warm winter drink
  • Take home a premium souvenir logo wine glass

There’s also a mobile ticket involved, so you’re not digging through paper. If you’re traveling with plans already set, that makes the experience easier to slot in.

Your main tasting: 7 pours of Adirondack Winery wine, or a swap option

The heart of the session is the tasting flight. If you’re a wine person, you get to sample 7 Adirondack Winery wines. The pours for the wine tasting option are listed as 7 3/4 oz pours, and that’s a great way to compare styles without committing to a full bottle.

If you’re not into wine (or you’re traveling with someone who isn’t), you can swap to one of the alternative flights:

  • Extreme Heights Hard Cider Flight: 4 x 3 oz pours
  • American Oak Whiskey Flight: 4 x 1 oz pours

What I like about this setup is you still get the full “Works” experience even if you skip wine. You’re not forced into a single product line, and the staff keeps it friendly while you compare options.

The guide moment: ask questions and get real explanations

The Works Tasting Session (Wine, Whiskey or Cider) - The guide moment: ask questions and get real explanations
This tasting isn’t just pouring drinks and pointing at a menu. You get guided help from a Wine Concierge.

One staff name you may hear associated with this Lake George spot is Kat. The important part for you is the role itself: the guide helps you understand what you’re tasting and what makes each pour different. That’s useful if you’re new to tasting wine, cider, or whiskey and you want to go home with a little confidence.

It’s also part of why this works so well for couples. You can do the “we’ll pick this together” thing, and the guide gives you something to talk about besides just checking out the drinks.

The snack plate is not filler

The Works Tasting Session (Wine, Whiskey or Cider) - The snack plate is not filler
A lot of tastings include snacks that feel like an afterthought. Here, the happy snacker plate is clearly built to keep you comfortable while you taste.

You’ll get a plate featuring artisanal, locally sourced cheeses plus crackers, wine-infused chocolates and jelly, and other mix-ins like marshmallows and olives. It’s a “small but varied” lineup, which matters because alcohol tastes change when you switch from sweet to salty.

If you’re trying to decide whether to book, I’d treat this snack portion as part of the value, not a bonus. The combination helps you taste more clearly and makes the whole session feel like a planned experience instead of a quick stop.

One premium wine bonus: how that changes the day

The Works Tasting Session (Wine, Whiskey or Cider) - One premium wine bonus: how that changes the day
After the main tasting and the snack plate, you get an added bonus: one premium wine. You can choose from Sparkling, Dessert, or Reserve options.

This is a smart move for a first-timer, because it lets you try something a step above the baseline wines. It also gives you a way to steer the tasting at the end: if you prefer lighter sparkling styles, or if you’d rather finish with dessert-style flavors, you can choose that route.

If you’re the type who likes to buy one bottle you’ll actually finish, this premium pour is the part that often makes the purchase decision easier.

The finish: slushie in summer, warm winter drinks, plus a souvenir glass

The Works Tasting Session (Wine, Whiskey or Cider) - The finish: slushie in summer, warm winter drinks, plus a souvenir glass
The final chapter is built to feel like a reward, not just a stopping point. You’ll end with a wine slushie in summer, or a warm mulled wine option. In winter, the end drink is listed as a hot apple toddy.

And then there’s the take-home item: a premium souvenir logo wine glass. This is small, but it’s also a nice reminder of the day. If you’re doing a Lake George itinerary, it’s an easy “we’ll remember this” touch without hauling home a heavy bottle.

Price and value: what $40.66 per person gets you

The Works Tasting Session (Wine, Whiskey or Cider) - Price and value: what $40.66 per person gets you
At $40.66 per person, The Works Tasting Session isn’t trying to be the cheapest drink in town. But it’s also not priced like a private luxury event.

Here’s why the value works on paper:

  • You get multiple tasting pours (either 7 wine pours, or 4 cider pours, or 4 whiskey pours)
  • You get snacks included, not just a single cracker
  • You get one premium wine on top of the main flight
  • You get an ending drink (slushie or warm winter option)
  • You get a souvenir glass to take home

Also, staff mention a minimum age of 21 for tasting, with valid photo ID. Underage guests can wait inside at a small children’s table (chalkboard provided) and non-alcoholic slushies are available for an additional fee. If you’re traveling with mixed ages, this matters.

One last price note: gratuities aren’t included (listed as $6.84 per person). If you’re trying to budget neatly, plan for that.

Who this is perfect for (and who should be cautious)

This tasting session is especially good if you want an easy introduction to Adirondack Winery products. The experience is set up like a friendly guided intro, which is great for:

  • couples looking for a romantic date that doesn’t require a long drive
  • first-timers who want guidance on wine/cider/whiskey without feeling intimidated
  • groups who don’t all share the same taste and want a choice of flights

Your main caution is the seating situation. The space is small enough that you may end up feeling a bit cramped at peak times. If you’re sensitive to tight quarters, try to come during a less crowded slot.

Booking and timing: easy to schedule, but don’t wait forever

This experience is typically booked about 17 days in advance. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a last-minute opening, but it does suggest this session is popular during prime Lake George dates.

You’ll also get a confirmation at booking. The activity has a maximum of 10 travelers, which supports that small-group feel. If you want the most relaxed experience, aim for a time that gives you breathing room before or after your tasting.

Should you book The Works Tasting Session?

If you’re in Lake George and you want a one-hour alcohol experience that feels like more than a quick pour, I think it’s a strong choice. You get serious variety: wine flight or cider/whiskey alternatives, a proper snack plate, a premium extra pour, and a real finish drink plus a souvenir glass.

Book it if:

  • you want a guided tasting that works for beginners
  • you’re traveling as a couple or small group
  • you want to try multiple styles without committing to a full bottle first

Skip or reconsider if:

  • you strongly dislike small spaces or limited seating
  • you came specifically for a winemaking facility tour (this one doesn’t offer that; Queensbury is where that’s mentioned)

FAQ

How long is The Works Tasting Session?

The session is listed as about 1 hour.

What can I taste during the session?

You can choose 7 Adirondack Winery wines, or switch to an Extreme Heights cider flight or an American Oak whiskey flight. The session also includes snacks, one premium wine, and a final drink (slushie in summer or warm winter options).

What’s included in the price?

The price includes alcoholic beverages and snacks. A gratuity is not included (listed as $6.84 per person).

Is there an alternative if I don’t want wine?

Yes. You can choose a flight of Extreme Heights ciders or American Oak whiskey instead of the wine tasting.

What are the age rules?

The minimum age to participate in tasting is 21, with valid government-issued photo ID. Underage guests may wait inside; non-alcoholic slushies are available for an additional fee.

Where do I meet for the tasting?

Meet at Adirondack Winery & Extreme Heights Cidery Lake George Tasting Room, 285 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845. The experience ends back at the meeting point.

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