One day in Kingman can feel like three eras at once. You mix desert wineries with a craft rum stop, then end with Route 66 storytelling and local brews in a small-group setup. It’s a fun way to see Arizona’s Route 66 side without spending the whole day staring at a parking lot.

I really like the pace: you get time to sip and look around at each stop instead of being herded like a schedule check. I also appreciate the variety of tastings, from wine to rum to beer, so you’re not stuck in just one flavor lane.

The main thing to consider is logistics and timing. It’s a long day (about 5–6 hours), and the distillery availability can affect what you sample since substitutions can happen when schedules don’t line up.

Key things to know before you go

• Up to seven wine tastings with pours that cover multiple styles
• Craft rum at Desert Diamond in a family-owned, on-site distillery setting
• Black Bridge Brewery beers plus a heat-forward special like Scorched Earth
• Route 66 stops that add context to the places you’re tasting
• Small group size (max 13) with a laid-back feel at most stops
• Lunch included on select days, with the exact spot possibly adjusted for you

Your Kingman day starts with desert wine, not a tourist trap

Kingman is a great base for Route 66 fans, but this tour leans more “local day out” than “cookie-cutter highlights.” You’ll spend the morning and early afternoon hopping between small producers and classic Route 66 landmarks, all while the driver fills in the gaps about what you’re seeing.

The first taste often hits hardest because you start with a real vineyard, not a tasting room that feels copy-pasted. At Little Old Wine Drinkers Winery, you’re in a place built around a working winemaking process, with vineyard views and plenty of room to slow down and take it in.

This stop is also a good reminder that Arizona wine isn’t just a gimmick. It’s families growing grapes, making blends, and sharing stories with a tone that feels like conversation, not a sales pitch.

Little Old Wine Drinkers Winery: vines, stories, and a friendly pace

You’ll spend about 45 minutes here, which is long enough to get oriented, taste a handful of wines, and actually talk to the people pouring. The setting matters: you’re outdoors with grape rows and mountain views, so the tasting feels tied to the place instead of happening in a sterile room.

Wine styles you can expect include the Pink Bikini (a grape-strawberry blend), plus options like Pinot Grigio, Tempranillo, Rosé of Zinfandel, and richer red blends. It’s a nice mix if you want something light and fruity, and also if you like reds that taste like they went through real aging.

One practical note: this is a desert environment. Bring sun protection and stay hydrated; bottled water is included, but you still want a cap and sunscreen for the time outside.

Desert Diamond Distillery: award-winning rum with a tour you can actually follow

Next comes Desert Diamond Distillery (D3), and it’s the kind of stop that makes the day feel special. This is Arizona’s oldest craft distillery, family-owned since 2008, and the rum has pulled serious attention—like a near-perfect 99 score for their 11-year barrel reserve rum at the IWSC awards in London (in 2023).

What I like here is that it’s not just tasting. You also get a short look at how product moves through the process, including the production room and barrel room (about 20–30 minutes). That context helps you taste smarter, even if you’re not a rum nerd.

Tastings can include the Gold Miner rum lineup: white rum, dark rum, and a popular agave rum sweetened with agave nectar. If whiskey is your thing, you might also find corn whiskey moonshine, aged wheat whiskey, and a Rum & Rye collaboration.

Heads-up for planning: this distillery is open daily except Tuesday and Wednesday. When the calendar forces a swap, your tour can substitute brewery sampling in place of the distillery, so you still leave with tastings—but the rum stop might not happen on that particular day.

Route 66 Museum and Powerhouse Visitor Center: the context that makes the sips make sense

A big reason this tour works is that it doesn’t treat Route 66 as a photo backdrop. You make time for the Arizona Route 66 Museum and the Powerhouse Visitor Center, which help you understand why Kingman matters in the first place.

For me, the museum stops are where you pick up the local language: how Route 66 shaped businesses, towns, and the people who stayed. It also makes the later stops feel less random, because you’re tasting and drinking in places tied to the same communities that built the highway-era story.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a museum person, these stops are usually quick enough to keep momentum while still adding meaning.

Black Bridge Brewery (B3): craft beer, live-music energy, and one spicy cult favorite

The beer stop is one of the easiest wins on this tour. Black Bridge Brewery (B3) has a hometown feel and a history tied to a railroad bridge that locals used as a gathering spot back in the 1960s. That kind of detail turns a tasting into a story you can repeat.

You’ll find year-round favorites such as Evil Red IPA, Wicked Poison, Locomotive Stout, and Scorched Earth. The standout “say it once and remember it” beer is Scorched Earth, a ghost pepper-infused specialty that’s become part of local legend. If you want to test your heat tolerance, this is the one to try—if you don’t, you’ll still have plenty of other beers to choose from.

There are also seasonal pours like Prickly Pear Pale Ale, and plenty of tap options overall (over 20 craft brews on tap). Non-drinkers aren’t left out either: you can usually go for ginger beer or cold-brew coffee.

One more practical detail: food isn’t served on-site, but nearby places deliver to your table. That keeps the stop relaxed while still letting you eat without leaving the vibe.

Lunch in downtown Kingman: Siren’s Cafe or a best-fit substitute

Lunch is included, but the exact spot can vary based on the day. Sometimes it’s tied to the brewery day, and sometimes it shifts to get you a good dining setup. In other words: you’re not choosing your lunch when you book, but you’re not stuck with a sad bag lunch either.

One clearly described option is Siren’s Cafe & Custom Catering, a family-owned spot run by the mother-daughter duo Carmella Hynes and Denise McMillan. It’s been recognized as #85 on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the US for 2024, so it has some real local attention behind it.

Siren’s is known for artisan sandwiches and Euro-style paninis made from scratch with fresh-baked Italian bread, homemade ricotta, artichoke spreads, and locally-sliced meats. Signature items include the Curry Tito (curry chicken salad with green apple, craisins, and cashews) and the La Rocco panini. If you like soup, chef Carmella’s homemade versions are part of what locals talk about, and she studied cooking in Florence, Italy.

Practical tip: since you may be eating at a cafe rather than a formal restaurant, plan for a normal cafe rhythm—order, sit, and enjoy. Also, one review note says gratuity may be expected, so factor in a little extra cash even though lunch is included.

The guides make this tour feel personal, not robotic

This is one of those tours where the driver matters as much as the stops. I’ve seen examples of guides like Sue, Mike, Brandon, and Bob showing up with a similar vibe: friendly, informative, and un-rushed.

Sue’s approach, for instance, is described as laid back, with real local details—like what plants to stay away from in the desert. Mike is described as giving strong background about Kingman and the surrounding area, plus enough small talk that you feel like you’re riding with a knowledgeable friend. Brandon gets praised for sharing a lot of history in a way that stays interesting instead of lecturing.

If you want a tour day that doesn’t feel like you’re racing from one tasting counter to the next, this is the style you’ll want.

Price and value: why $159 can work well for the right traveler

At $159 per person, this isn’t a “cheap and cheerful” tasting sprint. It’s priced more like a curated day out with transportation, multiple tasting experiences, and a Route 66 history component.

Here’s the value math that matters:

• You’re paying for a full guided route in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water included.
• You get multiple tasting types across wine, rum, and beer (and substitutions can keep the tasting experience alive).
• You also get lunch included on select days, plus the Route 66 museum stops that add meaning.

The tour runs about 5–6 hours, which is long enough to justify paying for transport and not long enough to feel like a full workday. In my view, it’s best if you want a packed-but-not-rushed day where you can try several local products without driving yourself between them.

The one value caution: alcohol is part of the plan, and tastings can vary by day and by what’s available. If you’re hoping for massive pours, you might feel differently than someone who treats it as sampling.

Timing, group size, and what to expect from the ride

This is designed for a small group—maximum 13 travelers—so the day usually feels easier to manage than bigger bus tours. Pickup is offered with a minimum number of travelers required (minimum 2 for the tour to run), and the tour confirms 1–2 days before the event.

The day starts at 8:00 am, so plan for an early start even if you’re on vacation. You’ll want breakfast before you go, because you’re stacking multiple stops before lunch.

Weather matters here. The experience requires good weather, which is sensible for desert touring. Also bring basic sun-ready gear. This is Arizona, and the outdoors time adds up.

Who should book this Kingman wine, rum, and beer route?

This is a great fit if you:

• want Route 66 + tastings in one day instead of choosing just one theme
• like variety: wine one stop, rum another, beer later
• prefer a small-group day with a guide who shares local stories
• don’t mind a longer car day in exchange for multiple experiences

It may be less ideal if you:

• are extremely time-tight and hate long drives
• want only one type of tasting (like only wine or only beer)
• are sensitive to heat and plan to spend lots of time outside without sun protection

One note to verify when booking: the tour information says it’s not available from Las Vegas, but some trip reports describe Las Vegas pickup. That mismatch is exactly why it’s worth confirming your pickup location during booking so you’re not surprised on departure day.

Should you book it?

If you want an easy way to experience Kingman beyond the highway photo stops, this tour is a strong bet. The combination of wine tastings, craft rum, beer, and Route 66 museum time gives you a full day with variety—and the small-group feel helps it stay friendly.

I’d book it if you’re the type who enjoys talking with producers, tasting multiple styles, and learning a few desert-and-Route 66 facts along the way. Skip it if you’re chasing a low-effort bargain day or you’re counting on the exact same distillery stop every time, because availability can shift and substitutions can happen.

If you’re on the fence, I’d make the call based on your taste preferences: wine-and-craft-spirit lovers usually leave happiest. Beer fans also do well here, especially with the local specials at Black Bridge Brewery.

FAQ

How long is the Scenic Desert Wine Distillery Brewery Route 66 Tour?

It runs about 5 to 6 hours.

Where is the tour located?

The tour is based in Kingman, USA.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

Is pickup offered?

Yes. Pickup is offered, but the tour requires a minimum number of travelers (2 guests) to operate.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 13 travelers.

What tastings are included?

You get wine tasting and distillery samples. The tour can substitute brewery samples when the distillery isn’t available, and you may also do up to seven wine tastings depending on the stops that day.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included on select days, and the lunch location may vary to provide the best dining experience.

Do you visit Route 66 sites?

Yes. The tour includes time at the Arizona Route 66 Museum and the Powerhouse Visitor Center.

Is this tour available from Las Vegas?

The tour notes say it’s not available from Las Vegas. It’s smart to confirm pickup options when you book.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.

Does the tour run every day?

The distillery stop can vary based on its hours (it is closed Tuesday and Wednesday), and the tour depends on good weather. If it can’t run as planned due to conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a refund.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you prefer wine-heavy or beer-heavy days, and I’ll help you sanity-check whether this route matches your priorities.