THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Skip the bar scene and spend sunset in a hosted Big Bear backyard tasting. Enjoy a four-pour wine or rotating craft-beer flight, a thoughtful charcuterie spread, fire pits, and lake breezes — all within easy reach of town.
Skip the bar scene and spend sunset in a hosted Big Bear backyard tasting. Enjoy a four-pour wine or rotating craft-beer flight, a thoughtful charcuterie spread, fire pits, and lake breezes — all within easy reach of town.
The first thing you notice is the light — late-afternoon sun sliding between pines, turning the backyard into a patchwork of warm and cool. Fire pits hiss softly, paper cups clink against wooden boards arranged with cheeses and salami, and a light wind from the lake dares the steam from your hot chocolate to dance. This is not a winery tour or a crowded tasting room; it's a hosted, homeowner-style happy hour where the pace is slow, the conversation easy, and the pours thoughtful.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Amber Holloway · Big Bear Lake, California
The first thing you notice is the light — late-afternoon sun sliding between pines, turning the backyard into a patchwork of warm and cool. Fire pits hiss softly, paper cups clink against wooden boards arranged with cheeses and salami, and a light wind from the lake dares the steam from your hot chocolate to dance. This is not a winery tour or a crowded tasting room; it's a hosted, homeowner-style happy hour where the pace is slow, the conversation easy, and the pours thoughtful.
Big Bear Lake sits at roughly 6,700 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, a community shaped by logging, reservoir engineering and a history that stretches back to the Serrano people who lived and traveled through these forests. The lake itself is held by a dam constructed in the early 20th century; the granitic ridges and glacial moraines around you are older, carved by climate and time. Locals bring that history into the way they gather: small-scale, seasonal, and clearly connected to the land — from garden fruit on the charcuterie board to rotating beer selections from nearby breweries.
Expect approachable pours rather than museum labels. Hosts offer a four-pour wine flight or a rotating craft beer flight, paired with a charcuterie platter that includes house-grown fruit, a selection of cheeses, and gluten-free or vegan options on request. Two cozy fire pits make the backyard feel like a living room with a view; Bluetooth speakers allow your group to set the soundtrack. The vibe leans playful — cornhole, s’mores for kids, and TVs tuned to the game — but the setting remains outdoors and airy, a welcome prelude to dinner or a relaxed date.
Practical notes: the experience is two hours long with flexible start times and a popular sunset window; the hosts recommend parking on the street in front of the fruit trees. It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible, dog-friendly (fenced yard), and suitable for all fitness levels. Because Big Bear sits at elevation, bring layers — evenings turn cool quickly — and plan for sunscreen earlier in the day. If you want dietary accommodations, message the host in advance. Cancellations are refundable up to 24 hours out.
This is a low-key way to meet locals, sample regional craft beverages, and enjoy an evening where the pines seem to lean in and listen. Whether you go for the rosé, the Stone pint, or the house-baked muffins, you’ll leave with something better than a tasting note: a memory of an uncomplicated night in the mountains, warmed by firelight and good company.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; mostly standing and light walking
Yes; the experience is family-friendly with hot chocolate, lemonade and s’mores for kids, but parental supervision is required around fire pits.
Yes, the backyard is fully fenced and dog-friendly; service animals are allowed.
Yes, hosts state the space and surfaces are wheelchair accessible—message ahead with specific needs.
Vegetarian, vegan, keto and gluten-free options are available—contact the host before your visit to arrange specifics.
The backyard is within Big Bear Lake resort town and easily accessible from most accommodations in town.
Full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start; cancellations for bad weather are also covered.
The San Bernardino Mountains were home to the Serrano people; the reservoir and resort town grew around early 20th-century dam and logging operations.
Practice bear-aware food storage, pack out your trash, and support local vendors; wildfire risk means hosts and visitors should follow burn restrictions and fire-safety guidance.
Amber Holloway operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The first thing you notice is the light — late-afternoon sun sliding between pines, turning the backyard into a patchwork of warm and cool. Fire pits hiss softly, paper cups clink against wooden boards arranged with cheeses and salami, and a light wind from the lake dares the steam from your hot chocolate to dance. This is not a winery tour or a crowded tasting room; it's a hosted, homeowner-style happy hour where the pace is slow, the conversation easy, and the pours thoughtful.
The first thing you notice is the light — late-afternoon sun sliding between pines, turning the backyard into a patchwork of warm and cool. Fire pits hiss softly, paper cups clink against wooden boards arranged with cheeses and salami, and a light wind from the lake dares the steam from your hot chocolate to dance. This is not a winery tour or a crowded tasting room; it's a hosted, homeowner-style happy hour where the pace is slow, the conversation easy, and the pours thoughtful.
Big Bear Lake sits at roughly 6,700 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, a community shaped by logging, reservoir engineering and a history that stretches back to the Serrano people who lived and traveled through these forests. The lake itself is held by a dam constructed in the early 20th century; the granitic ridges and glacial moraines around you are older, carved by climate and time. Locals bring that history into the way they gather: small-scale, seasonal, and clearly connected to the land — from garden fruit on the charcuterie board to rotating beer selections from nearby breweries.
Expect approachable pours rather than museum labels. Hosts offer a four-pour wine flight or a rotating craft beer flight, paired with a charcuterie platter that includes house-grown fruit, a selection of cheeses, and gluten-free or vegan options on request. Two cozy fire pits make the backyard feel like a living room with a view; Bluetooth speakers allow your group to set the soundtrack. The vibe leans playful — cornhole, s’mores for kids, and TVs tuned to the game — but the setting remains outdoors and airy, a welcome prelude to dinner or a relaxed date.
Practical notes: the experience is two hours long with flexible start times and a popular sunset window; the hosts recommend parking on the street in front of the fruit trees. It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible, dog-friendly (fenced yard), and suitable for all fitness levels. Because Big Bear sits at elevation, bring layers — evenings turn cool quickly — and plan for sunscreen earlier in the day. If you want dietary accommodations, message the host in advance. Cancellations are refundable up to 24 hours out.
This is a low-key way to meet locals, sample regional craft beverages, and enjoy an evening where the pines seem to lean in and listen. Whether you go for the rosé, the Stone pint, or the house-baked muffins, you’ll leave with something better than a tasting note: a memory of an uncomplicated night in the mountains, warmed by firelight and good company.