Big Bear Backyard Tasting: Wine, Beer & Charcuterie at Sunset
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; mostly standing and light walking
Overview
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.
Big Bear Backyard Tasting: Wine, Beer & Charcuterie at Sunset
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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.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Temperatures drop quickly after sunset at 6,700 ft; bring a midweight jacket even in summer.
Reserve the sunset slot
Book the popular 7–9 p.m. window to catch golden hour and cooler evening temps.
Plan for street parking
Hosts ask guests to park on the street in front of the fruit trees — arrive a few minutes early to find a spot.
Bring ID for alcohol
This is an alcohol tasting; everyone sampling should bring valid ID.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer
- Steller’s jay
History
The San Bernardino Mountains were home to the Serrano people; the reservoir and resort town grew around early 20th-century dam and logging operations.
Conservation
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.
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Adventure Hotspots in Big Bear Lake
Recommended Gear
Midweight jacket
Evening temperatures at altitude can be chilly, so a warm layer is helpful.
fall specific
Closed-toe shoes
Stable footwear for walking around uneven backyard surfaces and nearby streets.
Refillable water bottle
Hydration helps at altitude and between pours.
summer specific
Valid photo ID
Required for alcohol tasting and to satisfy hosts' policies.