# How To Discover A New Favorite Wine, Beer, or Spirit *By James Hills — Updated June 2021* There are few social lubricants that are quite as effective as alcohol. There’s no denying that it plays something of a role in the social lives of many men. It helps us relax, feels good, and it honestly gives us a reason to spend time with our friends. However, too often “drinking with friends” is associated with binging and getting drunk, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re just looking for a chill drink, with no expectations of taking it any further, here are a few ways you can do that. ## Visit a Wine or Beer Festival While some people use these events as a cheap way to get plastered - it's a fantastic opportunity to discover a few new vintages and brews that you might not have otherwise tried at your local bar.   ## Have a Wine and Food Pairing Party Wine tasting is far from a new hobby, of course. However, one way to enrich the experience is to also find foods to pair it with and to explore new taste experiences due to the combination of the flavors. One of the most popular examples of this is the [wine and jerky](food-and-drink/how-to-prepare-a-wine-and-jerky-tasting-and-pairing-experience.html) tasting and pairing experience. At the name suggests, it involves plenty of wine and plenty of jerky. ### Alila Marea Resort Features One Of The Best Beach Views In North County San Diego The Alila Marea beach resort in San Diego is one of the few truly beach front hotels and resorts in San Diego, California. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Hf0ggtD2d21nI12zaMGD6A.1474) ### Exploring Off-Strip Las Vegas on a Guys Weekend Explore things to do off strip Vegas during your ultimate Las Vegas guys weekend ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Hf0ggtD2d21nI12zaMGD6A.1052) ### Discover the Essence of Sri Lanka Curated Sri Lanka journeys from a passionate local team, ideal for travelers seeking culture, landscapes and lasting memories. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Hf0ggtD2d21nI12zaMGD6A.1807) ### Explore Alaska with Virgin Voyages: Adventure Awaits on the 2026 Alaskan Itineraries Virgin Voyages brings adults-only style to Alaska in summer 2026 with adventure-focused itineraries aboard Brilliant Lady. CruiseWestCoast [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Hf0ggtD2d21nI12zaMGD6A.501) Promoted by FlowAds One of the good things about this experience is that wine tasting is often thought of as pretty esoteric and unapproachable. However, jerky is so widely eaten and beloved it makes it a lot more welcoming to join in.   ## Visit Local Craft Breweries and As For a Sampler Sure, you might have your favorite brew that you always look for first in the drinks section of the store, but if you only stick to the big brands, you could be really limiting yourself. Your town could have a [microbrewery](https://microbrewery.com) or five that could worth taking a closer look at. You and your friends can take the time to explore a whole bunch of local and far microbreweries and their offerings. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Pfnb3F5V7-4uzc03trLaRg.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Pfnb3F5V7-4uzc03trLaRg.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Pfnb3F5V7-4uzc03trLaRg.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Pfnb3F5V7-4uzc03trLaRg.2396) Promoted by FlowAds Aside from taking a taste, you can learn more about the actual process of microbrewing and, if you’re feeling particularly creative, even apply what you have learned about the process to do it yourself. A lot of guys are starting their own brews and it gives you the chance to experiment and find your perfect flavor.   ## Start a Whiskey Club Like wine, whiskey can seem to the outsider that it’s not so welcoming. Everyone has dealt with a whiskey snob at one point in their life or another, and it’s important to make it clear at the start that this isn’t what the whiskey club is about. If people prefer trying a drink with ice, with water, with ginger, or cola, then they’re free too. It’s worth having a try of the stuff straight first, but if that first sip doesn’t sit well, feel free to mix it up. Otherwise, [whiskey clubs](https://medium.com/@tastingclub/so-you-want-to-start-a-whisky-club-5bc2a611880f) are a great way to learn about scotches, bourbons, Irish whiskeys and more, and start to get a real nose for the breadth of flavors, from the most accessible and affordable bottles to some top-shelf stuff. You and your friends can enjoy a drop of the good stuff and each other’s company without any pressure to get wasted. You can even make it into a hobby that teaches you a little more about your favorite drinks. Details Written by: James Hills Published: 14 March 2020 Last Updated: 18 June 2021 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Nissan Titan XD Guys Weekend Road Trip From Atlanta to Nashville Nov 07, 2017 [Nissan Titan XD Guys Weekend Road Trip From Atlanta to Nashville](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/nissan-titan-xd-guys-weekend-road-trip-from-atlanta-to-nashville.html) #### A Guys Weekend San Diego Beer Tour Mar 10, 2016 [A Guys Weekend San Diego Beer Tour](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/a-san-diego-beer-tour.html) #### European Adventures: Eight Unforgettable Experiences for Your Next Guys Trip Jul 28, 2025 [European Adventures: Eight Unforgettable Experiences for Your Next Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/trips-to-take-in-europe-with-your-buddies.html) ### Related Articles #### How to Choose an Outdoor Knife Without Overpaying [How to Choose an Outdoor Knife Without Overpaying](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/choosing-outdoor-knife-without-overpaying.html) #### How Spouse Visas Help Couples Stay Together Long-Term [How Spouse Visas Help Couples Stay Together Long-Term](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/how-spouse-visas-help-couples-stay-together.html) #### How To Commemorate A Guys Trip With A Custom Challenge Coin [How To Commemorate A Guys Trip With A Custom Challenge Coin](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/custom-challenge-coin-guys-trip.html) #### Smarter Ways to Handle Pet Expenses Before the Vet Bill Hits [Smarter Ways to Handle Pet Expenses Before the Vet Bill Hits](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/smarter-ways-to-handle-pet-expenses.html) #### Build Wealth Smarter: Checking Account Tips Every Man Should Know [Build Wealth Smarter: Checking Account Tips Every Man Should Know](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/checking-account-tips-build-wealth.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [How To Discover A New Favorite Wine, Beer, or Spirit](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/how-to-discover-a-new-favorite-wine-beer-or-spirit.html)* **Tags:** Beer, Wine, Drinks, Advice