A new study has found that brewery driven travel is redefining the traditional vacation experience and that the Golden State is a huge draw for beer pilgrims…

On September 19 Visit Anaheim, released new research that reveals beer tourism is on the rise with more Americans reporting to have traveled to a destination specifically to sample the alcohol in the region.

The survey of American beer drinkers showed that the lure of quality, locally-brewed alcohol is an increasing draw for travelers. In fact, 72 percent of beer drinkers have dedicated vacation time to go to a tasting at a local brewery while on a “beercation.”

The survey also confirmed California’s emergence as a top dream destination for beer as well as for wine.

41 percent of American beer drinkers reported having visited California to, at least in part, to visit breweries and search out diverse beers.

And California, considered by many to birthplace of the American craft brewing movement, is at the forefront of the industry’s growth attracting beer lovers from all over the world.

With more than 1,000 independent breweries operating across the Golden State, California is home to more breweries than any other state in the nation and a powerful draw for those planning to take a beercation, a finding that wasn’t lost on Visit Anaheim who funded the research…

“You don’t have to be a cicerone to appreciate the perfect pint in Anaheim,” said Charles Harris, senior vice president of marketing, Visit Anaheim. “Our tight-knit community of brewers are gaining national attention, building Orange County’s reputation as a center of innovative craft brewing. Anaheim should definitely be on your list of cities to visit on your next beercation.”

“Here in California, the impact of the craft beer industry has tripled over the last five years, increasing its economic contribution to the state and showcasing the small business success story,” said the managing director of the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA), Leia Bailey. “Craft brewery owners are part entrepreneur, part artist and part scientist and every brewery has its own unique story.”

Visit Anaheim’s survey of 2,000 American beer drinkers also found that seven in 10 Americans had traveled to a destination specifically to sample the alcohol in the region. And that 37 percent of those respondents search out local breweries “often” while traveling in search of new varieties….

Although the survey found California to be the America’s #1 beercation destination, Germany took to honors with 47% of those surveyed, followed by California (41%), France (35%), Italy (35%) and Belgium (24%)

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