• Cork and Tap Excursions offers transportation to wineries, breweries, and distillery trails in six counties.
  • The business was recently started by Mike Garbrandt of Lancaster, originally from Coshocton.
  • Garbrandt wants to add more vehicles and upcoming drivers and expand the scope of the tours, for example to the Amish country.
  • Cork and Tap can also host company outings, parties, and social outings with individuals looking to go out.

COSHOCTON – With the popularity of wineries and breweries in Ohio, Coshocton-born Mike Garbrandt saw an opportunity to offer exclusive service.

Cork and Tap Excursions recently had their first excursions with additional bookings. It includes counties of Coshocton, Fairfield, Hocking, Athens, Perry and Licking with an emphasis on the Three Rivers and Glacier’s Edge wine trails and Route 33 Brew Trail. The company provides transport to wineries, breweries and distilleries.

Garbrandt, who now lives in Lancaster, has long been friends with Coshocton’s Mayor, Mark Mills. The idea for Cork and Tap was whirled around six to eight years ago. When Garbrandt was fired in October, he returned to the concept of starting his own business with support from Mills.

The Ohio wine business was $ 500 million in 2018 when you factor in the tourism associated with it, e.g. Garbrandt believes this will only grow as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I wanted to find a niche market and I think I made it as I only focus on the wineries, breweries and distilleries,” Garbrandt said. “I feel that this is what it takes. There aren’t many people in my Lancaster area who offer limo or party buses.”

Apart from that, he is open to tailor-made travel, such as tours of the Amish lands. He hopes to expand the scope as more drivers and vehicles are added. Currently, Garbrandt is the only driver and uses an 11-seater Nissan NV 3500 van.

“It’s a relaxed atmosphere. You don’t worry about anything. You’re just out there to have fun,” Garbrandt said. “I like to hang out with them and talk and joke.”

It’s not a party bus and people can’t drink in the vehicle. It’s a way to get from different points without worrying about a specific driver or providing your own transportation. In addition to day trips, the tours can also be part of parties, company outings and group outings. Garbrandt said he was working on a social outing with the Coshocton Kiwanis Club.

“Being rooted here and having support from my hometown is kind of overwhelming,” he said.

Garbrandt also networks with the various locations he will be visiting and related businesses such as hotels to provide a referral service. He has a baker who offers personalized biscuit packages and wants to add other perks like sausage boards.

For more information on Cork and Tap Excursions, visit corkandtapohio.com, call 740-409-4123, or visit Facebook. The four-hour package is $ 350 and the six-hour package is $ 450 plus tax.

llhayhurst@coshoctontribune.com

@theyhurst

740-295-3417

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