The 4 Best Brewery Tours in Asheville, NC: Explore the Craft Beer Scene
Asheville, North Carolina, has become a hub for beer enthusiasts with its thriving brewery scene. Boasting over 30 breweries, Asheville has become a must-visit destination for beer lovers. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which breweries to visit. Fortunately, many of the breweries offer tours that provide an inside look at the brewing process and a chance to taste some of their best brews.
What’s the best brewery tour in Asheville?
Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking to explore the world of craft beer, Asheville’s brewery tours offer a unique experience. The best breweries to visit in Ashville are New Belgium Brewing Company, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Wicked Weed Brewing, and Highland Brewing Company.
From small, family-owned breweries to larger, well-known establishments, there is a tour for every taste. Some tours even offer a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, giving visitors a chance to see how their favorite beers are made.
Many of the brewery tours in Asheville also offer tastings, allowing visitors to sample a variety of beers and find their new favorite. Some tours even include food pairings, enhancing the overall experience. With so many options to choose from, it’s no wonder Asheville has become a top destination for beer lovers. So, grab a pint and join us as we explore the best brewery tours in Asheville!
Top Brewery Tours in Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina, is known for its breweries and beer culture. If you’re a beer enthusiast, a brewery tour is a must-do when visiting Asheville. Here are some of the top brewery tours in Asheville:
New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company is a popular brewery in Asheville that offers a free tour of their facility. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and includes a walk through the brewing process, a tasting of their beers, and a visit to their tasting room. The tour is available seven days a week, but reservations are required.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is a large brewery that offers a variety of tours, including a self-guided tour, a guided tour, and a beer and food pairing tour. The self-guided tour is free and allows visitors to explore the brewery at their own pace. The guided tour is $35 per person and includes a tasting of their beers. The beer and food pairing tour is $65 per person and includes a guided tour, a tasting of their beers, and a food pairing.
Wicked Weed Brewing
Wicked Weed Brewing is a popular brewery in Asheville that offers a free tour of their facility. The tour lasts about 30 minutes and includes a walk through the brewing process and a tasting of their beers. The tour is available seven days a week, but reservations are required.
Highland Brewing Company
Highland Brewing Company is one of the oldest breweries in Asheville and offers a free tour of their facility. The tour lasts about 30 minutes and includes a walk through the brewing process and a tasting of their beers. The tour is available seven days a week, but reservations are recommended.
Overall, Asheville has a wide variety of brewery tours to choose from. These are just a few of the top options to consider when planning your visit. Enjoy exploring the beer scene in Asheville!
Tips for Enjoying Brewery Tours
Visiting breweries can be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind to ensure that you have a great time. Here are some tips for enjoying brewery tours:
- Stay hydrated – Drinking beer all day can be dehydrating, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the tour to stay hydrated.
- Eat beforehand – Most breweries don’t serve food, so it’s a good idea to eat a meal before the tour to avoid getting too drunk too quickly. There are tons of great restaurants in this part of North Carolina.
- Dress appropriately – Many breweries have production areas that can be hot, so dress in comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.
- Be respectful – Remember that breweries are places of work, so be respectful of the employees and their space.
- Take your time – Don’t rush through the tour. Take your time to savor the beer and enjoy the experience.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your brewery tour and have a great time exploring the world of craft beer.
History of Brewing in Asheville
Asheville has a rich history of brewing, dating back to the 1800s. German immigrants brought their brewing traditions to the area and established breweries such as the Asheville Brewing Company and the Highland Brewing Company. However, the prohibition era in the early 1900s led to the closure of all breweries in the city.
It wasn’t until the 1990s that the craft beer industry began to take off in Asheville. In 1994, Highland Brewing Company became the first brewery to open in the city since the prohibition era. Since then, Asheville has become a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, with over 30 breweries in the city today.
The city’s brewing industry has also played a significant role in the revitalization of the downtown area.
Many of the breweries are located in historic buildings that have been repurposed, bringing new life to the area. The city’s commitment to sustainability and local ingredients has also helped to attract visitors and establish Asheville as a leader in the craft beer industry.
Today, Asheville is known as “Beer City USA” and has won numerous awards for its beer and brewing culture. The city hosts several beer festivals throughout the year, including the Asheville Beer Week and the Brewgrass Festival, which celebrate the city’s rich brewing history and the creativity of its brewers.
Conclusion
Asheville, NC is a beer lover’s paradise with numerous breweries to visit and explore. From the traditional to the experimental, there is something for every taste bud. We hope this guide has helped you in selecting the best brewery tours in Asheville.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, a brewery tour is a great way to learn about the brewing process, sample some delicious beers, and have fun with friends and family. We recommend planning your tours ahead of time and booking in advance to ensure availability.
Remember to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service. We hope you enjoy your brewery tours in Asheville and discover some new favorite beers along the way!