The beer-obsessed city of Asheville serves up stellar brewery experiences, without the tourist hype. Several worthwhile guided tours cut through the confusion of 30-plus local breweries. I’m especially fond of the walking tours with certified beer experts – they give you the real scoop on brewing while you sample the goods. The electric bike tour is a smart choice, making those steep Asheville hills a breeze as you pedal between breweries. For comfort seekers, the VIP-style guided tours include generous tastings and local snacks, with easy cancellation options if plans change. Ready to discover my favorite Asheville brewery experiences? Let’s explore the best tours available.
Key Points
- Guided brewery walking tours led by certified cicerones offer expert-led tastings and behind-the-scenes insights into Asheville’s thriving craft beer scene.
- Electric bike brewery crawls provide a unique and easy way to explore multiple breweries, with the first drink included.
- Comprehensive craft brewery tours include transportation, beer samples, and beer-flavored snacks, catering to various preferences and dietary needs.
- Most tours maintain high ratings, with knowledgeable and friendly guides, wheelchair accessibility, and flexible cancellation policies.
- The tours highlight Asheville’s rich beer culture, allowing visitors to enjoy the local brewing history and sample a variety of craft beers.
Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour
The Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour is a highly-rated, guided exploration of Asheville’s vibrant craft beer scene.
Led by a certified cicerone, an expert in beer, this tour takes visitors to three top local breweries where they can sample 10 different craft beers. Participants will enjoy behind-the-scenes access at each brewery, learning about the brewing process and the city’s brewing history.
The tour has received excellent reviews, with travelers praising the knowledgeable and friendly guides, particularly Mark and Michael. Guests describe the experience as informative and fun, appreciating the variety of beers and the insights into the local brewing culture. Many have expressed a desire to repeat the tour.
Priced at €66.38 per person, the Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing a maximum group size of 15 travelers.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, it’s a convenient and engaging way to discover Asheville’s thriving craft beer scene.
Read our full review: Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour Review
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You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Asheville.
Asheville: Expert-Led Brewery Walking Tour With Beer Samples
An expert-led brewery walking tour in Asheville offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s thriving craft beer scene. This 3-hour tour, priced at £51.05 per person, takes participants on a journey through some of Asheville’s best breweries.
Led by Cicerone-certified guides, the tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at the beer-making process and allows guests to taste raw materials used in production.
Ranked among the best tours in the world by National Geographic Traveler, the Asheville brewery tour showcases the city’s rich local history and culture. Participants can enjoy sampling local beers while learning about the production processes.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and operates rain or shine, with a 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund. Guests must be at least 21 years old and have a valid ID to consume alcohol.
While no food is provided, options are available for purchase along the way. The tour meeting point is at Hi-Wire Brewing’s tasting room, where bartenders can assist visitors if needed.
Read our full review: Asheville: Expert-Led Brewery Walking Tour With Beer Samples Review
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Electric Bike Brewery Crawl of Asheville
Exploring Asheville’s vibrant craft beer scene has never been more enjoyable and effortless than on the Electric Bike Brewery Crawl. This unique tour takes visitors through the city’s popular microbreweries, allowing them to sample delicious beers while effortlessly navigating the hilly terrain on state-of-the-art e-bikes.
The first drink is included, and guests can use cash or credit for additional beverages.
The tour is ideal for beer enthusiasts and small groups, with a maximum of 10 travelers per excursion. Guides, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, lead the way, providing insights into Asheville’s local architecture and wildlife sightings along the route.
Reviewers highlight the ease of e-bike riding and the impressive brewery selection, which includes Burial, Green Man, and Wicked Weed Funkatorium.
Despite some last-minute cancellation concerns, the Electric Bike Brewery Crawl maintains a 5.0 rating from 179 reviews, with 99% of travelers recommending the experience.
It’s a must-try for anyone seeking a unique and enjoyable way to explore Asheville’s thriving craft beer scene.
Read our full review: Electric Bike Brewery Crawl of Asheville Review
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Asheville: Guided Craft Brewery Tour With a Snack
For those seeking to enjoy Asheville’s vibrant craft beer scene, the Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack offers an exceptional experience. Lasting four hours, this guided tour takes visitors to three local breweries or cider houses, where they can sample up to 12 craft beer varieties and enjoy beer-flavored pretzels.
Expert beer guides provide insights into the brewing process and local history, granting VIP access to brewery operations.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, with hotel pickup and drop-off available. It’s not suitable for pregnant women or those under 21, and participants must wear closed-toe shoes.
While the routes may vary, potential stops include popular breweries like Green Man, Archetype, DSSOLVR, One World, and New Origin. Vegetarian options are available, and there’s a reserve now, pay later option to secure a spot without upfront payment.
Priced from $99 per person, this tour operates rain or shine, offering a comprehensive craft beer experience in Asheville.
Read our full review: Asheville: Guided Craft Brewery Tour With a Snack Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?
Most brewery tours allow visitors to bring their own snacks. Guests are typically encouraged to enjoy the tasting experience without bringing in outside beverages. It’s best to check with the specific brewery beforehand to confirm their policies on outside food and drinks.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The tours are typically wheelchair accessible, with accommodations and assistance available to ensure visitors of all mobility levels can fully enjoy the experience. It’s best to check with the specific brewery beforehand to confirm their accessibility.
Do I Need to Make a Reservation in Advance?
Many breweries recommend making reservations in advance, as tours and tastings can fill up quickly. This ensures you get a spot and avoids disappointment. Some may accommodate walk-ins, but pre-booking is the safest option to guarantee your desired tour and tasting.
Can I Purchase Beer to Take Home From the Breweries?
Yes, visitors can typically purchase beer to take home from the breweries. Most breweries offer a variety of packaged beer options, ranging from cans and bottles to growlers and crowlers, allowing guests to enjoy the beer even after their visit.
Are Minors Allowed to Participate in the Tours?
Most brewery tours in Asheville allow minors to participate, but they can’t sample the beer. Policies vary, so it’s best to check with each brewery before your visit to ensure they accommodate minors on the tours.
The Sum Up
Asheville’s brewery tours and tastings offer a delightful way to explore the city’s vibrant craft beer scene. From guided walking tours to electric bike crawls, visitors can discover the region’s finest breweries while sampling a variety of local flavors. With expert-led experiences and beer samples, these tours provide an immersive and enjoyable way to experience Asheville’s renowned brewing culture.
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