Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour

Discover Asheville’s Best Breweries with a Certified Cicerone

The Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour offers a well-rounded experience of the city’s thriving craft beer scene. For $69 per person, this 3-hour 15-minute tour takes you through three top breweries, with ample beer tastings and behind-the-scenes access. Led by a certified cicerone, each stop is carefully curated to highlight Asheville’s most notable breweries, making this a perfect choice for beer enthusiasts or curious visitors eager to learn about local brewing.

What sets this tour apart is the expert guidance and comprehensive sampling. Participants enjoy 10 different beers included in the price, and the small group size—limited to 15 travelers—ensures personal attention and an engaging experience. While the tour focuses on quality and education, it’s worth noting that food and additional drinks are not included, so plan to eat before or after the outing.

Key Points

• Led by a certified cicerone, ensuring expert insights and storytelling
• Visit three acclaimed breweries with behind-the-scenes access
• Sample 10 craft beers included in the ticket price
• Tour duration is just over 3 hours, with a relaxed pace
• Suitable for travelers 21 and older, with most people able to participate
• The tour is small-scale, with a maximum of 15 guests

Starting Point: Hi Wire Brewing on South Slope

The tour begins at Hi Wire Brewing, a well-known Asheville brewery recognized for its award-winning beers. Here, the guide shares the story of the brewery’s rapid growth and introduces the first round of craft beer samples. The meeting point at 197 Hilliard Ave is easily accessible and offers a lively atmosphere that captures Asheville’s brewing spirit.

Guests spend about one hour at Hi Wire, getting an overview of their brewing process and tasting some of their most popular brews. This starting stop sets the tone for the tour—informative, fun, and taste-focused.

Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes at Twin Leaf Brewery

Next, the group heads to Twin Leaf Brewery, where exclusive access to the production area is a major highlight. Here, the guide explains the entire brewing process, from grain to glass, providing a rare glimpse into the brewery’s operations. This behind-the-scenes look is an educational feature that adds depth beyond just tasting.

Participants enjoy more beer samples while hearing Twin Leaf’s story, gaining insight into Asheville’s thriving brewing industry. The visit lasts about an hour, offering a balanced mix of learning and tasting in a relaxed setting.

Exploring Asheville’s Oldest: Green Man Brewery

The final stop is Green Man Brewery, one of Asheville’s oldest breweries, known for its award-winning beers. Here, the tour explores the history of Asheville’s brewing landscape, with the guide sharing stories about Green Man’s role in shaping local beer culture.

Guests sample beers that reflect Green Man’s long-standing tradition, enjoying the flavor profiles developed over the years. This stop is about one hour, providing a fitting conclusion that blends history, flavor, and local pride.

The Certified Cicerone Guide: Knowledge and Engagement

A key feature of this tour is the guidance provided by a certified cicerone. This professional brings deep knowledge of beer styles, brewing techniques, and Asheville’s brewing history. Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s friendly approach, engaging storytelling, and ability to explain complex concepts in an accessible way.

Whether discussing the nuances of different beer styles or sharing fun facts about Asheville, the guide ensures that participants are both entertained and educated throughout the experience.

Beer Sampling: What’s Included and How It Goes

Throughout the tour, 10 craft beers are included in the ticket price, with ample pours at each brewery. The selection features a variety of styles, giving participants a broad tasting experience. The focus remains on quality and diversity, with the guide explaining the differences between each beer.

Since food and additional drinks are not included, it’s advisable to have a hearty meal beforehand. The tour’s relaxed pace and small group size mean there’s plenty of time to savor the beers and ask questions, making it an enjoyable and unhurried experience.

Tour Logistics: Meeting Point, Duration, and Group Size

The meeting point is at Hi Wire Brewing on South Slope, a popular area for Asheville breweries. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, with three stops scheduled at about an hour each. This pacing allows for plenty of tasting and informative commentary without feeling rushed.

The group is limited to 15 participants, fostering an intimate atmosphere where everyone can engage with the guide and each other comfortably. The tour is accessible and involves walking between breweries, with most travelers able to participate.

Value and What You Get for Your Money

At $69 per person, the tour offers excellent value, especially considering the three breweries visited and the 10 included tastings. The knowledgeable guide’s expertise and behind-the-scenes access elevate the experience beyond basic pub crawling. Reviews highlight the reasonableness of the price and the overall quality of the experience.

While food isn’t included, the focus on craft beer education and local brewery stories make this tour a worthwhile investment for those wanting to understand Asheville’s beer scene better.

Accessibility and Traveler Suitability

This tour is most suitable for adults 21 and older who enjoy beer tasting or are curious about brewing. The casual dress code and near public transportation make it easy to reach the meeting point. The moderate walking involved is generally manageable for most participants, and the small group size ensures personalized attention.

Reviewers note that the tour runs smoothly and is suitable for most travelers, including those who may be new to craft beer or more experienced connoisseurs.

Final Thoughts: An Informative and Tasty Asheville Experience

The Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour combines expert-led guidance, exclusive brewery access, and ample beer tastings to create a comprehensive brewery experience in Asheville. The tour’s small group size and knowledgeable guide ensure an engaging atmosphere that balances education and enjoyment.

This tour is ideal for beer enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone wanting to explore Asheville’s vibrant brewing scene without the hassle of organizing their own visits. While it doesn’t include food, the quality of the breweries and depth of information make it a value-packed experience that captures the spirit of Asheville’s craft beer culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people new to craft beer?
Yes, the guide explains beer styles and brewing processes clearly, making it accessible for beginners and experienced drinkers alike.

How much beer do I get to taste?
You sample 10 different beers across three breweries, with ample pours included in the ticket price.

Are food options included?
No, food and additional drinks are not included, so it’s best to eat beforehand or plan to eat after the tour.

Can I join if I am not a big drinker?
Yes, the tour emphasizes education and exploration of beer styles, so non-drinkers can still enjoy learning about brewing.

What are the stops on the tour?
Stops include Hi Wire Brewing, Twin Leaf Brewery, and Green Man Brewery, each offering unique insights and tasting opportunities.

Is the tour accessible for most travelers?
Yes, the tour involves walking between breweries but is generally suitable for most participants.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 15 travelers ensures a personalized experience.

How do I book the tour?
Booking is recommended 34 days in advance, and the tour operates rain or shine with a flexible cancellation policy.

Who leads the tour?
A certified cicerone guides the experience, bringing expertise and engaging storytelling.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Hi Wire Brewing on South Slope in Asheville, making it easy to access by public transportation or local parking.