Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour

If you’re into craft beer or just curious about Asheville’s reputation as a Southeast brewing hub, this tour might be just what you need. We’ve looked into the Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour offered by BREW-ed Brewery Tours, and it seems like a solid way to experience the city’s vibrant beer scene without the hassle of figuring out where to go or what to try. What immediately caught our eye? The fact that it’s led by a certified cicerone, a real beer expert, and that it includes ample tastings at three prominent breweries.

While the tour promises a lot, one thing to keep in mind is that it covers three breweries in about 3 hours and 15 minutes, which might feel a bit rushed if you’re a slow sipper. Still, for those who want a taste of Asheville’s top craft beers with knowledgeable guidance, this tour feels like a smart choice. It’s perfect whether you’re a beer novice or a seasoned enthusiast looking to deepen your appreciation—just be ready for some social and flavorful fun.

Key Points

• Expert Guidance: Led by a certified cicerone, ensuring you learn about beer with credibility.
• Tastings Included: You’ll sample 10 different beers at three breweries, giving a well-rounded tasting experience.
• Exclusive Brewery Access: Behind-the-scenes visits, especially at Twin Leaf, add an educational twist.
• Convenient & Well-Organized: The tour runs smoothly, with clear stops at popular breweries like Hi Wire, Twin Leaf, and Green Man.
• Value for Money: All tastings, guide expertise, and brewery visits are included for $69, which many reviews find quite reasonable.
• Small Group Feel: With a maximum of 15 travelers, it keeps the vibe intimate and engaging.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Starting at Hi Wire Brewing: A Taste of Asheville’s Rapid Growth

Your adventure kicks off at Hi Wire Brewing, one of Asheville’s fastest-growing breweries. Here, you’ll meet your guide, who will introduce you to award-winning beers and share the story behind this local favorite. Expect about an hour of sampling and learning. Many reviewers mention how Mike, the guide, is very knowledgeable and engaging, which sets a positive tone for the rest of the tour. One reviewer shared, “Mike was amazing, very knowledgeable about beer and fun facts about Nashville,” highlighting how much personality and expertise your guide brings.

Moving to Twin Leaf Brewery: Behind-the-Scenes Access

Next, you’ll head to Twin Leaf Brewery, where the tour gets a bit more insider. The group gets exclusive access to the production area, allowing you to see firsthand how beer is made, from grain to glass. This behind-the-scenes peek is a highlight, especially for those interested in the brewing process. Expect to taste more beers here while hearing Twin Leaf’s story. Reviewers have praised this stop for its educational component and the chance to see an active brewery operation. One noted, “We loved the way we got to see the brewing process and taste some fantastic beers.”

Ending at Green Man Brewery: A Classic Asheville Experience

Your last stop is Green Man Brewery, one of the oldest breweries in Asheville. Here, you’ll learn about the brewing industry’s history in the city while sampling award-winning beers. Many guests mention how Green Man’s long-standing reputation and quality offerings make it a perfect finale. A reviewer commented, “Green Man’s beers are some of the best I’ve had in Asheville, and learning about the brewery’s history added depth to the experience.”

The Experience and Guide

The guide’s expertise is consistently praised in reviews—many describe Mark or Mike as friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging. This makes the tour more than just beer tasting; it’s a chance to deepen your understanding of brewing and Asheville’s beer culture. As one reviewer put it, “Mark was very knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience a lot of fun.”

You’ll learn about the breweries’ stories, brewing techniques, and what makes Asheville’s craft scene so special. The guides’ passion for beer is contagious, and their ability to explain complex concepts in layman’s terms helps everyone feel involved.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a cap of 15 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate, friendly vibe. Several reviews mention the benefit of being in a small group, which allows for more personalized interactions and easier conversations with the guide. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this setup encourages engagement and makes the experience enjoyable.

The Tasting Experience

Expect ample pours at each brewery, with reviews emphasizing the variety of styles sampled—some even mention tasting up to 10 different beers. For many, this is a highlight, especially considering the inclusive price. One reviewer said, “The tour was very informative and there were plenty of pours,” reinforcing that you get a generous sampling at each stop.

Quality and Variety of Beers

The breweries selected are well-regarded—Hi Wire, Twin Leaf, and Green Man—all have their unique stories and flavors. The beers are often described as award-winning and diverse, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Whether you prefer lighter lagers or richer stouts, this tour aims to showcase Asheville’s broad craft beer spectrum.

Price and Value

At $69 per person, this tour offers pretty good value for what you get. All tastings and guided insights are included, saving you the hassle and cost of visiting breweries on your own. Many reviewers agree, mentioning that for the price, the experience is well worth it. One said, “The cost was extremely reasonable, especially for including all tastings,” which is a common sentiment.

Accessibility and Practical Details

The meeting point is at Hi Wire Brewing on Hilliard Ave, close to public transportation, making it easy to access. The tour lasts about 3 hours and 15 minutes, which fits comfortably into an afternoon. Dress casually, and remember that you must be 21 or older to participate. The small group size makes for a relaxed environment, though it’s worth noting that the tour does involve some walking between breweries.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for beer lovers eager to experience Asheville’s craft scene with guidance from a true expert. It suits travelers who appreciate learning about beer, enjoy social activities, and don’t mind a moderate pace of tasting. If you’re visiting Asheville for a weekend or just want an engaging, educational, and tasty experience, this tour fits the bill.

It’s also well-suited for those who like to visit multiple breweries in a short period without the stress of planning each stop. Even if you’re not deeply into beer, the behind-the-scenes access and storytelling can make it an enriching experience.

Final Thoughts

The Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines great beer, expert guidance, and a glimpse into Asheville’s brewing culture. For around $69, you get access to three top breweries, all tastings included, and an engaging guide who knows his stuff. The small-group setting ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the behind-the-scenes visits add a special touch that sets it apart from typical pub crawls.

If you’re curious about the craft beer scene or want a fun, educational way to explore Asheville, this tour delivers. It’s especially valuable for those new to craft beer or visitors who want to maximize their tasting experience without the hassle of navigating multiple breweries alone.

FAQ

What breweries will I visit?
You’ll start at Hi Wire Brewing, then visit Twin Leaf Brewery for behind-the-scenes access, and end at Green Man Brewery, one of Asheville’s oldest.

How many beers will I taste?
Expect to sample about 10 different beers across the three breweries, giving you a diverse tasting experience.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
This tour is designed for those 21 and older, and participation involves alcoholic beverages. If you prefer not to drink, this might not be the best fit.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, including all brewery visits and tastings.

What is included in the price?
All beer samples, the guide’s expertise, and visits to three breweries are included. Food is not included unless specified.

What if the weather is bad?
Since this is an outdoor walking tour, poor weather could affect the experience. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re into craft beer and want a relaxed, informative way to explore Asheville’s breweries, this tour seems like a smart, tasty choice. Just come thirsty and ready to learn!