Manchester isn’t just famous for its music, football, and industrial heritage — it’s also a city that takes its drinking seriously. With a thriving craft beer scene, a growing wine culture, and a variety of unique bar experiences, Manchester offers plenty of options for those eager to explore its liquid delights. Among the standout choices, the Craft Beer Tour around Manchester is a favorite for beer lovers, thanks to its expertly curated breweries and friendly guides. Meanwhile, the Four-hour walking wine tasting tour appeals to wine enthusiasts wanting a relaxed, social way to sample some of the city’s best bars. For those looking for a more personalized experience, the Craft Brews of Manchester – A Private Beer Tour offers a tailor-made journey through Manchester’s top craft breweries.
If you’re trying to decide which tour fits your style and interests, this guide will help. We’ll walk you through each experience, detail what makes them special, and help you pick the best fit for your trip — whether you’re a craft beer aficionado, a wine fanatic, or simply looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon in Manchester.
Overview of Manchester Drinking Tours
Our list covers a variety of drinks-focused adventures, from craft beer tours that explore Manchester’s microbrewery scene [], to wine tastings in the city’s best bars [], and even private brewery visits for a more exclusive experience []. Each offers a different way to experience Manchester’s lively drinking culture, suited to various tastes and budgets.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these engaging options.
1. Craft Beer Tour around Manchester
Rated 5.0/5 based on 223 reviews, this 3.5-hour craft beer tour is a fantastic way to get under the skin of Manchester’s microbrewery scene. The tour kicks off at Fell Northern Quarter at 1:30 pm and visits several hand-picked, local breweries and craft beer bars. Your guide will introduce you to a wide variety of beer styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, with samples included in the tour price of $61.97 per person.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on Manchester’s craft beer culture, with each stop showcasing different brewing techniques and flavor profiles. Guests consistently praise the friendly guides, especially Isla, for blending fun storytelling with beer expertise. The tour also offers a chance to see parts of Manchester you might miss on your own, making it both a social and educational experience.
While most beers featured are IPAs, the variety generally satisfies most palates. Some guests wished for more dark beers, but overall the selection is well-curated. The tour ends at Sureshot Taproom, where you can continue enjoying your favorites or try something new.
Bottom Line: If you want a lively, well-organized introduction to Manchester’s craft beer scene, this tour offers excellent value and plenty of tasting. It’s perfect for groups celebrating special occasions or anyone keen to learn about local brews in a relaxed setting.
2. Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester’s best bars
For around $110.20, this 4-hour walking wine tour offers a sophisticated and leisurely way to explore Manchester’s best wine bars and restaurants. Starting at the Emmeline Pankhurst Statue at 3:00 pm, the tour guides you through various city centre neighborhoods, visiting four carefully selected venues. Along the way, you’ll taste a variety of wines paired with snacks, making it as much about food as it is about the drink.
Guests love the informal, friendly vibe, and Kel, the guide, is frequently praised for her knowledge and humor. This tour is especially suited for wine lovers who enjoy casual conversations and discovering new spots in the city. If you’re interested, there’s also an opportunity to buy bottles to take home, which adds to the appeal.
The itinerary changes weekly to showcase different parts of Manchester, so you’ll get a fresh experience each time. The tour concludes at Kampus in the Northern Quarter, leaving plenty of time to explore more on your own afterward.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you prefer a relaxed, social approach to wine tasting, with the bonus of discovering hidden bars and local favorites. Great for small groups and wine newbies alike.
3. Craft Brews of Manchester – A Private Beer Tour
At a premium price of $361.17 per person, this private, customizable beer tour provides a tailored experience through Manchester’s craft beer scene. Starting at Dale House, the tour visits a series of carefully selected breweries and taprooms, including Pelican Bar, Fierce Bar, Blackjack Brewing Co, and Seven Bro7hers Beerhouse in Ancoats. Each stop allows ample time (about 50 minutes) to sample a variety of bold, boundary-pushing brews.
What makes this tour stand out is its personalized nature. You can focus on your favorite styles, whether traditional ales or experimental brews, and engage directly with passionate brewers. The tour’s private format means it’s perfect for special occasions or groups looking for a more intimate experience.
Guests have described the tour as engaging and informative, with detailed insights into beer-making and local culture. The route covers some of Manchester’s most iconic craft breweries, making it an excellent choice for serious beer enthusiasts who want a more in-depth exploration of the city’s beer craftsmanship.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a bespoke, behind-the-scenes look at Manchester’s craft brewery scene and don’t mind the higher price, this private tour offers a unique, fully personalized experience.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Manchester
When selecting a drinks tour, consider your interests, budget, and group size. If you’re a craft beer lover wanting to explore Manchester’s microbrewery scene with plenty of samples, the Craft Beer Tour around Manchester is a solid choice. For those who prefer wine and a relaxed, social vibe, the Four-hour walking wine tasting offers a leisurely afternoon of discovering new bars and wines. For a more exclusive, tailored experience, the Craft Brews of Manchester – A Private Beer Tour provides customization and in-depth knowledge.
Think about how much time you want to spend — three hours or less for a quick taste, or four hours for a more extensive experience. Book early, especially for private tours, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Manchester’s drinks scene is diverse and welcoming, whether you’re into hop-forward craft beers, elegant wines, or discovering hidden bar gems. For a lively group outing, the Craft Beer Tour offers fun and education. For a relaxed, social experience, the wine tour provides a gentle way to see the city. And for those seeking a personalized touch, the private brewery tour delivers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look.
No matter your style, these tours give you a chance to enjoy Manchester’s vibrant drinking culture in a friendly, well-organized way. Be sure to plan ahead and book early — Manchester’s best drinks experiences fill up fast. Cheers to discovering the city’s liquid treasures!
