Asheville is a craft beer lover’s paradise. Known for its innovative breweries, friendly local vibe, and vibrant downtown scene, it’s no wonder that Asheville ranks high as a destination for drinking tours. Whether you’re into tasting award-winning brews, floating down the river with a craft beer in hand, or exploring the city on foot, Asheville offers a range of experiences that combine fun, flavor, and a little bit of adventure. I’ve personally enjoyed some of these tours, especially the Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour and the Floating Bar Crawl Tour — both highlight Asheville’s personality perfectly.
If you’re planning your trip, check out some of the options below. Each offers something different—guided walks, mobile adventures, or even haunted pub crawls—so you can pick the one that fits your style best.
1. Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour
At number 1, this 3-hour 15-minute tour takes you through Asheville’s most iconic breweries with a certified cicerone leading the way. It’s perfect if you want an in-depth beer education combined with tastings. The tour visits Hi Wire Brewing, Twin Leaf Brewery, and Green Man Brewery, with ample pours at each stop. One of the tour’s key features is the behind-the-scenes access at Twin Leaf, where you learn about the brewing process from grain to glass.
Guests consistently praise the guide, Mark, for his knowledge and friendliness. Reviewers mention “plenty of tastings” and “enjoyable learning,” making this a top choice for those who want a well-rounded beer experience. This tour is especially suited for beer enthusiasts who appreciate expert insights and want to avoid the guesswork of choosing breweries on their own.
Bottom line: If you’re after a comprehensive and educational brewery tour led by a certified expert, this tour offers excellent value at $69 per person.
2. Asheville Signature Guided Brewery Tour
Number 2 on our list is a 3.5-hour tour that takes you behind the scenes at three top breweries—Green Man Brewery, DSSOLVR, and One World Brewing. This tour emphasizes local flavor and craftsmanship, with up to 12 beers sampled and a tasty snack included to soak up the alcohol. It’s ideal for travelers who want a more intimate, small-group experience with plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
Guests rave about host Abby’s enthusiasm and eclectic beer tasting. The tour’s combination of behind-the-scenes access and local stories make it a favorite for those interested in the culture behind Asheville’s brewing scene. Though slightly pricier at $105, it includes more breweries and tastings than many other options.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for an up-close look at Asheville’s craft scene with a personal touch, this tour delivers a memorable experience for those willing to spend a bit more.
3. Floating Bar Crawl Tour
Number 3 offers a unique combination of river relaxation and beer tasting. Over around 4 hours, you’ll float down the French Broad River in a raft equipped with an ice-filled cooler, stopping at two breweries and a food truck. It’s perfect if you want a laid-back, scenic experience with small-group intimacy (max 12 travelers).
Highlights include stopping at New Belgium Brewing, known for its distinctive beers, and Wedge at Foundation for great craft options. Guests mention Cody’s fun and engaging guiding style and the thrill of spotting a bald eagle. The tour balances river views, relaxing floats, and beer stops—a true Asheville experience.
Bottom line: If you’re after a relaxed, scenic tour that combines outdoor activity with craft beer, this float and pub crawl is hard to beat.
4. Premier Mobile Guided Brewery Tour Around Asheville
The mobile tour offers a flexible and personalized experience. For about 3 hours, your guide will take you to three different breweries, with transportation provided. The breweries change daily, giving you access to exclusive, often hard-to-reach spots. The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences, making it a great choice for groups or those seeking variety.
Guests appreciate the knowledgeable guide, Jason, who shares history and brewing insights, and the convenience of transportation. It’s a good pick if you prefer not to walk between breweries, especially in warmer weather or if you want to cover more ground.
Bottom line: For a tailored, stress-free brewery experience with a local guide, this tour offers great value at $99 per person.
5. Premier Walking Guided Brewery Tour Through Downtown Asheville
Number 5 is suited for walkers who want to experience Asheville on foot. This 3-hour tour involves visiting a curated selection of breweries in downtown Asheville, with tastings and local stories shared along the way. It’s perfect for those who enjoy urban exploration and immersive experiences.
Reviewers mention guides like Kevin and Jason for their friendly, interactive style. The tour is ideal for social travelers who want to connect with other beer lovers while enjoying Asheville’s lively streets. The focus on local culture makes it more than just a tasting — it’s about the city itself.
Bottom line: If you prefer a city stroll combined with beer, this tour provides a fun, personal experience for $69.
6. Asheville: Expert-Led Brewery Walking Tour with Beer Samples
This 3-hour walk is led by certified beer experts who share crafting secrets and local lore. It’s a smaller tour with just two reviews but offers a focused, in-depth look into Asheville’s brewery scene. Expect to taste some of the best beers while learning about the raw materials and brewing techniques.
Ideal for beer novices and aficionados alike, it emphasizes education and local insight. The limited reviews suggest it’s a newer or more niche offering but highly rated by those who experienced it.
Bottom line: For an educational and intimate brewery walk led by experts, this tour is a good choice for $65.
7. Asheville: Terrors, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
Looking for something different? This 2-hour haunted pub crawl combines ghost stories with local bar hopping. You’ll hear tales of spirits, ghosts, and Asheville’s haunted history as you visit spots like Pack’s Tavern. It’s ideal for history buffs with a taste for the spooky.
Reviewers mention guide Kiera’s fun storytelling and the chance to enjoy drinks at historic venues. It’s a more relaxed, quirky experience that blends history and spirits — both the ghostly and the alcoholic.
Bottom line: If you want a fun, spooky evening with drinks and stories, this haunted pub crawl is perfect for $30.
8. Asheville Terrors Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl
This variant of the haunted pub crawl offers a shorter, 2-hour experience, stopping at several bars to hear spooky stories. It’s a slightly more affordable and quick option for those pressed for time. The tour emphasizes local legends and haunted venues, making it ideal for history and ghost-story enthusiasts.
Guests mention guide Kai’s engaging storytelling and the chance to enjoy drinks at each location. It’s a great way to combine nightlife with Asheville’s spooky side.
Bottom line: For a compact, spooky pub crawl at just $27, it’s a fun way to experience Asheville’s ghostly tales.
9. Asheville Brewery Tour
This 2-hour tour visits 3-4 top breweries, offering tastings of diverse styles from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts. Led by a local guide who shares insider stories, it’s a lively introduction to Asheville’s ale scene.
Guests loved the vibe of the open-air monster trucks and the behind-the-scenes access. It’s suited for beer lovers wanting a fun, energetic day with plenty of variety in beers.
Bottom line: If you crave a dynamic, all-around brewery experience, this tour at $94 provides good value for its comparatively short duration.
$94.00 per person
10. Asheville: 3 Brewery Walking Tour with Tastings
This 3-hour walking tour offers the chance to visit three breweries, taste local craft beers, and learn about the brewing process. It’s a classic city-based beer walk ideal for those who enjoy urban exploration and sharing experiences with fellow travelers.
While the review count is missing, the focus on tastings and education makes it a reliable choice for beer newbies or casual fans.
Bottom line: For a simple, straightforward brewery walk in Asheville, this tour hits the right notes.
$74 per person
11. Asheville: Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack
A 4-hour tour perfect for beer lovers wanting a deeper dive. It offers VIP access to three breweries, tasting up to 12 samples, with a pretzel snack to balance the flavors. This tour often includes round-trip transportation, making it especially convenient.
Reviewers highlight the fun atmosphere, knowledgeable guide, and generous tastings. It’s well-suited for those seeking a relaxed, immersive experience.
Bottom line: For an extended, relaxed exploration with food and drinks included, this tour offers great value at $99.
$99 per person
12. Asheville: Mobile Craft Brewery Tour with Tastings
Number 12 combines transportation with a behind-the-scenes look at Asheville’s craft brewery scene. Over 3 hours, you’ll visit several breweries, savoring different beers and learning about the brewing techniques. The tour emphasizes exclusive access and engaging guides.
Guests appreciate the seamless transportation and insider knowledge. This tour is ideal for those who want to cover multiple breweries without walking and prefer a more curated experience.
Bottom line: If you want convenience and insider access in one package, this is an excellent choice for $85.
$85 per person
13. Bachelorette Royal Bar Crawl through South Slope District
This interactive, themed pub crawl is perfect for bachelorette parties or groups wanting a fun, party atmosphere. It includes bar hopping and puzzles with exclusive drink deals. The focus is on social fun and entertainment more than craft education, making it a lively, memorable night out.
Guests mention the fun and engaging guides and being able to enjoy drinks at historic venues. It’s best suited for groups celebrating special occasions.
Bottom line: For a lively, group-friendly experience with some puzzles thrown in, this tour offers a fantastic night for $80 per group.
$80.00 per group (up to 8)
14. Private Walking Brewery Tour Asheville Craft Beer
Number 14 is a private, customizable walk through Asheville’s Art District. Lasting about 3 hours, it’s perfect for groups or couples seeking a personalized experience. Your guide will introduce you to local stories behind each pint and sample beers that highlight Asheville’s creative brewing style.
While reviews are limited, private tours often appeal to those wanting to tailor the experience or have a more intimate day. It’s great for special occasions or small groups.
Bottom line: If you prefer a bespoke experience and don’t mind paying more, this private tour offers a flexible and personalized way to taste Asheville’s best.
$441.39 per person
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Asheville
Choosing the best tour depends on your budget, interests, and time. If you’re after education and expert insights, the Downtown Guided Brewery Walking Tour or the Expert-Led Brewery Walk are excellent. For scenic, relaxed experiences, consider the Floating Bar Crawl or the Mobile Guided Tour.
Those celebrating or seeking a social, lively night might enjoy the Haunted Pub Crawl or the Bachelorette Pub Crawl. If you want a private, tailor-made experience, the Private Walking Tour is your best bet. For more comprehensive sampling and convenience, the Signature Guided Tour offers a balanced mix.
Remember, Asheville’s brewery scene evolves quickly, so check the latest details and book early, especially for popular tours.
Final Thoughts
From guided walks and mobile adventures to river floats and haunted pub crawls, Asheville offers a diverse range of drinking tours that match many tastes. For beer connoisseurs, the Downtown Guided Brewery Tour or the Expert-Led Walk provide deep insights. If you’re into scenic, relaxed experiences, the Floating Bar Crawl is a highlight. Groups celebrating or craving lively nights will enjoy the Bachelorette Crawl or the Haunted Pub Crawl.
No matter which you pick, Asheville’s craft beer culture is sure to leave a lasting impression. Book your tour early to secure your spot in this lively, flavorful city.