Portland’s reputation as a craft beer lover’s paradise is well-earned. Known for its innovative breweries, accessible bike-friendly streets, and quirky underground history, Portland offers more than just great beer; it’s about the experience. One of our favorite options is the Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings, which combines a spooky walk through historic tunnels with tasting local brews. It’s perfect for those interested in Portland’s darker past and the stories that still linger beneath the city streets. For a more active day, the Portland Oregon Breweries By Bike and E-bike offers a fun, casual ride to explore multiple breweries with a knowledgeable guide, ideal for visitors wanting to combine sightseeing with beer tasting.
If you’re after a more private, comprehensive experience, the Private Back-Country Distillery, Brewery, or Pub Tour takes you through the scenic Willamette Valley, visiting several unique brewers and distillers in a full-day adventure. Or perhaps you want a blend of food, drink, and fun in a single outing—consider the Portland’s Best Barbecue, Brewery, and Distillery Van Tour, which combines Portland’s best BBQ with craft beers and locally made spirits. For something hands-on, the Fun Pasta Making Class at a Local Brewery and the Fun Sushi Making Class bring a culinary twist to your brewery experience, blending food and drink fun in relaxed classes.
Here’s a quick overview of the various tours covered in this guide. Whether you prefer underground history, biking adventures, private day trips, or culinary classes, Portland has something to match your interests:
– Underground Tour & Brewery Sampling — discover Portland’s tunnels and ghost stories while tasting award-winning beers.
– Bike & E-bike Brewery Tour — pedal through Portland’s neighborhoods to sample favorite local brews.
– Private Back-Country Tour — explore the scenic Willamette Valley with visits to distilleries and breweries.
– Van Tour with BBQ & Spirits — combine Portland’s best barbecue with craft beer and spirits.
– Cooking Classes with Breweries — learn pasta or sushi making alongside local brews.
1. Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings
At number 1, this tour offers a compelling mix of Portland’s dark past and lively beer scene. The 90-minute Shanghai Tunnel Tour takes you beneath a well-known restaurant into the tunnels that once connected hotels, saloons, and warehouses to the Willamette River. This is a small-group experience, making it easy to ask questions and soak in details about Portland’s underground history and the resident ghost, Nina. The tour is especially popular because of its exclusive access to the tunnels and stories of Portland’s seedy past.
After your spooky walk, you step back into the daylight for three tastings and a full pint of locally brewed beer. The included beers are award-winning, giving you a well-rounded taste of Old Town Portland. Reviewers call the guide Natasha “very informative,” praising her for making the dark history engaging and fun. The tour involves stairs and some maneuvering through pipes, so it’s not ideal if you’re limited physically, but for those who enjoy history and a bit of mystery, it’s a memorable way to learn about the city.
Bottom line: This tour delivers a unique look at Portland’s underground world combined with excellent beer tastings. It’s best suited for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Portland’s underground lore.
2. Portland Oregon Breweries By Bike and E-bike
At position 2, the Bike and E-bike Brewery Tour offers a lively way to explore Portland’s vibrant beer scene. This 3-hour guided ride takes you through the city’s bike-friendly streets, stopping at two carefully selected brewpubs. Whether on a standard bike or e-bike, you’ll enjoy the freedom to pedal at a relaxed pace. The tour is perfect for those who want to see the city from a different perspective while sampling craft beers from local favorites.
Your guide will share insights into Portland’s brewing culture and point out landmarks along the route. While the beers at each stop are at your own expense, sharing a tasting with others is encouraged for a social experience. The ride ends back at the bike shop with a final souvenir pint glass and a last drink, making it a fun, affordable way to taste Portland’s best.
Reviewers appreciate the friendly guides and the casual pace, noting that even first-timers can comfortably enjoy the ride. It’s especially enjoyable for active travelers, beer lovers, or those wanting a bit of fresh air and exercise combined with cultural discovery.
Bottom line: This tour is excellent for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing, exercise, and craft beer sampling in a laid-back atmosphere.
3. Private Back-Country Distillery, Brewery, or Pub Tour
Number 3 on our list is the Private Back-Country Tour, a full-day journey that takes you through the scenic Willamette Valley. This tour is ideal for those seeking exclusivity and a personalized experience. It runs about 8 hours, with stops at several carefully curated distilleries and breweries, including Wilsonville, Aurora, Newberg, Dundee, and McMinnville. Each location offers a different style of craft spirits and beers, giving you a well-rounded taste of the region’s craftsmanship.
The tour includes visits to local butchers, farms, and distilleries, with opportunities to buy bottles or cigars. Reviewers highlight the “incredible variety” and the knowledgeable guide who makes each stop engaging. The trip’s length and private style make it perfect for groups celebrating a special occasion or serious enthusiasts wanting an in-depth experience.
While it’s the priciest option, at $290 per person, the value lies in the personalized attention and the chance to explore Oregon’s renowned food and drink scene in comfort. It’s especially suited for those wanting a leisurely, in-depth experience with a focus on quality over quantity.
Bottom line: If you’re after a private, full-day tour with access to top distilleries and breweries in the region, this is a top pick—though it’s best suited for groups and serious fans of craft spirits.
4. Portland’s Best Barbecue, Brewery, and Distillery Van Tour
Number 4 is the Barbecue, Brewery, and Distillery Van Tour. This 3.5-hour adventure offers a full taste of Portland’s flavor with stops at a local brewery, a barbecue joint, and a spirits distillery. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a guided, relaxed experience that combines Portland’s renowned barbecue with its craft beer and spirits.
The tour includes stops at Orange Bike Brewing, known for gluten-free beers, and Noble Pizzeria & Barbecue, which serves up smoky, Southern-style meats. The third stop at Three of Strong Spirits showcases innovative local distilling. Reviewers note that the tour is a fantastic way to sample Portland’s signature foods and drinks without the hassle of planning, all while enjoying the company of fellow travelers.
Since the reviews are currently unposted, the focus should be on the tour’s potential for an authentic, well-curated experience blending culinary delights with local brews and spirits.
Bottom line: Perfect for food lovers wanting to pair Portland’s best barbecue with craft beer and spirits in a straightforward, guided format.
$99.00 per person
5. Fun Pasta Making Class at a Local Brewery in Portland
Number 5 adds a culinary twist with the Pasta Making Class. Led by Chef Sarah, this 2-hour class is perfect for those who want to combine hands-on cooking with Portland’s local brewery scene. You’ll learn real pasta techniques in a relaxed setting, surrounded by delicious aromas of brown butter and sage. It’s especially suited for foodies or anyone looking for an interactive, low-pressure experience.
Participants rave about how accessible and fun the class is, regardless of experience. The class concludes with enjoying your freshly made pasta paired with craft beers from the brewery, making it a satisfying mix of skill-building and socializing. The small-group format ensures a personal touch, and the cozy environment makes it ideal for a casual, memorable night out.
While the price is reasonable at $75 per person, the real value lies in learning new skills while enjoying Portland’s vibrant beer culture. It’s best suited for travelers who want a creative activity paired with good eats and drinks.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for food lovers eager to make pasta and sip local brews in a friendly environment.
$75.00 per person
6. Portland Axe Throwing and Two Local Breweries Van Tour
The Axe Throwing & Brewery Tour combines two energetic activities for a fun afternoon. Over about 3.5 hours, you start with a brewery visit, sampling crafted beers, then unleash your inner lumberjack at The Axe Pit, where you learn to throw axes safely. After showing off your skills, you return to another local brewery for more drinks.
This tour is distinctive because of the balance between relaxed tasting and active fun. Reviewers mention the high-energy axe throwing as a highlight and appreciate the friendly guides who make safety and fun a priority. It’s perfect for groups seeking a lively, memorable experience that mixes a little thrill with Portland’s well-known beer scene.
The tour’s appeal is in its unusual mix—if you’re looking for something beyond traditional brewery visits, this is a great choice. It’s best for those comfortable with light physical activity and looking for a social, spirited outing.
Bottom line: A lively, different way to experience Portland’s beer culture, with the added thrill of axe throwing.
$99.00 per person
7. Fun Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery in Portland
Finally, the Sushi Making Class provides a culinary adventure that pairs well with Portland’s craft beer scene. Led by Chef Sarah, this 2-hour class emphasizes a laid-back, approachable vibe where everyone can learn sushi skills without prior experience. You’ll get hands-on guidance on rolling and preparing sushi, surrounded by the aromas of fresh ingredients and local brews.
Participants love the friendly atmosphere and the chance to learn new skills while enjoying Portland’s local beer. The class ends with everyone savoring their creations along with craft beers, making it a perfect activity for foodies wanting both fun and flavor.
At $75 per person, it offers good value for a memorable, interactive experience suitable for couples, groups, or solo travelers seeking a creative night out. It’s a great way to combine culinary curiosity with Portland’s beer culture.
Bottom line: Ideal for those interested in food and drink in a relaxed, social setting with a focus on fun and learning.
$75.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Brewery Tour in Portland
When selecting your perfect Portland beer experience, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you love history and spooky stories, the Haunted Tunnel Tour offers a memorable underground adventure. For active travelers eager to see the city’s neighborhoods, the Bike and E-bike Tour provides a fun, eco-friendly way to explore multiple breweries. If privacy and a leisurely pace appeal, the Back-Country Tour delivers an immersive day in Oregon’s scenic wine country.
For food and drink enthusiasts, the guided van tour combining barbecue and spirits is a straightforward, satisfying choice. Culinary classes like pasta or sushi making are perfect for those wanting a hands-on experience that combines Portland’s local brews with food skills.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Portland’s brewery scene offers a wide variety of experiences tailored to different interests. For an underground adventure mixed with beer, the Haunted Tunnel Tour is hard to beat. Active travelers will enjoy pedaling through the city on the Bike Tour, while those seeking a private, relaxed day might opt for the Back-Country Tour. Culinary buffs should consider the pasta or sushi classes, which add a tasty twist to Portland’s beverage scene.
No matter your style, Portland’s brewery tours promise an authentic, fun, and delicious way to experience the city’s craft culture. Book early, plan according to your interests, and enjoy everything this city’s brewing scene has to offer.