Follina: Visit to a craft brewery, 3 beers and local specialities ITA

Follina: Visit to a craft brewery, 3 beers and local specialities ITA

Imagine wandering through the gentle slopes of the Prosecco Hills in Veneto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discovering a family-run brewery that’s blending traditional wine-making skills with the art of craft beer. For about an hour, you get to peek behind the scenes of a small, independent brewery, taste three distinct beers, and indulge in local bites. The experience is hosted by knowledgeable guides — some of whom are family members — making it intimate and authentic. The tour costs around €30, with options to book via GetYourGuide, with flexible cancellation and the possibility to pay later.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines history and craftsmanship — the family’s long-standing tradition of producing ‘col fondo’ wines shines through in their approach to brewing beer, especially with their commitment to unfiltered, unpasteurized drinks. Plus, the tasting of local cheeses, cold cuts, and a grape mustarda enhances the experience beautifully, pairing well with the beers. Another highlight? The free gift from Birra Follina and a 15% discount on any shop purchases, making it feel like a true souvenir.

A potential consideration is that this tour might be a bit brief for those wanting an in-depth brewing class. It’s primarily a tasting and viewing experience, so if you’re after a longer or more technical tour, this might not satisfy that curiosity.

This experience suits beer lovers seeking authentic regional flavors, those interested in traditional Veneto craft, and anyone who enjoys tasting local food with their drinks. It’s also perfect if you’re looking for a quick, well-organized excursion that balances education with relaxation.

Key Points

• Authentic Family Run: Experience a genuine, small-scale brewery with deep roots in local traditions.
• Unique Beers: Taste three top-fermented, refermented in the bottle, unfiltered beers that reflect the region’s craftsmanship.
• Local Pairings: Enjoy cheeses, cold cuts, pickles, and grape mustarda, crafted to complement the beers.
• Educational Tour: Learn about the brewing process from raw materials to bottling, guided by friendly experts.
• Exclusive Gift & Discount: Take home a nice gift and benefit from a 15% store discount.
• Accessible & Flexible: Suitable for most with wheelchair access, with flexible booking options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Follina Brewery Tour

Setting the Scene: Location and Atmosphere

The brewery is located in the idyllic Prosecco Hills, a landscape so lush and gentle it’s easy to forget you’re only an hour from Venice or Verona. The family-owned operation is a relatively small space, but it exudes passion and pride. Inside, the ambiance feels welcoming and authentic — a perfect spot to appreciate the craftsmanship of Italian brewing, distinct from large commercial breweries.

The Guided Tour: A Peek Into Beer Production

The highlight of this experience is the guided walk through the production area. You’ll be greeted by the reception manager, who explains how their beers are made — from selecting raw ingredients to the fermentation process. The fact that the brewery produces top-fermented beers that are refermented in the bottle, unfiltered and unpasteurized means you’re sampling drinks closer to their natural state, full of flavor and character.

We particularly appreciated the way the guide described each step, making the process accessible even if you’re not a brewing expert. Seeing the ingredients—perhaps the hops, malt, or yeast—up close, and learning how their natural fermentation methods preserve the authentic qualities of the beer, adds real value.

Tasting Experience: More Than Just Beer

After the tour, the fun begins. You’ll be invited to taste three different beers, each with its own personality. Reviewers highlight the excellent quality of these brews, noting how knowledgeable guides enhance the experience. The beers are unfiltered and bottle-refermented, giving them a lively, fresh character.

What’s more, the tasting is thoughtfully paired with local cheeses, cold cuts, crispy pickles, and a grape mustarda. These traditional bites not only elevate the beers but give you a true taste of Veneto’s culinary heritage. The inclusion of the ‘Primo Malto’ beer distillate at the end is a unique touch — a small, potent reminder of Italy’s love for spirits and distillation.

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Authenticity and Personal Touches

As one reviewer pointed out, “seeing and smelling the ingredients, noticing the differences in color and aroma, made us appreciate the tasting even more.” The guides’ passion for their craft is contagious. You’ll get genuine insights into their family tradition: a winery that’s been producing ‘col fondo’ wines for over a century, now applying that same dedication to beer.

The Gift and Shopping

Before leaving, every guest gets a nice gift from Birra Follina, which adds a personal touch to the visit. The shop offers a 15% discount, making it worthwhile to pick up a few bottles to enjoy later or share with friends. The beers are a perfect souvenir — a taste of Veneto’s craft brewing scene.

Practicalities and Logistics

The tour lasts about 30 minutes of the production visit, followed by tasting. The entire experience is designed to be accessible, with wheelchair access available. You’ll meet at Via Pedeguarda, 26, and the activity concludes back at the starting point, making logistics simple.

Booking options include free cancellation, with the ability to reserve now and pay later, which is ideal if your plans are still flexible. The tour is conducted in Italian and English, ensuring most travelers feel comfortable.

What Travelers Say

The reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction. Jo Anna appreciated the opportunity to see the ingredients up close and enjoyed the tasting. GetYourGuide traveler found the beers outstanding and praised the knowledgeable guides, calling it a “100% recommendation for beer lovers.” Meanwhile, Enrico was surprised by how much he enjoyed the visit, especially because he was unfamiliar with this brewery beforehand.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This experience strikes a nice balance between education, tasting, and culture. It’s especially appealing because it’s run by a family with deep roots in local traditions. The focus on natural, unfiltered, refermented beers offers a more authentic taste of Italy’s brewing potential, far from mass-produced options.

The pairing with regional foods makes for a well-rounded tasting, and the friendly guides enhance the experience with their knowledge and passion. The inclusion of a small distillate tasting adds a unique Italian touch, enriching your appreciation for Veneto’s beverage craftsmanship.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

If you’re a beer enthusiast eager to explore craft styles beyond the usual lagers, this tour offers genuine quality and storytelling. Foodies will love the local pairings, and travelers interested in family-run enterprises will appreciate the personal history behind the brewery. It’s also ideal for anyone seeking a short, accessible, fun activity that combines education with tasting and a touch of local culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18. It’s geared toward adult guests, especially considering the distillate tasting and alcohol focus.

Are there options to cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

How long does the entire experience last?
The guided brewery visit and tasting take about 1 hour. It’s a quick but rich encounter, perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors.

What languages are available?
Guides speak in Italian and English, ensuring most visitors can follow along and ask questions.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now and choose to pay later, offering flexibility and peace of mind.

Can I buy bottles to take home?
Yes, the shop offers beers and spirits for purchase, with a 15% discount for tour participants, making it a great souvenir.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking an authentic taste of Veneto’s craft scene with a personal touch, this brewery visit delivers. You’ll gain insight into the meticulous process of brewing natural, lively beers rooted in local tradition, all while enjoying regional delicacies. It’s a perfect short activity for those curious about Italy’s lesser-known beverage artisans, or for travelers who want a break from the more touristy attractions.

The combination of family-run warmth, quality brews, and regional cuisine makes this a memorable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or just eager to sample local flavors in a relaxed setting, this tour offers real value and a glimpse into Veneto’s vibrant craft culture.

Enjoy your journey through the hills and hop fields of Veneto, and raise a glass to discovering Italy’s brewing treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: