Charlotte is rapidly earning a reputation as a craft beer haven, thanks to its growing number of innovative breweries and lively beer scene. It’s a city that offers more than just a pint — it’s about learning, tasting, and exploring in style. Whether you’re after a relaxed tasting session or a lively party on wheels, Charlotte’s brewery tours deliver experiences that go beyond the usual pub crawl. We especially like the Original Charlotte Brewery Tour – Craft Beer Experience for its combination of education, good food, and intimate group size — perfect for those wanting a deep dive into Charlotte’s craft scene. Meanwhile, the Live Music and Brewery Bus provides a fun, musical twist on touring, with a colorful bus and live bands.
Charlotte’s brewing culture is diverse: from private golf cart crawls to hands-on cooking classes, there’s something for every beer lover. The list below captures a variety of options, helping you find the perfect fit for your taste and schedule.
1. The Original Charlotte Brewery Tour – Craft Beer Experience
At number one, we recommend the Original Charlotte Brewery Tour – Craft Beer Experience, which is quite simply a well-rounded introduction to Charlotte’s craft beer scene. This 5-hour tour takes you to four different local breweries, where you sample a variety of beers while also learning about the brewing process. What sets this tour apart is its small group size — limited to 14 participants, which ensures personal attention from your guide. The tour also includes a sit-down dinner at the Midwood Smokehouse, making it a perfect evening for both beer enthusiasts and those who appreciate good food.
The itinerary features stops at The Westin Charlotte, Petty Thieves Brewing Co, Protagonist, and Lower Left Brewing Co., offering a good mix of established favorites and emerging newcomers. Tour guides like Vinnie and Jan get rave reviews for their knowledge and fun personalities. Guests mention that the tour is educational and engaging, although some note the dinner doesn’t come until about 2.5 hours in, so plan accordingly. The price of $150 covers beer, transportation, and the meal, making it excellent value for a full evening of entertainment.
Bottom Line: This tour is best for those who want a relaxed, in-depth experience with high-quality beer, interesting guides, and a good meal to start or end their night.
2. Live Music and Brewery Bus
For a lively, high-energy outing, the Live Music and Brewery Bus offers a three-hour trip aboard LaZoom’s iconic purple bus. It’s a unique way to see Charlotte’s breweries while enjoying live bands, BYOB, and a festive atmosphere. The bus is a stage for musicians and a party on wheels, making it ideal for those who want to combine music, craft beer, and fun.
The tour includes visits to NoDa Brewing Company, famous for its creative brews, and Resident Culture Brewing, known for its hop-forward beers. You’ll also stop at Hi-Wire Brewing in South End, where you can soak in the lively vibe of one of Charlotte’s trendiest neighborhoods. The experience is perfect for younger travelers, music lovers, or anyone looking for a social, no-pressure way to explore. Riders appreciate the friendly guides and the casual, upbeat mood.
At $69 per person, it’s a budget-friendly choice, especially considering the entertainment value. The tour’s main downside might be the limited time at each brewery, but that’s balanced by the overall fun and lively setting.
Bottom Line: If you love live music, a party atmosphere, and a quirky way to explore Charlotte, this tour offers a memorable experience without breaking the bank.
3. Charlotte Private Brewery/Bar Crawl
Looking for a personalized and flexible way to taste Charlotte’s best breweries? The Charlotte Private Brewery/Bar Crawl is top-notch for groups seeking a tailored experience. This 3-hour tour is private, with a dedicated guide who takes you on a custom route, visiting three hand-picked breweries that are favorites among locals.
What makes this tour special is the private golf cart transportation, which adds a fun and relaxed vibe to your evening. You decide which breweries to visit, and you can even choose your own beers (own expense). It’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply exploring Charlotte’s beer scene at your own pace. The guide, Keith, is praised for being flexible and accommodating. The tour costs $319 for up to 7 people, making it a good value for a personalized experience.
Guests love the customization and freedom this tour offers, plus the chance to visit local spots that might be missed on larger tours. The main tradeoff is the price, which is higher than group tours, but that’s offset by the private, tailored nature.
Bottom Line: Ideal for small groups or couples who want a bespoke tour with a relaxed, private vibe.
4. Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Charlotte
For something different, the Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery offers a fun, hands-on experience that combines craft beer with Japanese cuisine. This 2-hour class is led by a talented chef, who teaches you how to roll sushi — think spicy tuna and veggie rolls — while enjoying the relaxed brewery atmosphere.
This class is perfect for those who want a break from beer tasting and enjoy interactive cooking. It’s designed to be engaging and educational, with participants learning how to prepare perfectly seasoned sushi rice and assemble rolls with precision. As you craft your sushi, you can sip on local beers, making it a well-rounded culinary experience. Reviews mention the instructor’s professionalism and fun approach.
At $75 per person, it’s an excellent value for an intimate, memorable activity. While not a traditional brewery tour, it offers a different perspective on local food and drink culture, appealing to foodies and curious travelers alike.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a culinary twist to their Charlotte visit, especially if sushi and beer are your idea of a perfect pairing.
$75.00 per person
5. Charlotte: Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery
Another culinary adventure is the Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery, where you’ll learn to make fresh pappardelle from scratch. This 2-hour class is led by a local chef in a welcoming brewery setting, giving you hands-on experience with kneading, rolling, and cutting pasta dough.
What makes this class stand out is the combination of pasta-making and tasting a rich Bolognese sauce, paired with craft beers. It’s an ideal activity for food lovers who want to learn a new skill while enjoying Charlotte’s beer scene. Participants rave about the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to take home new culinary skills.
Priced at $75, it provides good value for a detailed, engaging class. The experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy cooking or want a fun, interactive afternoon. The class doesn’t include a tour of breweries but offers a different kind of local immersion.
Bottom Line: Perfect for anyone looking to add a culinary skill to their travel repertoire while enjoying local craft beers.
$75 per person
6. Charlotte: Private Brewery/Pub Crawl
If you prefer a laid-back, social experience, the Charlotte Private Brewery/Pub Crawl offers a 4-hour journey through some of Charlotte’s best nightlife spots. This private tour on an electric cart is ideal for groups up to 7, allowing you to relax and enjoy the local scene without the hassle of planning.
The tour includes visits to microbreweries and pubs, with the opportunity to enjoy live music and local brews. Your guide will customize the stops based on your preferences, making it flexible and personal. It’s a great way to experience Charlotte’s nightlife with friends, especially if you enjoy a more casual, party vibe.
The main advantage here is the ease of transportation and the personalized route, though it’s slightly more expensive at $329. This tour works well for small groups or couples wanting a private, fun night out.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a relaxed, private pub crawl with a focus on Charlotte’s nightlife and beer.
$329 per group up to 7
How to Choose Your Perfect Charlotte Brewery Tour
When deciding among these tours, consider your budget, time availability, and what you’re most interested in. If you want a comprehensive experience with good food, the Original Charlotte Brewery Tour is hard to beat. For a lively, musical outing, the Live Music and Brewery Bus offers a fun, energetic vibe. Those seeking a personalized touch should look into the Charlotte Private Brewery/Bar Crawl, especially if privacy and custom routes are important.
Culinary fans might enjoy the Sushi and Pasta Making Classes, which blend food and drink in a hands-on way. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Private Brewery/Pub Crawl is perfect if you’re on a small group budget and want a relaxed, social night.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours and weekends, as Charlotte’s craft beer scene is growing fast. Think about what kind of experience you want: educational, lively, private, or culinary, and choose accordingly.
Final thoughts
Charlotte offers a surprising diversity of brewery tours that cater to different interests and budgets. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur, a music lover, or someone eager to learn new cooking skills, you’ll find something that suits your style. For an in-depth, relaxed experience, the Original Charlotte Brewery Tour is an excellent choice. If you want a lively, social experience, the Live Music and Brewery Bus will hit the spot. Small groups and private tours like the Charlotte Private Brewery/Bar Crawl are perfect for customized adventures.
Whatever your preference, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable Charlotte beer experiences. Cheers to great beer, good company, and discovering why this city is becoming a craft beer destination worth exploring.
Enjoy your time in Charlotte and raise a glass to discovering its best breweries — each tour offers a unique way to enjoy this growing beer scene.