Memphis isn’t just about its legendary music scene; it’s also gaining recognition for its craft beer culture. The city’s breweries are often located along historic districts or on scenic bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River—making a brewery tour here a mix of rich flavor and local flavor. We particularly like the Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour because it combines expert-guided insights with VIP access to three distinctive breweries, including Grind City Brewing and Wiseacre Brewing Co. You’ll learn about Memphis’s brewing roots while sampling some of the city’s finest artisan beers. Plus, the worry-free bus transportation means you can enjoy your tastings without a concern about driving — a true highlight for any beer lover exploring Memphis.
For those who prefer a more interactive experience with a dedicated guide and a focus on insider knowledge, the Memphis: Signature Guided Brewery Tour is an excellent pick. It’s an all-inclusive trip with VIP access and educational commentary that adds depth to your tasting experience. Meanwhile, the Memphis Brew Bus Tour offers a relaxed, behind-the-scenes look at three local breweries with comfortable private transport and a lively guide, making it perfect for groups wanting fun and flexibility. If you want a shorter, more budget-friendly option, the Memphis: 3 Local Breweries Bus Tour with Tastings provides a quick but comprehensive taste of Memphis’s craft scene with great reviews and a friendly vibe.
Below is a detailed look at each of these top-rated brewery experiences to help you plan your perfect visit.
1. Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour
At number 1 on our list, the Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour offers a comprehensive dive into Memphis’s brewing scene. For around $62.10 per person, you’ll spend about 3 hours and 30 minutes exploring three different local breweries, including Grind City Brewing and Wiseacre Brewing Co. The tour is led by a knowledgeable beer expert who shares insights into each brewery’s history, brewing techniques, and the unique stories behind their beers.
The tour includes VIP access to the breweries, allowing you to see areas typically off-limits to the public. You’ll sample up to 12 microbrew varieties, with four beers at each stop. The experience emphasizes the city’s craft beer evolution, blending education with tasting. A key highlight is the rich storytelling about Memphis’s brewing heritage, delivered with enthusiasm and humor. The bus transport keeps things relaxed, making it easy to focus on your drinks instead of logistics.
Guests consistently praise the guide’s depth of knowledge and friendly attitude, with reviews like, “Brian was fabulous. Knowledgeable, professional, and fun.” This tour is perfect for travelers interested in both beer culture and Memphis’s local sights. The value is excellent considering the VIP access and expert guidance.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-rounded, educational, and fun brewery experience with hassle-free transportation, this guided tour is hard to beat.
2. Memphis Brew Bus Tour with Three Local Breweries & Tastings
Coming in at number 2, the Memphis Brew Bus Tour is priced slightly higher at $64.75 per person but offers a lively, behind-the-scenes look at Memphis’s craft beer scene. Spanning about 3 hours and 30 minutes, this tour kicks off from a central downtown meeting point and uses private transportation to visit three top breweries.
What sets this experience apart is its focus on local stories and exclusive beer samples. The guide keeps the atmosphere upbeat with entertaining anecdotes, making it ideal for groups and those who enjoy socializing. You’ll get to compare a variety of brews, including some of Memphis’s most popular and innovative options, with ample tastings provided at each stop. The tour emphasizes the booming craft beer movement in Memphis, giving travelers a chance to see how regional breweries are shaping the city’s reputation.
Reviewers highlight the friendly guides and generous portions, with one noting, “We especially enjoyed the last stop with the large variety of beers and sours.” The private transportation ensures a relaxed, no-stress experience, allowing you to focus on discovering your new favorite brew.
Bottom Line: This tour is great for those seeking fun, informal insight into Memphis’s brewery scene combined with generous tastings and a lively guide.
3. Memphis: Signature Guided Brewery Tour
The Memphis: Signature Guided Brewery Tour ranks third for its VIP, all-inclusive approach. It costs around $69 per person and lasts about 3.5 hours. This experience is tailored for those who want an in-depth look at Memphis’s beer culture with the convenience of round-trip transportation.
What makes this tour stand out is the VIP access to the city’s top breweries, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at brewing processes and exclusive tastings of up to 12 beers. Led by a beer guide with extensive knowledge, the tour combines entertainment and education — perfect if you’re eager to deepen your understanding of beer styles and Memphis’s brewing history.
Guests rave about the guide’s ability to educate while entertaining, and the fresh baked snack provided adds a cozy touch to the experience. The focus on local breweries makes it a solid choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive, relaxed, and informative experience.
Bottom Line: For a premium, all-inclusive tour with VIP access and a knowledgeable guide, this provides a memorable taste of Memphis’s beer scene.
4. Memphis: 3 Local Breweries Bus Tour with Tastings
Finally, the Memphis: 3 Local Breweries Bus Tour offers a budget-friendly option at $58 per person. Lasting about 3.5 hours, this tour also includes transportation by bus, making it simple to hop from one brewery to another in comfort.
What’s appealing here is the local flavor and insider perspective. The tour focuses on three prominent breweries, offering a mix of sampling, storytelling, and sightseeing. The reviews are excellent, with visitors noting the fun atmosphere and the quality of the beer. It’s ideal for travelers who want to experience Memphis’s craft scene without the extra frills, but with enough insight to appreciate what makes these breweries special.
The relaxed pace and social vibe make it suitable for groups or solo travelers looking to meet others while exploring Memphis’s brewing culture. The tour’s affordability and positive reviews make it a standout for those prioritizing value and local authenticity.
Bottom Line: If budget matters but you still want a lively, insider experience, this tour delivers Memphis’s best breweries in a friendly, relaxed setting.
How to Choose Your Best Memphis Brewery Tour
When deciding which brewery tour fits your style, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you’re after a comprehensive, VIP experience with deep insights, the Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour or the Memphis: Signature Guided Brewery Tour are excellent options. For a more social and casual outing, the Memphis Brew Bus offers a lively, guided route, while the 3 Local Breweries Bus Tour provides a budget-conscious choice.
Think about whether you want VIP access, educational commentary, or just a fun introduction to Memphis’s beer scene. Booking early is advised, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred date and ensure availability.
Memphis’s brewing scene is growing, and these tours showcase its best. Whether you’re a craft beer veteran or a curious newcomer, you’ll find an experience that fits your palate and pace. Cheers to exploring Memphis’s local brews — don’t wait to book your spot!