Richmond, Virginia, offers a surprisingly diverse scene for those interested in exploring local drinks. Whether you’re into craft beer, curious about ghostly legends with a few drinks in hand, or eager to sample a variety of brews and meads, Richmond has a lot to offer. We especially like the Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA for its in-depth look at local brewing techniques and the chance to go behind the scenes at some top breweries. The city’s vibrant craft scene is complemented by its historic neighborhoods and lively pub culture. Plus, if you’re into spooky stories, the Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl adds a fun, eerie twist to your evening. For those who want a broader taste of Richmond’s craft offerings, the Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket offers a well-rounded experience exploring multiple breweries and meaderies.
Here’s a quick overview: Richmond features a variety of guided brewery tours, haunted pub crawls, and multi-stop craft beer experiences. Each offers a different vibe — from intimate and educational to lively and spooky — so you can pick one that matches your mood and interests. Below, we break down the top three options with all the details to help you choose the best fit.
1. Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA
At number one, this Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA offers a personalized, behind-the-scenes look at Richmond’s craft beer scene. Priced at $90 per person, it lasts about 2.5 hours and includes visits to three top breweries. What makes this tour stand out is its private, flexible nature — perfect if you want a more intimate experience. Your guide will provide a tutored tasting at the start and take you to breweries like The Veil Brewing Co., known for pioneering processes like spontaneous fermentation and using a koelship, and Väsen Brewing, which celebrates Scandinavian heritage with its unique beers.
During the tour, you’ll enjoy generous tastings at each brewery and get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. The visit to The Veil includes sampling popular items and a tour of their unique Japanese pub fare concept, Nokoribi. Guests love the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge — “Chris was awesome, full of great info, and kept the tour moving at just the right pace,” reports a satisfied customer.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a deep dive into Richmond’s craft beer culture with a personal touch, making it ideal for beer enthusiasts wanting a thorough, educational experience.
2. Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
For those who enjoy a spooky twist with their drinks, the Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl is a fun way to combine history, ghost stories, and good drinks. Priced at $27.75 and lasting about 2 hours, this tour takes you through historic Richmond’s most haunted spots, like Rosie Connolly’s Pub, located in a building once part of the red-light district, and the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. You’ll explore the haunted stories behind these historic structures while enjoying some of Richmond’s best local drinks, including farmhouse cider and African wines at Smith and Foundry.
The tour is well-rated for its mix of storytelling and beverage stops. “Mars, our guide, was very knowledgeable and entertaining,” said one reviewer. While some locations have restrictions on visiting, the ghost stories add a memorable atmosphere, especially if you’re a fan of Richmond’s haunted reputation. The combination of history, local spirits, and ghost tales creates an experience that’s both spooky and social.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a lively, eerie experience that combines Richmond’s haunted legends with a taste of local drinks, especially if you enjoy storytelling and history.
3. Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket
The Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket is a comprehensive, about three-hour tour that covers multiple breweries and meaderies across Scott’s Addition. Priced at $86, it’s run by a veteran-led team, including USMC Disabled Combat-Veterans and women/minority entrepreneurs. This tour is ideal for travelers wanting variety — you’ll visit popular spots like Buskey Cider, known for dry-hopped ciders, Strangeways Brewing for wild ales, and Ardent Craft Ales for their innovative beers.
The tour offers a well-rounded sampling experience, giving you the chance to taste extensive selections from different breweries and meaderies. Guests praise the diverse beer options and the knowledgeable guides. Because the stops include a cider house, a brewery specializing in wild fermentation, and a craft ale producer, you get a broad taste of Richmond’s craft scene. The tour is suited for those who want a structured, fun day with a focus on local craftsmanship.
Bottom Line: This experience is best for those who want to explore multiple venues and try a variety of craft drinks, from traditional beers to meads, all with expert guidance.
$86.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Richmond
When picking a tour, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you’re a serious beer lover wanting an educational, behind-the-scenes experience, the Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA will suit you well. For a more casual, fun outing with a spooky twist, the haunted pub crawl offers a memorable evening. If you’re interested in sampling a wide range of local brews and meads across several venues, the Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl by Junket provides excellent value and variety.
Think about how much time you want to spend — two hours or longer? Do you prefer in-depth knowledge or a lively, social atmosphere? Also, check for any booking tips, like early reservations, especially during peak seasons. Richmond’s drinking tours are popular, and securing your spot early ensures you won’t miss out.
Richmond’s alcohol scene is as diverse as its history, offering everything from educational brewery visits to ghostly pub adventures. For those seeking a detailed look at local brewing techniques, the Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA is unmatched. If a spooky night out sounds more your style, the haunted pub crawl combines history, ghost stories, and drinks in one fun package. For an all-around taste of Richmond’s craft scene, the Craft Brewery Crawl by Junket showcases the best local breweries and meaderies.
No matter your choice, booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons. Richmond’s lively drinking culture is waiting to be explored — your next great night out is just a reservation away.