asheville tubing brewery tour

The Best River Tubing Starts May 18! Reserve Your Spot Today!

Voted Best River Tubing in Asheville, NC!

Experience french broad river tubing, join us for a relaxing day of tubing in asheville, n.c., enjoy the south with asheville tubing, ✽ featured floats tubing asheville, n.c. ✽.

• Most Popular
• Map Marker South Asheville
• Users Ages 4+

Tubing Reservations • South Asheville

Enjoy a tubing trip on the French Broad River! Your reservation includes a super-deluxe tube, life jacket, free parking, and a shuttle ride. Along the way, you can swim, wade, and hang out while enjoying all the French Broad River has to offer. Book your river tubing in Asheville, N.C. online today!

• Map Marker Midtown (River Arts District)

Tubing Reservations • River Arts District (Midtown)

Come float the French Broad River! We’ll take you upstream to the starting point where you’ll receive your tube, get some instructions, and begin your lazy river float. Purchase includes a super-deluxe tube, life jacket, free parking, and a shuttle ride. Book your Asheville, N.C. river tubing trip online today!

Float the French Broad River with Zen Tubing

Get in touch with your inner tube while tubing in asheville, n.c..

Floating the French Broad River with Zen Tubing is one of the favorite Asheville, NC activities – for locals and visitors alike! We’ll help you make the most out of your day on the river with family and friends.

Tubing near Asheville, NC is easy – just park at your chosen location and check-in. Then we’ll take you upstream to the starting point, where you’ll receive your tube, get some brief instructions, and begin your float.

Along the way, stop to swim, wade, and hang out to enjoy all the French Broad River has to offer! Your car will be waiting for you at the end of your Asheville tubing trip.  

✽ Before You Float   ✽

TOP-RATED TUBING IN ASHEVILLE, N.C.! ★★★★★

We love tubing with Zen! The tubes have headrests so they’re super comfortable when you're floating down the river. You can strap your tube to the others in your group. The river is wide, water is clear, and has just the right amount of “rapids.” Tons of relaxing fun! Would highly recommend Zen Tubing for a fun float down the French Broad River.

I've tubed with Zen 3 times now and I've done both locations. If you want a longer ride, I would go with Midtown location. The South Asheville location was awesome, but only about 2 hours (which goes by really fast while you're tubing). Pro tip: purchase the $5 cooler float to bring along all your drinks and snacks for the best time. Highly recommend!

We loved this as our bachelorette party activity! Wonderful customer service, lots of employees in clearly marked shirts we could ask for help. The tubes came with buckles so it's easy to stay together, along with the cooler holder tube. Well thought out and convenient. Beautiful scenery! All-around gorgeous & relaxing time. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this!

Had a great time with Zen Tubing. Did both float trips two weekends in a row. Staff are friendly, courteous, and helpful. Thanks to Ray Ray for helping us out. Can't wait to go back again! Highly recommend! The trip was fun....you make the best of it....find a rock or small island to stop at down the river and have a snack or just chill out! Good times.

This was so relaxing and fun with beautiful scenery - a great way to spend a summer day! The directions were easy, and check in and transportation was well-organized and smooth. Definitely grab an oar to help navigate if needed. The best way to stay together it to hook your tubes together, and be sure to get the cooler tube. Bring extra sunscreen!

We're a family of 12, and the ages in our group ranged from 4 to 69. This was definitely an excellent activity for the entire family / people of all ages! We brought along a cooler and had our lunch on the river. Online reservations were easy to make. We had a great time floating down the river. It is a great value for a family activity! Worth the trip.

This was a great experience. The staff was friendly, gave great directions, and it was a self-paced experience. Cruising down the French Broad was a fun way to spend a couple of hours. Not on our original agenda but glad we went. Bring beverages and any snacks in waterproof coolers! Water isn't too deep water and everyone has access to life jackets.

This is definitely a thing TO DO while in Asheville. If you don't have the "expertise" to want to kayak, this is perfect for anyone- you just sit and enjoy as the river does all the work! Bring a cooler of drinks and get the cooler float. We recommend doing the waivers online before you go, saves time when you get there. More than worth the cheap price!

Zen is definitely the word for it!! The whole experience was amazing from start to finish. Quick check-in. Very friendly staff. It's definitely a good relaxing experience for a group or a date. The elements were perfect. It was a beautiful, leisurely trip down the the river. We loved it! Highly recommend Zen Tubing if you're looking for a fun day on the water.

Early Bird Special! Get 10% Off All Water Trips. Use code Splash2024 At Checkout

Useful Information

Adventure Themed Asheville Tours

Discover Asheville's best-kept secrets

One of the best parts of traveling is the connections you make and the new sense of place you develop. We make sure that when you’re in Asheville, you feel at home, whether you’re a seasoned visitor or it’s your first time here.

Our passionate team of local guides will let you in on Asheville’s best-kept secrets and hidden gems, sharing the most unique and interesting parts of the city.

Kick back, relax, and enjoy an exclusive adventure while our pros take care of the details. 

Asheville Party Bus Rental

• Starts at $550
• 4 Hour Minimum

E-Bike Rental (Half Day)

• From $55/person

French Broad Section 9 Whitewater Rafting

• From $71/person

E-Bike Sunset Tour

• From $69/person

Scenic E-Bike Tour in the Mountains

Party bus brewery crawl, the asheville e-bike brewery crawl.

• From $74/person

Beautiful Self Guided Kayaking by the Biltmore

• Starting at $59/person
• 2.5-3.5 Hours

Adventure without the added headaches

 Just pick your speed, and we’ll plan a tour that makes sure everyone in your group has a great time. Whether you’re into rafting, kayaking, tubing, or scenic views, Asheville has plenty to offer. Our local guides are experienced outdoor enthusiasts who are ready to take you on the adventure you surely won’t forget.

Convenient location in Asheville

As the only rafting outfitter in the city, we help you cut down on transportation headaches with an easily accessible location and headquarters.

Adventures without the hassle

We craft the perfect day where every guest has the most incredible experience. We provide the professional equipment and handle the safety.

Exclusive local hotspots & history

Don't fall for another cookie-cutter tour. Our close-knit team of guides each gives their own take on our trips making each experience truly unique.

Laid-back exploring or adrenaline-pumping excitement

Our unique guided E-Bike tours let you in on the city’s best-kept secrets, share with you historic sites, and show you iconic street art in a way only a local can. Our whitewater rafting is a thrilling river voyage that will leave your heart pounding while creating one-of-a-kind memories.

Scenic views, local gems, & beer!

Asheville is the perfect destination If you love microbreweries. As one of the best cities on the east coast for craft beer, our special brewery tours give you the perfect balance of checking out downtown while tasting the unique beers brewed in Asheville.

5 Star Rating on TripAdvisor And Google!

The great time you didn't know you needed

Book your adventure today.

We'll take care of the rest

Asheville Adventure Company Is Permitted By The US Forest Service

Matador Original Series

Floating Down Asheville's River of Beer

I n case you haven’t heard, Asheville is a special place. As Asheville’s star rises on the national stage, it’s gained a reputation for two things above all else: an elite craft brewery scene and access to some of the best mountain recreation east of the Mississippi. Any given weekend, you’re sure to find tourists flocking to downtown breweries and cramming the scenic highways by car. But there’s a way to sample some of the best beers Asheville has to offer, notch an epic adventure, and escape the crowds — all at the same time: Hit the French Broad River. Here’s how.

Take to the river

Photo: Gingo Scott /Shutterstock

Where you’re going, you don’t need roads. The 218-mile French Broad River cuts a winding path through Asheville on its way to the Tennessee river, and thanks to the newly minted French Broad River Paddle Trail, it’s now possible to canoe camp from the river’s headwaters near Brevard all the way to just outside of downtown Asheville. Following this itinerary, you’ll spend three days and two nights on the river, hitting up a different brewery every day — plus a bonus brewery on your last day.

Before you go

Photo: Patrick Cavanaugh

First things first: You’re going to need a boat. The trip goes faster by kayak, but you’re going to need lots of space for all the craft beer you pick up along the way, so it’s best to get a canoe. The best part about canoe camping is just how much stuff you can fit in your boat. When I’ve gone in the past, we’ve brought massive coolers, tents, camping chairs, liquor bottles, camp stoves, hammocks, bratwursts, solar chargers — even a high-powered portable speaker dubbed The Block Rocker. This is not roughing it in the remote backcountry. This is a suntanned, beer-soaked booze cruise, so don’t be bashful!

If you don’t own a canoe, worry not. The folks down at French Broad Outfitters have an armada of boats available for rent, and they happily accommodate multi-day trips, including the shuttle to the put-in. You’ll need to call to make reservations at least one week in advance, and make sure that you already have your campsites booked. Camping is only permitted by reservation at designated campsites through the French Broad River Paddle Trail website.

Camping at Rhodes Ranch for the first night and Firefighter Island for the second night is the best way to break up the mileage and maximize time spent at breweries along the way. Book your campsites at least a month in advance, especially during the summer months. One last thing: In addition to all the camping gear and booze, make sure you pack some trash bags to pick up your empties.

Day 1: shuttle, put-in, Oskar Blues

With 17 miles of paddling plus a brewery tour ahead of you, you’re going to want to get an early start. The shuttle from French Broad Outfitters will leave around 7:00 AM in order to get you to Hap Simpson Park just outside of Brevard by 8:30 AM. Either way, aim to have your canoes loaded up and on the river no later than 9:30 AM. The first five miles of paddling is some of the most technical, and it’s likely you’ll be alone for the ride.

The river is narrower and more choked here than it is closer to town, so you can expect a faster flow, plus overhanging branches, downed trees, and submerged limbs. I lost a fishing rod to an errant branch in 2016 and nearly tipped the canoe on a sunken tree in 2017, so keep your wits about you!

While the going is not so easy in this stretch, the water is quick, and you’ll be at your first take-out in no time. From the Wilson Bridge take-out, it’s only a short walk to Oskar Blues. Founded in Colorado in 2002, Oskar Blues opened its eastern outpost in 2012. Known for its laid-back attitude and cans-only approach to packaging, Oskar Blues is a staple of the region’s burgeoning mountain biking scene. Don’t be surprised to see some gnarly, mud-soaked bikers fresh off some singletrack in nearby Pisgah National Forest.

Head upstairs to the tasting room, or hang out by the outdoor bar and get some grub from the Chub Wagon, the on-site food truck. A burger and fries pairs well with Oskar Blue’s flagship Dale’s Pale Ale, a hopped-up ale with a nicely balanced malt flavor. Take a tour of the brewing facility then grab some easy-drinking Mama’s Little Yella Pils for the river.

Once you’re back on the river, it’s another 12 miles to get to Rhodes Ranch, a large partially wooded site with steps at the river’s edge for ease of access. The woods are perfect for hammock camping or getting a little shelter in case it rains. During the summer months, there should be a couple porta johns on site, so there’s no need to go squatting in the woods. Set up camp, make yourself a fire, and enjoy your first night of camping on the river.

Day 2: Sierra Nevada

With over 20 miles of paddling total, this is the longest day on the river. It’s best to fix a quick and simple breakfast to get out on the water early. You’ll notice the river starts to open up more here, making the paddling less technical. It’s likely you will still be the only ones on the river, so enjoy the sights as you pass through cornfields and cow pastures. You’ll be on the river for 14 miles before you reach Sierra Nevada ’s newly built river access area.

Based out of Chico, California, Sierra Nevada spared no expense when it opened its North Carolina location in 2015. This gorgeous, massive facility includes hiking trails, an outdoor amphitheater, a full-service restaurant, an indoor music venue, a brewing and packaging facility, and even a gift shop. For a beer lover, it’s like some combination of Disneyland, Willy Wonka’s factory, and Hogwarts. This is one of the most visited sites in the Asheville area, so make sure you call a few weeks in advance if you want to take a guided tour.

As tempting as it is to stay in this craft beer paradise, you’ll need to give yourself enough time to paddle seven more miles before sundown, so pick up a six-pack of Torpedo IPA and get back to the boats. As you near Firefighter Island, you’ll notice some highways and shopping malls heralding your approach to the Asheville metropolitan area. Be careful in this stretch; if it hasn’t rained recently the river can be super low and a loaded-down canoe could easily get hung up on the rocks and riffles. Don’t be surprised if you need to exit your canoe and pull it a bit here.

Firefighter Island can feel a little cramped for a group of 10 or more. We had 12 guys with us in 2017, and we took up every bit of flat land there was. But what it lacks in space it makes up for in character, amenities, and proximity to town. A small trail connects four or five campsites along the island, most of which are right on the river, and a picnic table and a composting toilet make life a little bit easier. Plus, when you wake up in the morning, you’ll have one of the easiest paddles of the trip, setting you up for a fantastic finale.

Day 3: Wedge, New Belgium, and the take-out

Photo: Wedge Brewery /Facebook

It’ll be 12 miles of paddling before you reach Asheville. About halfway through the ride, you’ll come upon the iconic Biltmore Estate on your right. The site of the largest private residence in the United States, the Biltmore bites a nearly 11-square-mile chunk out of Asheville. From the river, you’ll spot horseback riders, cow pastures, vineyards, and a glimpse of the famed 250-room chateau itself. Around this time you’ll also notice that you are no longer alone on the river. In the summer especially, this stretch of water becomes thick with boaters, tubers, and fishermen.

You’ll pass under several bridges as you approach Asheville’s River Arts District, an eclectic community of old warehouses and industrial buildings converted into art studios, chic galleries, and trendy restaurants. Scan the other side of the railroad tracks for Wedge Brewing on the right. Take out underneath the bridge and make the short walk across the tracks — watching for trains while you do — up to the brewery.

Occupying a bottom space in a converted studio once used by legendary metal artist John Payne, Wedge Brewing pays homage to the late sculptor through its outdoor patio, which is artfully assembled from salvaged metal, as well as its flagship Payne’s Pale Ale. Pick a seat in the shade, go play some cornhole, or grab a bite from one of the many excellent food trucks on rotation. But don’t fill yourself up yet. There’s still one more brewery to go.

After getting back in the water, it’s just a short float less than a mile downstream to New Belgium Brewing Company . Although you’ll see folks waving to you from the tasting room deck on the left, the take-out is going to be on the right side of the river. After crossing the bridge you’ll find two buildings on site. One is the massive brewing and packing facility, which you can tour — complete with a slide to take you to the bottom floor. The other is the tasting room, dubbed the Liquid Center or LC. In between and all around you’ll find an expansive and beautifully landscaped area complete with Adirondack chairs, cornhole boards, and even a fire pit. While New Belgium’s beers are available nationwide, the Asheville location keeps a few unique small-batch beers on rotation, so grab one from inside and head out to the back deck to wave at your fellow boaters and look back at the river that brought you here.

Once you’ve had your fill of beer, it’s just another couple of miles downriver to French Broad Outfitters, right back where you started three days ago. If you played your cards right you should have a nice tan from your time out in the sun, perhaps a bit of soreness from 55 miles of paddling, and maybe a little beer belly from all the craft brews.

More like this

Trending now, the 9 best hotels inside airports where you can actually rest, steveston village comes alive in spring. here’s how to enjoy it on a trip to richmond, bc., where to play, eat, and stay in cincinnati if you love baseball, bourbon, beer, and more, the 9 best countries for safari vacations around the world, dunkirk is the small city that proves northern france is very much worth a visit, discover matador, adventure travel, train travel, national parks, beaches and islands, ski and snow.

• Most Popular

Floating Bar Crawl Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 4 Hours
• User Ages: 16+

Have Fun on an Asheville Brewery Tour While Floating the French Broad River!

Asheville is known for beer and nature! We combine the two. This is a fun trip to experience brewery hopping in Asheville, NC by raft. We will casually float down river and stop at some local bars and breweries. Your guide, Cody, will have a cooler with ice and you are welcome to bring your own beverages along.

We will relax and enjoy cold beverages and river views. We will stop at a local bar called Cascade Lounge for drinks and then float further down to The Wedge Brewery. We will have time for a beer at each spot and our final destination is New Belgium Brewery where you can relax and enjoy the view with a brew.

Enjoy a group experience for Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, Birthdays, Corporate Team Building, Reunions, and Weddings with a local brewery hopping cruise!

• Chevron down More info

Bar Crawl Tour is catered to adult drinking age but minors can join with their parents. We can accomodate 20 people with 2 rafts. We can accomodate larger groups with ample advance notice.

We recommend parking at New Belgium Brewery and taking an Uber or Lyft to the Hominy Creek River Park. That way you can float back to our final destination. Do not enter through the gates at French Broad Outfitters. We will meet you by the stairs to the river.

• Chevron down Items to Bring:

• Bathing suit or clothes that can get wet • Sunglasses • Sunscreen • Camera • Rain jacket/ light layers (if needed) • Water Shoes • ID for purchasing alcohol • Cash or credit card

• Chevron down What’s Included:

• Professional guide • Commercial raft with paddles • Life Jackets • Cooler with Ice • Rain ponchos

• Chevron down What’s not Included:

• Transportation to and from vehicle • Gratuities for your guide • Alcohol, food, and beverages at stops

• Chevron down Inclement Weather Cancellations:

• If weather presents a safety issue (high water level, strong wind, cold temperature, lightning with 3 miles, heavy rain), we will issue a 100% refund or allow you to reschedule to another time. In the case of bad weather, our guide will contact you at least one hour before the start time to discuss your options. • If there is light rain in the forecast but none at the start of the tour, we will continue with the tour as a little rain will be fine and we have rain ponchos for you. • We will cancel tours if there are dangerous weather conditions, but we will still proceed if there is a chance of inclement weather. We provide all the necessary gear to keep participants comfortable. If you do not want to paddle in light rain or the cold, we encourage you to purchase trip insurance. Trip insurance allows you to cancel your reservation for any reason up until the start time of your tour.

• Chevron down Cancellation Policy:

• Cancel up to 5 days in advance for a FULL refund. If you are unable to attend, we appreciate if you let us know so that we are not delaying the start time of the trip waiting for your arrival. If you cancel less than 5 days and we are able to fill your seat, we will issue a refund. • We will cancel tours if there are dangerous weather conditions, but we will still proceed if there is a chance of inclement weather. We provide all the necessary gear to keep participants comfortable. If you do not want to paddle in light rain or the cold, we encourage you to purchase trip insurance. Trip insurance allows you to cancel your reservation for any reason up until the start time of your tour.

• Chevron down Transportation:
• If you are interested in arranging a shuttle for your group, we have partnered with www.ashevillebrewerytours.com  and they can transport you to and from the river if you need.  Reach out to them at 828-233-5006.  Tell them that you have a tour booked with Cedar Rock Adventures and they will offer you a great rate.
• Our trips start and end at different places. We do not offer transportation to and from the two locations. We start the trip at 220 Hominy Creek Rd at Hominy Creek River Park. We are in the small parking lot outside the gates of French Broad Outfitters. If you have passed through the gates, you have gone too far. If you experience a traffic line when you are almost at the meeting spot it means you are in the right place😊 It’s the county trash transfer station. Our put in is just after it.
• We end at New Belgium Brewery at Craven St.
•  It is a 4 mile walk along the bike path along the river or 10 minute Uber/Lyft ride. We highly recommend waiting until you are safe to drive or hail a rideshare. Your vehicle is also safe to leave overnight at either location. If you have 2 vehicles, then you can set your own shuttle easily. It’s a 10 minute drive between the 2 spots.
• Please arrive at Hominy Creek 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. The most efficient process is to drive a car to the meeting spot. Take the raft tour to New Belgium Brewery and retrieve your car when safe to do so.
• Chevron down Pets:

Pets are not allowed.

Related Activities

• Hour Glass 3.5 Hours

Canoe the river to local craft breweries

Recipe for a perfect day: Floating down an ancient river, cooling your toes in the water, laughing with good friends… all within reach of award-winning breweries serving up fresh craft beverages and tasty treats. Book your canoe brewery tour in Asheville online today!

• Hour Glass 4 Hours

Half Day Hiking Adventure

Experience Asheville and WNC with a 1/2 day hiking excursion. This is a guided hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are several options in the Asheville area to take you to scenic views — let us know what you want to see. Book your hike online!

Home | Food & Drinks | Breweries | 5 Breweries in Asheville You Can Tour

5 Breweries in Asheville You Can Tour

A list of asheville breweries you can tour.

Did you know that there are a handful of beloved Asheville breweries you can tour? And that some are FREE brewery tours!? It’s only fitting given that Asheville is known as Beer City and the Beer Capital of America. Our claim to brewery fame is that we have more breweries per capita than any other city .

What’s so great is that a few of these breweries are happy to lift the curtain to share how the beer is made. You’ll find everything from free brewery tours to $75 in-depth tours. The no-cost brewery tours are at the top of our guide to free things to do in Asheville . It doesn’t get better!

For all you beer enthusiasts or industrial tourism enthusiasts out there, this list is for you!

Read on to see which Asheville brewery favorites offer tours of their production facilities. And one last thing– make sure to wear closed-toed shoes!

If you are excited about touring breweries in Asheville but aren’t sure where to start …

Take the stress out of it and book with City Brew Tours ! They have two different tours to choose from that include transportation to 3-4 breweries, beer samples and even a few bites. Tours start at $75.

Map of Asheville Breweries that offer tours

5 Asheville Breweries You Can Tour

And now onto the list! All of these breweries offer online reservations and we have included links for each.

1. Sierra Nevada Brewery Tours

Sierra Nevada’s Asheville area brewery, located in Mills River, NC is the Taj Mahal of breweries. They offer three tours that go into varying levels of depth of Sierra Nevada history and the beer brewing process. You can reserve a spot for each of these tours online.

Sierra Nevada’s shortest tour is the Brewhouse Tour. This is a basic brewery tour that lasts about 45 minutes , during which you will learn about the entire beer making process, see live production and packaging equipment and finish with a tasting of a few of their beers . Cost for the tour is $9 per person.

The next tour is their Beyond the Pale Tour which goes into more depth about the history of Sierra Nevada in addition to the brewing process and production facility. The tour lasts 90 minutes and includes a sample of nine Sierra Nevada beers along the way. Cost for this tour is $25 per person .

The most in depth tour that Sierra Nevada offers is the Beer Geek Tour , a 3 hour deep dive into how Sierra Nevada operates. The tour limits groups to six people for an intimate experience. Cost for this tour is $75 per person.

2. New Belgium Brewery Tours

Situated on the banks of the French Broad River, New Belgium Brewery calls West Asheville home to its East Coast production operations. They offer several brewery tours of their expansive facility. Check their website for more details and to book your tour!

First and most importantly FREE (!!) is their Tour Teaser . This 45 minute tour takes you through their production facility and includes a sample of their beer. Tour times are daily at 2:00pm and 4:00pm. Tickets are available day of on a first come first serve basis. Oh and did we mention its free !?

Next up is New Belgium’s The Classic Tour . This 90 minute experience goes into more depth about New Belgium’s history and connection to Asheville as well as a full production facility tour. The tour includes a guided flight of beers to show you what New Belgium has to offer. Cost for this tour is $20 per person and reservations are recommended.

For an in depth tour, New Belgium offers their Grain to Glass Tour which they call a production adventure. This 150 minute tour goes behind the scenes and more in depth into the production areas. Tours are limited to 6 people to ensure an intimate experience. Cost for this tor is $75 per person .

New Belgium also offers group tours , so be sure to check their website if you plan to visit with a group!

3. Highland Brewing Tours

Highland Brewing kicked off Asheville’s beer scene in 1991 as the first craft brewery in Asheville (aren’t we thankful for that.)

They offer a 50 minute tour of their brewery that guides guests through their production facility and gives an overview of their history and process. The tour includes samples of 5 beers along the way!

Tours are offered Friday through Sunday. Tickets must be reserved in advance on their website . Cost for the tour is $15 per person.

4. Burial Beer Co. – Forestry Camp Tours

Burial Beer is a beloved local craft brewery in Asheville offering a lineup of mouthwatering brews. Luckily for us they also offer tours of the production brewery in the historic Forestry Camp location.

Their tour is a 60 minute tour in which you will see their process for brewing learn about Burial’s history. Tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 and 3:00pm.

Burial’s tour includes sampling as well as a commemorative glass. Reservations are required, so book online before you go! Cost for the tour is $35 per person .

5. Wicked Weed Brewery Tours

Wicked Weed is another of Asheville’s brewery darlings, establishing themselves as a mainstay in the craft beer scene. They offer a FREE brewery tour at their original brewpub location.

The tour includes a behind the scenes look at the brewpub and includes 3 samples of their delicious beer. You’ll also become the proud new owner of a commemorative Wicked Weed Glass.

Reservations are recommended so don’t forget to reserve a spot online .

Yes, several breweries offer free tours including New Belgium and Wicked Weed.

Articles You May Enjoy

Ultimate Guide To Breweries In South Slope

A roundup of breweries in South Slope. We share which Asheville brewery district spot has food, outdoor seating, flights and more.

14 Breweries With Great Food In Asheville, NC (+ A Map!)

A roundup of breweries in Asheville with great food, from permanent food trucks to breweries with kitchens. We share what to order and more!

Breweries in Downtown Asheville: A Guide By Locals

Your guide to breweries in downtown Asheville, including details on locals beers, food offerings and even the best places for kids.

Disclaimer: Hours, pricing, menus, etc. may have changed since we last updated this post, so make sure to confirm all of this directly prior to visiting any business or attraction listed on our site.

This website contains affiliate links, meaning that we may receive a commission at no cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Popular Articles

Itinerary Ideas

Asheville, nc in spring: your weekend itinerary.

The Asheville Trolley Tour: Everything to know (2024)

Places To Stay

The best hotels in asheville, nc: 16 top picks and why.

Food & Drinks

The 23 best restaurants in asheville.

Share this story

• 11 Classic Charlotte Restaurants That Have Stood the Test of Time
• 13 Hottest Restaurants in Charlotte, April 2024
• Where to Drink in Charleston Right Now, April 2024

16 Standout Asheville Breweries to Visit Now

Take a beer tour in the mountains of North Carolina

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: 16 Standout Asheville Breweries to Visit Now

The mountains are calling and so is the beer. It’s no secret that beer lovers from all over the world travel to the hills of Asheville for one thing — breweries. From big names to neighborhood spots, here are the top 16 breweries to visit in Asheville, North Carolina.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; the latest data about the delta variant indicates that it may pose a low-to-moderate risk for the vaccinated , especially in areas with substantial transmission . The latest CDC guidance is here ; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here .

Zebulon Artisan Ales

Bringing the hip to hipster, Zebulon brewing is only open 1-6 on Friday and Saturday creating the elusive waiting and scheduling game to beer collectors from all over the world. Living in a warehouse in the town of Weaverville, Zebulon Artisan Ales focus on Belgian, French farmhouse, and historical beers. All beers are unfiltered and often never to be seen again as there are no flagship beers consistently available. Plan accordingly while visiting this brewery.

• Open in Google Maps

Zillicoah Beer Co.

Sitting on four acres of riverfront land just two miles outside of Asheville, Zillacoah Beer Company levels up on the brewery views. With specializations in open fermented lagers like the Austrian Gold, as well as farmhouse beers, Zillacoah keeps the traditions of beer brewing while pushing into mixed culture beers.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zillicoah Beer Co. (@zillicoahbeer)

Touted as not just a brewery but a beverage company, Dssolvr focuses on beer while leaving room for other kinds of fermentation. With surreal artwork covering cans and walls and over the top beer names like Blood of My Kin and Conjuring Spirits, Dssolvr brings an edgy taproom to Asheville using both old school and new school methods of brewing.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by DSSOLVR (@dssolvr)

Noble Cider & Mead Downtown

Don’t like beer? Well, maybe this wasn’t the list to read. However, Asheville does have another option. Noble Cidery lives just outside of Asheville in the growing town of Leicester, where the taplines consist of every cider imaginable alongside meads for the adventurous drinker. With ciders and folk art-inspired can designs, Noble Cider brings history and fresh local pressed apples to the masses. Noble Cider also has a taproom and restaurant within the city of Asheville.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Noble Cider Asheville NC (@noble_cider)

Asheville Brewing Company

Pizza and beer just go together. Asheville Brewing Company brings large slices, pretzels, and pub fare to its three locations. With legacy tap lines like the Perfect Day IPA and the Space Dog American Wheat, Asheville Brewing company upgrades patio drinking in Asheville.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@ashevillebrewingco)

Wicked Weed Brewing Pub

This nationwide brewing company houses four locations within the Asheville area. Wicked Weed initially opened in 2012 offering West Coast IPAs and barrel-aged sours, expanding into a sour program with its sister brewery known as the Funkatorium on the South Slope of Asheville. A full kitchen is available, as well as long waits to get in the door for this nationally distributed company. Early arrival is recommended to beat the lines.

Sign up for the newsletter Eater Carolinas

Sign up for our newsletter.

Thanks for signing up!

Check your inbox for a welcome email.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.

Twin Leaf Brewery

Located in the popular South Slope portion of Asheville, Twin Leaf Brewery brings a family friendly atmosphere with giant Jenga sets, foosball, and shuffleboards. Dogs are invited to drink with their owners (water bowls available) both inside or outside. With a heavy American IPA tap list, Twin Leaf Brewery also brews a variety of lagers, sours, and stouts.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Twin Leaf Brewery (@twinleafbeer)

Burial Beer Co.

Burial Beer sits in the South Slope district of downtown Asheville, popular for multiple breweries within walking distance from each other and allowing for easy bar crawl action. With its large murals and empty trucks and cars used as seating, Burial Beer brings a fun atmosphere to complement its award-winning IPAs like the Surf Wax. In addition to the brewery, Burial Beer has opened Forestry Camp , a newer restaurant in Biltmore Village featuring a menu to pair with an extensive beverage menu including its very own Burial Beer.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Burial Beer Co. (@burialbeer)

Also featured in:

Where to Eat and Drink Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

New Belgium Brewing Company

New Belgium Brewing sits along the river in West Asheville with an expansive outdoor area, food trucks daily and brewery tours (on hold for now). Beer lovers and tourists converge daily on this active brewery. Find old faithful New Belgium beers like Fat Tire sitting on the tap line next to other favorites like the Voodoo Ranger IPA or Imperial IPA.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by New Belgium Asheville (@newbelgium_avl)

Wedge Brewing Company

In West Asheville’s river arts district, Wedge Brewing brings an eclectic feel to its tap room. With ample space for food trucks and outdoor seating, Wedge Brewing houses light, hoppy, and specialty beers with two guest tap lines.

Archetype Brewing

Named after the four main ingredients in beer (grain, hops, yeast, and water), Archetype brings the chemistry of brewing to the customers. Archetype Brewing is located in West Asheville with an additional tap room downtown. Core beers like the Commitment Phobia IPA and the Cowboy Poet load the tap lines alongside core rotational, seasonal, small batch, and barrel-aged for every palate.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Archetype Brewing (@archetypebrewingavl)

Cursus Keme

At the back of a dead end lane, Cursus Keme sits behind a fence with an artsy biergarten feel. Walking into the renovated tractor trailer service building, large wooden tables and greenery bring a lush taproom feel. Cursus Keme brings traditional brewing to Asheville with wood-fired brew kettles. A variety of styles are available, including IPAs, lagers, and stouts. Cursus Keme does not plan to distribute, but instead prefers to bring guests into the space to experience the beer.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brouwerïj Cursus Kĕmē (@brouwerijcursuskeme)

New Origin Brewing Company

One of the newest kids on the block, New Origin Brewing, sits right down the lonely street from Curses Keme but is still in the heart of the Biltmore Village. The industrial tap room also houses an outdoor beer garden and food trucks with options to bring both kids and dogs. Look for contemporary beers like Focal Point, a Vienna Lager; Drizzle, a milk stout; and Pickles, a New England-style IPA.

Highland Brewing Company

Touted as the first legal brewery in Asheville, Highland Brewing, started in 1994, is still one of the largest independent and family owned breweries in the Southeast. Highland Brewing sits on 40 acres overlooking the mountains of Asheville, allowing for large gatherings and events. Highland Brewing’s tap line consists of traditional favorites like the Gaelic Ale and the AVL IPA as well as seasonal and limited release options. Often multiple food trucks set up outside the brewery doors to help soak up all those beers.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Highland Brewing Co. (@highlandbrewing)

French Broad River Brewery

Named after the body of water that runs through the heart of the town, French Broad River Brewery sits on the edge of the Biltmore Village. With a newly expanded taproom, year round taps sit next to the seasonal and small batch lines. Live music and special events are held weekly.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by French Broad River Brewery (@frenchbroadriverbrewery)

More in Maps

Hillman beer.

With two outposts, Hillman Beer’s first location sits just outside of the historic Biltmore Village and the second location in the town of Old Fort within the Black Mountain area. Both spots provide a beer-friendly food menu to accompany the Hazy Half-Back IPA or the Four Fat Baby Belgian Quad.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hillman Beer Asheville/Village (@hillmanbeer)

• 12 Newest Brunch Spots in Charleston, April 2024
• 15 Hottest New Restaurants to Check Out in Savannah, April 2024
• 13 Top Spots to Eat and Drink in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Related Maps

Follow eater carolinas online:.

• Follow Eater Carolinas on Twitter
• Follow Eater Carolinas on Facebook
• Follow Eater Carolinas on Youtube
• Follow Eater Carolinas on Instagram

Site search

• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• Philadelphia
• Portland, OR
• San Francisco
• Twin Cities
• Washington DC

* CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR *

Since 2006, Asheville Brews Cruise has taken thousands of beer fans on in-depth tours of Asheville’s brew scene, setting a standard for brewery tours not only in Asheville, but in other great and growing beer cities like Denver, Atlanta, and Charleston. We’ve been featured in Southern Living, The New York Times, and Draft Magazine, to name a few. 😉

Asheville Brews Cruise

Your cart is currently empty!

• Walking Tours
• Mobile Tours
• Private Tours
• Transportation
• Bachelor Parties
• Bachelorette Parties
• Birthday Parties
• Corporate Events
• Special Occasions

Unique Locations Other Tours Don't Visit

Explore asheville's finest breweries.

Experience the exclusive privilege of exploring Asheville's hidden gem breweries, accessible only with Asheville Brewery Tours!

From One World Brewing: "Producing high-quality beverages in a space that nourishes conversation, connections, in collaboration with local artists, musicians, and nonprofits, to create a positive inclusive community as one."

From Twin Leaf Brewery: "Twin Leaf Brewery is a neighborhood bar located on Asheville's South Slope. Specializing in Belgian ales and barrel aged beers, Twin Leaf is a community space with a kid and dog-friendly environment. The brewery supports the area's commitment to environmental stewartship and continued STEM education."

From Catawba Brewing Company: "Catawba is all about good beer, good people and good times. Our beer-tenders are delightful, down-to-earth, decent human beings. No pretentious craft beer snobs here. Come as you are, bring the family, bring the dog, listen to some music, play some games, drink some beer, chill with us. Even if you're a pretentious craft beer snob, you'll like it here."

From New Origin Brewing: "We are a unique taproom and beer garden offering a variety and constantly changing taplist of contemporary and experimental beers. The 7bbl brewery sells on-premise in the taproom and offers cans to go."

From Outsider Brewing Company: "We believe that brewing is extraordinary. It always has been and always will be. We believe that you deserve a personal relationship with the craft and ingredients in the beer you love to drink."

From Wedge Brewing Company: "Wedge Brewery is one of Asheville’s oldest breweries located in the River Arts District. Receives raves for its distinctive ales, lagers, and big Belgium style beers. Beloved by locals and visiting beer aficionados alike, Wedge is a community meeting spot that is welcoming to all.

From DSSOLVR: "While our main focus at DSSOLVR is definitely beer, we'll also be trying our hands at a whole smattering of Wine, Cider, and Mead, as well as non-alcoholic beverages."

From Green Man Brewery: "The Legendary Green Man has existed for centuries but it’s no myth that he’s been brewing great beer in Asheville since 1997. As home to one of North Carolina’s oldest breweries, tasting rooms and sour programs, Green Man has been producing some of the beer scene’s most iconic ales for many years."

From Riverside Rhapsody: "Wandering yet connected, the seed for Riverside Rhapsody Beer Company was planted when Joey Cagle and Mike Vanhoose began home brewing together in the mid 2000’s. In 2012 they entered into the local beer scene to develop their skills and grow their passion into a profession."

From Bold Rock Asheville: "We welcome you to stop on by and enjoy a wide-range of award winning craft cider (brewed just down the road in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains) along with an extensive craft beer line-up and a full bar!

From Hi-Wire Brewing: "Our journey began in the summer of 2013 located in the heart of the South Slope Brewery District. Pop-in to this cozy space and enjoy one of the nation’s only craft breweries to have a speciality program that revolves around both craft lagers and sour beers."

From Urban Orchard Cider Co: "Urban Orchard Cider Co. is a local, family-owned and operated craft cider bar. Here you can experience our one of a kind hard ciders that are produced locally. Cider enthusiasts can expect a variety of choices including three Flagship staples, along with a selection of our rotating seasonal and experimental batches."

From Highland Brewing Company: "Independent and family owned, since 1994. Highland Brewing Company carved the path for Asheville's legendary craft beer scene and proudly roots itself in North Carolina & the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our 40-acre Brewery campus includes our large indoor taproom and patio, outdoor bar & spacious seating areas, hiking trails, sand volleyball courts, a disc-golf course, and private events spaces."

From Ginger's Revenge: "We are a craft brewery specializing in alcoholic ginger beer. All of our products are at least 95% organic and naturally gluten free. Our tasting room and production facility is located in North Asheville, NC and we have a second tasting room located in Asheville's South Slope neighborhood.

From French Broad River Brewery: "Has been brewing quality craft beer in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina since 2000. We were one of the original breweries to shape the craft beer culture that flourishes today in our hometown. Named after the iconic French Broad River, we are continuously inspired by its rolling waters and thriving wildlife. We embody the life and spirit of the river in all that we do."

Explore the Heart of Asheville's Thriving Brew Scene

Our brewery tours are designed for beer lovers, by beer lovers. Enjoy unique experiences, exclusive brewery access, and a fun-filled exploration of Asheville's craft beer landscape. Book your expert-guided brewery tour today and explore Asheville's vibrant beer scene like never before!

• (828) 233-5006
• Asheville, NC 28805
• [email protected]

Powered by Proecho Solutions, the Strategic Asheville Marketing Agency .

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.

• The Asheville Signature Brew Tour
• Bachelor Party Brew Tours
• Bachelorette Party Brew Tours
• Special Occasion Brew Tours
• Corporate Outing Brew Tours
• Conventions & Conferences
• Private Tour Inquiry
• Gift Certificates
• 12 Bones Brewing
• 900 Degreez Pizza
• Archetype Brewing
• Burning Blush Brewery
• Green Man Brewing Co.
• Hi-Wire Brewing
• New Origin Brewing Company
• One World Brewing
• Outsider Brewing
• Our Beer Guides
• Brew Tour Transportation
• Hotel Accommodations
• Become an Affiliate
• Franchise Opportunities
• More Cities
• Monthly Beer Box

Best Experience Ever

"It was a birthday gift to remember. Awesome choices, plenty of time to explore and enjoy the other options available. Our guide was very knowledgeable and I have made changes in what we look for in beers as well as how we drink it - always in a glass. Fun and cool"

Excellent Time Had By All

"The tour was great from beginning to end. Mark was an awesome guide. Perfect man for our group. We really enjoyed his knowledge of beer and history. All the brewery stops were good, but Bantam Cider was my favorite. Will definitely be back!"

History Meets Beer

"This tour was a great way to experience the city of Boston and see what various types of beer it has to offer. The tour guide was very informative and made the overall experience fun and enjoyable. Plus, who doesn't like to sample 15-18 beers in under 6 hours? Will definitely recommend this tour to friends!"

Asheville Breweries

Exploring craft beer in asheville, nc.

Embark on an adventure through Asheville’s renowned beer scene with City Brew Tours. Our dedicated beer experts will guide you through the stories, processes, and flavors of the craft breweries that are responsible for Asheville’s reputation as a major beer city. Explore everything from microbreweries to iconic industry heavyweights—a unique interactive learning experience awaits you at each stop along your craft beer journey.

We went out found some of the best breweries that represent Asheville’s craft beer scene, hand-selecting and building a strong relationship with each affiliate in order to offer you an unforgettable experience! Our expert guides will show you the ins and outs of 3-4 stops during your City Brew Tour, introducing you to these featured brewery affiliates and their craft beer.

Asheville Brewery Tours Led By Craft Beer Experts

Award winning brewery tours, recommended by.

At BREW-ed Brewery Tours, we believe in the power of beer to bring people together. Our tours are the perfect way to celebrate one of the world's oldest beverages with old friends and new. Our team of internationally recognized beer experts will take you on a fun and educational journey through Asheville's breweries while you sample some of the best beers in the country!

Expert led brewery tours, the brew-ed experience, since 2013, we have offered the only brewery tours in asheville led by cicerone certified beer experts. our tours offer an in-depth look at asheville's world renowned craft beer industry. we'll take you behind the scenes of asheville's best breweries as you learn how beer is made. we'll share award winning and small batch beers not available anywhere else. you'll hear the stories behind the pints, and we'll even share some local history along the way, check out our tours.

Skip the brew bus! Downtown Asheville is home to more than a dozen breweries. Our walking tours are the perfect way to experience Asheville’s craft beer culture!

Brewery Tours

Our award winning Asheville brewery tours take you on a journey through beer making and Asheville’s best local breweries.

Private Brewery Tours

Want the undivided attention of a local beer expert? Our private tours let you design the itinerary that works best for you.

Gift Certificates

Brewery tour gift certificates are perfect for any beer lover in your life. Give an experience they’ll always remember!

Tour Asheville's best Breweries

Asheville brewery tours.

Named among the best brewery tours in the world by both  National Geographic Traveler  and TripAdvisor, our walking tours take you behind the scenes of some of Asheville’s best local breweries. You’ll see the brewing process from grain to glass as you sip on delicious local craft beer. You’ll hear the stories behind the pints, and we’ll even share some local history along the way.

What Our Guests Say

Over the years, we've had the pleasure of touring asheville's breweries with thousands of beer lovers. here are some of their thoughts., had a blast on this tour. learned a lot and all the beer was amazing. would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting asheville., google review, we did this tour as part of a bachelorette party and had a blast cliff was awesome and so interactive/informative he made sure our crew was involved and never missed a beat, i have been on many brewery tours and this one surpassed all of them by a factor of 100. if you want to learn about beer and asheville, join this tour, this tour was amazing i love history and beer so it was perfect for my husband and i. he’s a science and beer lover and it was perfect for him as well would recommend to everyone, tripadvisor review.

Customize Your Experience

Visiting Asheville with family, friends or co-workers? BREW-ed offers private brewery tours of Asheville at no additional cost. Get the undivided attention of our expert guides! Private tours are perfect for your family reunion, bachelor party, girls’ weekend, team building activity or whatever else you might have in mind! You choose the day and time, and we’ll take care of the rest! 

brewery tour faq

Are your brewery tours near me? Can I bring my dog, cat, imaginary friend? Check out our FAQ or contact us directly. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to choose the best brewery tour for you!

Gift Certificates AVAILABLE

Brewery Tour Gift Certificates are perfect for the beer lovers in your life. They never expire, and they’re always the right size!

Award Winning Brewery Tours of Asheville, NC led by craft beer experts.

Quick Links

Get in touch.

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 828-278-9255
• Address: 70 Woodfin Place #103 Asheville, NC 28801

© BREW-ed LLC

3 Hour Brewery Bus Guided Tour in Asheville

• 10-12 Beers = 48-60 oz
• Bottled water
• Local, light snacks provided
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Green Man Brewery, 27 Buxton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA We meet on the top floor of Greenman Brewery located at 27 Buxton Ave Asheville, NC 28801. You'll have the option of using stairs or taking elevators to our meeting location which overlooks the brewhouse facility.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Green Man Brewery 27 Buxton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA We meet on the top floor of Greenman Brewery located at 27 Buxton Ave Asheville, NC 28801. You'll have the option of using stairs or taking elevators to our meeting location which overlooks the brewhouse facility. See address & details
• 1 Green Man Brewery Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 2 Dirty Jack’s Stop: 45 minutes See details
• 3 Hi-Wire Brewing - Big Top Stop: 45 minutes See details
• 4 Wedge at Foundation Stop: 45 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• P752WXkylef 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Bachelor party Couldn’t have been a better experience on the DGBB. Driver showed up on time, drove safely to all of our stops! Even chimed in with some good jokes and local historical references. Would highly recommend for any decent sized party or event Read more Written September 12, 2023
• Quest05670021926 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing and unforgettable experience We rented the Damn Good Beer Bus for a bachelor party golf outing. From the start, it was unforgettable. We were able to enjoy the views of Asheville, listen to music, and toast some delicious local beers while in the capable hands of Jonathan and his staff. This was a 5 star experience from start to finish. We'll be back for sure. Thanks! Read more Written September 12, 2023
• L1197VEkerryc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect for a Bachelor Party We rented out the beer bus for a bachelor party and could not recommend this company enough. The bus was clean and comfortable and our driver, Jonathan was a friendly and consummate professional. We had an absolute blast and will definitely be using them again the next time we’re in the Asheville area! Read more Written September 12, 2023
• joe7381 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing service and people What an amazing time. Top notch service with a fantastic tour guide/driver. Highly recommend using the Damn Good Beer Bus with all of your brewery loving friends! Read more Written August 16, 2023
• 743clarissal 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Brewery Bus! Such a fun time! Great experience and had the best driver! Highly recommend going on this brewery bus! Read more Written July 31, 2023

More to explore in Asheville

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

3 Hour Brewery Bus Guided Tour in Asheville provided by Damn Good Beer Bus