new belgium brewery asheville tour

• 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!"

Visit New Belgium Asheville

Top 5 reasons to visit new belgium asheville.

Are you planning a trip to Asheville, NC, and wondering which breweries to add to your itinerary? Look no further than New Belgium Brewing Asheville ! Founded in 2016, this brewery has quickly become a staple in the Asheville beer scene . Here are five reasons why you should make sure to visit the New Belgium Asheville tap room.

1. Unique Beer Selection

New Belgium Brewery Asheville is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and diverse beer selection. Though New Belgium Brewery is known worldwide for its famous Fat Tire ale , the brewery has a wide variety of beers that cater to different tastes and preferences, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

One of the most popular beers at New Belgium Brewery is the Citradelic Tangerine IPA. This beer is a combination of tangerine peel and citrusy hops, making it a refreshing and unique IPA. It has a bright, tropical flavor that is perfect for those who enjoy a fruity and hoppy beer.

Another popular beer at the brewery is the La Folie Sour Brown Ale. This beer is aged in oak barrels for one to three years, giving it a complex and tart flavor. It has a distinct sourness that is balanced by a hint of sweetness, making it a popular choice among sour beer enthusiasts.

The New Belgium Asheville tap room also offers a range of other beers, including seasonal and limited edition brews. Some of the seasonal beers include the Spring Blonde Ale, which is a light and refreshing beer that is perfect for warmer weather, and the Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA, which is a hoppy and flavorful IPA with a higher alcohol content. The limited edition beers change regularly and are only available for a short period, making them a must-try for beer enthusiasts.

In addition to their unique and diverse beer selection, New Belgium Brewery also offers flights that allow visitors to sample a variety of beers. You can choose from pre-selected flights or create your own, ensuring that you get to taste a range of different beers.

Overall, New Belgium Asheville’s unique beer selection is a major draw for beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs or sour beers, there is a beer for you at New Belgium Brewery. With their commitment to quality and creativity, the brewery is constantly innovating and coming up with new and exciting beers to try.

Need to Know: Go behind the scenes at more of Asheville’s best breweries with an all-inclusive City Brew Tour .

City Brew Tours Asheville takes guests on VIP-level tours to breweries all around Asheville. These tours include meal stops and round-trip transportation, so you can soak in the suds and enjoy Asheville’s legendary craft beer scene.

2. Sustainability Practices

New Belgium Brewery is not only known for its delicious beers but also for its commitment to sustainability. The brewery has been dedicated to sustainable practices since it was founded in 1991 and has been a leader in the craft beer industry in this regard.

One of the most impressive sustainability practices at New Belgium Brewery is their use of renewable energy . The brewery is powered by a 200-kilowatt solar array, which provides about 15% of the brewery’s electricity needs. In addition, they also use methane from their wastewater treatment plant to power their boilers, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.

New Belgium Brewery also focuses on reducing their water consumption. They have implemented water-saving measures such as installing low-flow toilets and urinals, using a closed-loop cooling system, and reusing water in their brewing process. They have also partnered with local farmers to use their spent grains as animal feed, reducing waste and supporting local agriculture.

Another sustainability practice at New Belgium Brewery is their focus on packaging. They use recyclable aluminum cans and have also implemented a can recycling program to reduce waste. In addition, they have reduced the weight of their bottles, making them more efficient to transport and decreasing their carbon footprint.

The brewery also prioritizes sustainable transportation. They encourage their employees to bike to work by offering incentives such as a bike-share program and a bike commuter subsidy. They also offer electric vehicle charging stations for visitors to use.

3. Beautiful Location

The New Belgium Asheville tap room is located in a beautiful spot, making it a destination not only for beer enthusiasts but also for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. The brewery is situated on a 17-acre plot of land in the River Arts District , just a short distance from downtown Asheville.

One of the highlights of the brewery’s location is its stunning views. The brewery’s expansive outdoor patio offers panoramic views of the French Broad River, which is a popular spot for water activities such as kayaking and tubing. Visitors can sit back, relax, and enjoy a beer while taking in the picturesque scenery.

The brewery’s location also offers easy access to nearby hiking trails. The nearby Bent Creek Experimental Forest offers over 30 miles of trails for visitors to explore, with options ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes. These trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests and are a great way to work up an appetite for a beer tasting.

In addition, New Belgium Asheville is located in the heart of the River Arts District, which is known for its vibrant arts scene. Visitors can explore local galleries and studios and watch artists at work, making for a unique and cultural experience.

4. Brewery Tours

One of the most popular activities at New Belgium Asheville is the brewery tour . The brewery offers a variety of tour options for visitors to choose from, each providing a unique and informative experience.

One of the most popular tours is the “Signature Tour,” which offers an in-depth look at the brewing process and the history of New Belgium Brewery. Visitors will learn about the brewery’s commitment to sustainability, as well as the various ingredients and techniques used to make their delicious beers. The tour also includes a guided tasting of some of the brewery’s flagship beers.

For those who want a more hands-on experience, the brewery also offers a “Liquid Center Tour” that allows visitors to create their own custom beer blend. This tour starts with a tasting of various base beers and then guides visitors through the process of blending their own unique creation. Visitors can then take their custom blend home with them as a souvenir.

In addition to these tours, New Belgium Brewery Asheville also offers private tours and group tours for those looking for a more personalized experience. These tours can be customized to meet the specific interests and needs of the group.

5. Community Involvement

New Belgium Asheville has a long history of supporting the local community through various initiatives and partnerships.

One of the ways in which the brewery supports the community is through its philanthropic efforts . They have established the New Belgium Family Foundation, which provides funding and support to a variety of nonprofit organizations in the area. The foundation focuses on supporting organizations that promote environmental sustainability, social justice, and cultural diversity.

In addition to their philanthropic efforts, New Belgium Asheville also supports the local community through partnerships with local organizations. They have partnered with organizations such as Asheville on Bikes, the River Arts District, and the Greenway Foundation to support their efforts to improve the local community and environment.

The brewery also prioritizes hiring locally and supporting the local economy. They work with local farmers and suppliers whenever possible and offer job opportunities to members of the local community.

Another way in which New Belgium Brewery Asheville supports the community is through their community events. They host a variety of events throughout the year, including live music performances, food truck festivals, and fundraisers for local organizations. These events bring the community together and provide a platform for local artists and musicians to showcase their talents.

New Belgium Asheville is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves beer, beautiful scenery, and sustainable practices. With their unique beer selection, commitment to sustainability, beautiful location, brewery tours, and community involvement, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to add New Belgium Brewery to your list of Asheville breweries to visit on your next trip to North Carolina.

Canoe the river to local craft breweries

Quick details.

• Hour Glass Duration: 3.5 Hours
• User Ages: 18+

Make a Splash with a Canoe Brewery Tour in Asheville!

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.

We start by meeting near Asheville’s River Arts District, where your canoeing gear and friendly guide await. Canoe on a navigable but adventurous section of the French Broad River, where one of the oldest rivers on the planet passes by some of the best spots in “Beer City USA.”

We’ll paddle up to a variety of Asheville’s best breweries, eateries, funky riverside bars, and wading pools. Each trip will vary based on the weather, what is open, and what the folks in your group enjoy most. Most trips include two breweries, a couple of eating options, and depending on the day, a bonus brewery or winery. Non-drinkers will have plenty of sight-seeing options nearby as well.

We require a four person minimum. We are dog friendly for our canoe trips so feel free to bring your furry friend. A dog PFD is recommended.

• 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 • 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

Dogs are allowed.

Related Activities

• Most Popular
• Hour Glass 4 Hours

Floating Bar Crawl Tour

Experience Asheville, NC with a guided rafting tour of the French Broad River! Have fun brewery hopping in Asheville, NC while casually floating down river. Book your floating bar crawl tour online today!

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!

New Belgium Asheville Brewery Tour

Categories North Carolina , Travel

Earlier this summer I went on a wheat and dairy farm tour in western NC.

Not only did we get to tour a dairy farm, a wheat farm, a MilkCo production facility, explore local Asheville restaurants AND stay in downtown bed and breakfasts – we also were able to eat (and drink!) things that included wheat and dairy.

What kind of wheat do you drink? BEER.

New Belgium brewery was probably my favorite stop on this whole trip!

I’m not even a huge beer drinker, but our tour guides (Mike & Mike) were AWESOME, friendly, hilarious, genuine people. I simply love when people enjoy what they do and believe in what they (and their company) stands for.

The biggest message I got through my head during this tour was that New Belgium brewery cares about sustainability .

Everything from their “trifecta of LEED certifications ” down to collecting steam from one processing vessel to use as water later. Their logo is even a BIKE – a fitting symbol, no?

Random fact: They also do small brew testing for new brands, and for their small batches they work with the local River Bend malt house. (A “small batch” starts at 16-17 full size kegs.)

New Belgium Brewing started in Colorado, so when they opened the location up in Asheville they faced a challenge I never even thought about – they had to start by making their most popular beer, Fat Tire , taste the same as it does in Colorado.

Consistency of product is very important, and things like environment, different elevation, and even the water all affect it! Who knew?

This Western Carolina Livestock sign is made up of old photograph shots of the 17 acres that they are now occupying. (Note to self: home decor idea!)

And from there – take the slide, not the stairs.

A trinket from each employee. (I was sworn to secrecy which one was contributed by our guide.)

The cellar is where all the magic happens.

“That’s Bonesy! Bonesy don’t do anything!” (Told you they have fun.)

We got the exclusive “deck view” of the beer production line.

And that’s me, picking a beer off the line, not looking at the right camera.

If you want to work at New Belgium Brewery – good luck! Our tour guide Mike joked that he got his job way before there were 400 applicants per opening.

Some of their employee perks: At your 5-year anniversary, you get a trip to Belgium! After 10 years, you can take a 4-week sabbatical anywhere you want. They also give their employees a bike (surprised?), and a 12-pack of choice per week.

They also have a “taste master” program, where you can give feedback on their brews.

I don’t have any idea why there’s a tiger jumping out of the Fat Tire sign but this picture was too perfect not to include.

Asheville is apparently known as the “Beermuda triangle” with more beer brewed per capita than any other city. Beer city!

So while there are many choices to get your drink on in Asheville, you should definitely check out New Belgium brewery. Their tours are about 90 minutes long and free. There has never been a script, so they are all different depending on your tour guide! There is also a paid private tour available.

They also have an area where you can just hang out, drink a beer and enjoy their beautiful views. So if you’re ever in the Asheville area, hit them up!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

carsbikesyou.com

Thursday 20th of September 2018

You should take part in a contest for one of the highest quality websites online. I most certainly will recommend this website!

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.

15 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.

• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Highest Peaks
• Music Festivals
• Music Venues
• Live Music Events
• Music Stores
• Visitor Information
• Getting Here
• Getting Around
• Parking Information
• Visitors Guide
• Arts Attractions
• Historic Attractions
• Indoor Games & Entertainment
• Movies & TV
• Nature Attractions
• Birding & Wildlife
• Golf & Tennis
• Guides & Outfitters
• Horseback Riding
• Spectator Sports
• Water Sports
• Winter Sports
• Clothing & Jewelry
• Crafts & Fine Arts
• Farmers Markets
• Outlets & Shopping Centers
• Biltmore Village
• Black Mountain
• River Arts District
• Weaverville
• West Asheville
• Specialty Shops
• Toys & Children’s Stores
• Cinema & Film
• Galleries & Studios
• Performing Arts
• Spas & Wellness
• Brewery, Winery, & Distillery
• Concierge Services
• Black Cultural Heritage Trail
• Black Asheville
• Weekly Fall Color Report
• Scenic Drives
• Pet-Friendly
• Itineraries
• Things to Do This Weekend
• Submit an Event
• Hotels & Resorts
• Cabins & Cottages
• Bed & Breakfast Inns
• Campgrounds & Hostels
• 12 Bones Smokehouse
• 67 Biltmore
• Addison Farms Vineyard
• Asheville Distilling Company
• Biltmore Coffee Traders
• Blue Ridge Food Ventures
• Burial Beer Co.
• The Cantina
• Carolina Bison
• Chai Pani, Botiwalla & Spicewalla
• The Chocolate Fetish
• Corner Kitchen & Chestnut
• Farm & Sparrow and All Souls Pizza
• Gan Shan Station
• Green Sage Cafe
• French Broad Chocolate Lounge
• Hickory Nut Gap Farm
• Highland Brewing Company
• Isa’s Bistro
• Jerusalem Garden Cafe
• Little Pigs BBQ
• The Lobster Trap
• Luella’s Bar-B-Que
• The Market Place
• No Taste Like Home
• Omni Grove Park Inn
• Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack
• Rosetta’s Kitchen
• Short Street Cakes
• Sunburst Trout Farms
• Sunny Point Café
• Tupelo Honey Cafe
• Urban Orchard Cider Co.
• Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian
• Vortex Doughnuts
• Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe
• Wicked Weed Brewing
• Biltmore Park
• Historic Biltmore Village
• All Asheville Restaurants
• Wine & Craft Beverage
• Food Adventures & Culinary Experiences
• Farms & Farmers Markets
• Moderate Hikes
• Difficult Hikes
• Asheville Hike Finder
• Great Smoky Mountains
• Pisgah National Forest
• DuPont State Forest
• Chimney Rock State Park
• Grandfather Mountain
• Mount Mitchell
• Gorges State Park
• Attractions & Adventures
• Hike Finder Tool
• Responsible Travel
• Biltmore Packages
• Lodging Packages
• Lodging Deals
• Attraction/Experience Offers
• New Belgium Brewing
• 21 Craven Street
• Asheville, NC 28806
• Phone: (828) 299-7608
• Region: River Arts District
• Visit Website

Our Asheville tasting room (we call it the Liquid Center, or LC.) We are located at 21 Craven St. Hours are Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Stop by for a pint, taster, growler fill or schwag. If you're allergic to crowds, we suggest visiting us on a Tuesday. Visit our website to book a tour, see the food truck schedule, as well our beer line-up.

Paddling Film Festival World Tour Screening in Asheville, NC benefiting MountainTrue and the French Broad Riverkeeper

• Thursday, August 22, 2024
• Location: New Belgium Brewing
• Address: 21 Craven Street, Asheville, NC 28806
• Times: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

MountainTrue is excited to bring a showing of the Paddling Film Festival World Tour to Asheville, North Carolina on August 22, 2024! Organized by … more

• Buy Tickets

For Visitors

For Planners

For Partners

Share this story

• 13 Essential Spots to Eat Brunch in Charleston
• 11 Hottest New Restaurants to Check Out in Savannah, July 2024
• Top 10 Raleigh Coffee Shops for a Jolt of Caffeine

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)

• 9 Newest Brunch Spots in Charleston, July 2024
• Where to Drink in Charleston Right Now, July 2024
• 11 Asian Restaurants Outside of Savannah’s Historic District Worth The Drive

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

BrilliantStream

New Belgium Asheville begins public brewery tours

September 2, 2016

New Belgium Brewing Company’s Asheville brewery, which has been producing beer since this past spring, begins offering scheduled public tours Friday, Sept. 2. It is the general public’s first opportunity to book a tour and see inside this highly anticipated brewery.

New Belgium’s free tours run daily on the half hour and reservations are necessary. Starting Friday, September 2, you can  book a tour here .

Brilliant Stream tours the Asheville brewery

Last week, Brilliant Stream participated in media day tours at the facility and found it most impressive. Taking the New Belgium tour would be a worthy adventure for any beer fan or beer novice. Beer fans will especially appreciate the multiple beer stops along the tour route.

On the typical brewery tour, you have to see all the insides of the brewery first before you get to visit the taproom and sample some brews. At New Belgium Asheville, you sample at several tasting stations along the way—inside the brewery—and you still get dropped off in the main taproom at the end. It’s a great concept.

All tours begin at the Liquid Center. Inside the center you’ll find a large room with lots of beer-on-tap, tables, chairs, packaged beer to take home, growler filler, logo merchandise, and a nice outdoor patio with seating overlooking the French Broad River.

While you are waiting for your tour to start, you can purchase a glass of brew and relax for a bit. The huge selection lets you choose from every New Belgium beer that is currently available.

From the Liquid Center your tour leader will guide you over a winding path to the main brewery building. You can’t take glasses of beer out of the Liquid Center over to the brewery. But don’t worry, New Belgium will take care of you in just a few minutes.

The brewery itself is a thing of beauty. All aspects, from the landscaping and architecture to the brewing equipment and tasting stations, show great attention to detail.

As you approach the brewery building, you’ll notice three tall, shiny metal tanks sitting out on the left. These are a special heat capturing and transferring mechanism for energy conservation. They are indicative of New Belgium’s commitment to sustainability.

Entering the building, the first stop is a large room containing the brewhouse. It’s made up of four big stainless steel vessels: mash tun, later tun, brew kettle, and whirlpool.

Here’s a close-up photo of the colorful tile work at the base of the tanks. Absolutely beautiful. Click on it to see a larger image. It is all totally custom. A local artist made the tiles from scratch and installed them in a pattern inspired by a hop cone.

Alex Dwoinen, Brewing Manager, New Belgium Asheville, is the main man responsible for overseeing the brewing program operation.

The Asheville brewery has a production capacity of 500,000 barrels annually. Add that capacity to the Fort Collins, Colorado brewery, and New Belgium’s total capacity is roughly 1.5 million barrels a year.

Your first special treat is the brewhouse tasting station where you get to sample your initial tour beers.

Next, you traverse through stairways and corridors where you see all the key workings of the brewery, except for the outdoor fermentation tanks. The tour guides are well-versed in brewery details and can answer just about any question you throw at them.

The main control room is filled with computer equipment. From there, most all brewery activities can be monitored and controlled.

Brewery workers truly cover all the bases, including keeping the viewing windows sparkling clean.

Soon, you get to the mid-tour tasting station that appears as if you are right outside the ‘t Brugs Beertje cafe in Bruges, Belgium. They say that’s where the New Belgium founders first got their inspiration for the beer they would make. Daisy Claeys is surely proud and happy about the free advertisement.

Quality assurance is a key component of a large craft brewery operation. New Belgium’s laboratories are first-rate.

The packaging room is massive. Kegs, cans, and bottles are all filled, labeled, and packed up for storage here, awaiting shipping. The bottling line can process 480 bottles per minute.

Opposite the packaging room window is the next tasting station. You won’t want for beer samples on this tour. This bar is constructed with many reclaimed materials.

To get a good look at the large outdoor fermentation tanks, you have to walk around the outside of the brewery building.

An emphasis on artwork

Art is displayed all around the brewery facilities. Much of the furnishings and the bar in the Liquid Center were also locally produced. Ninety percent of the artists and crafts people who made the art live within 5 miles of the brewery.

Much of the artwork, fixtures, and furnishing include materials reclaimed from the old livestock market that originally sat on the space now taken over by the brewery.

Though not done by a local artist, this cow was pretty amazing.

While you can sample and purchase all of New Belgium’s current portfolio in the Liquid Center, most of the beers are not yet brewed here. As of last week, the Asheville brewery was only producing three of New Belgium’s many beers. Fat Tire has been brewed here since April 2. Ranger IPA was the second beer produced here, and Citradelic, the third. They will phase in production of additional beers over the coming months until all most if not all the core brands and seasonals will be brewed here (as well as in Colorado). Some of the last beers that might be made in Asheville are the sour beers and the Lips of Faith Series. No timetable has been announced for producing additional beers.

Another great reason for a road trip

All in all, this is definitely another don’t miss stop on an Asheville visit—whether or not you are a beer fan. They do a great jobs of telling the story of New Belgium beer. And an interesting story it is. This brewery tour is another compelling reason to get over to Asheville again.

New Belgium Asheville

Liquid Center 21 Craven St. Asheville, NC

Hours are Monday-Saturday from 11 A.M.–8 P.M. and Sunday from 12 P.M. – 8 P.M.

The free tours take approximately 90 minutes and can be booked, first come-first served, here:  http://www.newbelgium.com/Brewery/asheville. For your tour, you should wear closed-toed shoes for safety.

New Belgium Brewing Company is an employee-owned business headquartered in Fort Collins, CO. It’s 800 employee-owners just celebrated the brewery’s 25th anniversary.

Share this:

Discover more from brilliantstream.

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Type your email…

About author:-

Charles Bockway

Writer/publisher, mostly about craft beer and other beverages from a West Virginia perspective

Leave a comment. Let other West Virginia beer lovers know what you think. Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Search Our Archives

Subscribe to posts.

Enter your email address to subscribe and receive notifications of new posts.

Enter Email Address

Recent Posts

• 10 years in WV beer – CBC Edition
• Local wines at Art & Craft Fair
• First-ever West Virginia Moonshine Festival
• Bridge Brew hits July with celebration & new bar license
• Family brings Köerber Beer to WV market

Our Podcast

BrilliantStream.com  Rights reserved. © 2024

WordPress Di Multipurpose Theme

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading