Asheville has become one of the premier craft beverage destinations in the United States, thanks to its vibrant brewery scene, scenic river surroundings, and quirky local culture. Unlike many tourist spots that rely on generic wine tastings or cookie-cutter brewery visits, Asheville’s tours stand out because of their authentic, in-depth experiences. Whether you’re eager to learn about local brewing techniques, float down the French Broad River with a beer in hand, or hear ghost stories at haunted pubs, Asheville offers a variety of outings to suit different tastes. The city’s mix of small, independent breweries and lively storytelling makes it a perfect place to explore with a drink in hand.
You’ll find tours that focus on behind-the-scenes brewery access, floating adventures combining nature and beer, and even spooky nighttime pub crawls. Many tours feature local guides with a passion for Asheville’s rich brewing culture or eerie history, ensuring a memorable experience. If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a history lover, or someone looking for a relaxing day on the water, Asheville’s drinking tours deliver genuine experiences that are fun, educational, and uniquely local.
1. Asheville Signature Guided Brewery Tour
At number one on our list, the Asheville Signature Guided Brewery Tour offers a comprehensive look at Asheville’s thriving beer scene. This 3.5-hour tour takes you behind the scenes at three top breweries—Green Man, DSSOLVR, and One World Brewing—each known for their craft innovation. The tour includes sampling up to 12 different beers, paired with a tasty snack to balance out the rich flavors. It’s perfect for those who want a structured, educational experience combined with plenty of tasting opportunities.
What makes this tour stand out is its intimate, guided approach. You’ll learn about the brewing process from the experts, see the production areas up close, and dive into Asheville’s local beer culture. Guests rave about the enthusiastic guides, with reviews highlighting the personalized attention and eclectic beer selection. For $105 per person, you get a well-paced experience that balances education, tasting, and fun. The small group size makes this ideal for those wanting a conversational, engaging tour with local flavor.
Bottom line: This tour offers a deep dive into Asheville’s craft scene, perfect for beer geeks and first-timers who want an insider’s perspective.
2. Floating Bar Crawl Tour
Equally popular is the Floating Bar Crawl Tour, which combines Asheville’s scenic beauty and lively drinking spots on a relaxing float down the French Broad River. Over approximately four hours, you’ll float on a raft with a cooler, making stops at some of Asheville’s best breweries, including New Belgium. The float itself is a highlight, offering a laid-back way to enjoy the outdoors with friends while sipping beer and enjoying river views.
The tour emphasizes comfort and a small-group vibe, with a maximum of 12 travelers. Guests love the combination of adventure and chill time, with reviews mentioning the friendly guides, the chance to see a bald eagle, and the opportunity to explore multiple breweries without the pressure of a typical bar crawl. The stops include Wedge at Foundation, known for craft beer, and the iconic New Belgium Brewing, with food trucks available at the end.
Practical for those who want to combine outdoor activity with local beer tasting, this tour offers excellent value at $90 per person. It’s perfect for active travelers who enjoy nature, socializing, and a relaxed pace.
Bottom line: The float adds a unique outdoorsy twist to Asheville’s bar scene, making it a top choice for adventure lovers and water enthusiasts.
3. Premier Mobile Guided Brewery Tour Around Asheville
At number three, the Premier Mobile Guided Brewery Tour Around Asheville offers a personalized, mobile experience that takes you to three different breweries in comfort and style. This tour is ideal for travelers wanting to avoid walking between spots or those who prefer a curated, chauffeur-driven experience. The breweries change daily, ensuring a fresh look at Asheville’s ever-evolving beer landscape.
Your local guide will take you behind the scenes at each stop, with insights into the brewing process and recommendations on what to try. Sampling three different beers at each location, you’ll cover a variety of styles—from IPAs to stouts—while learning about the city’s brewing culture. The tour’s reviews praise Jason’s knowledge and the opportunity to explore multiple breweries without the hassle of organizing transportation.
At $99, this tour offers great value, especially for those seeking a relaxed, informative outing with local experts. It’s suitable for small groups and those with limited mobility who want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a guided, all-in-one brewery experience without the walking or logistics.
4. Premier Walking Guided Brewery Tour Through Downtown Asheville
Next up is the Premier Walking Guided Brewery Tour, which immerses you directly in Asheville’s city center. This 3-hour stroll explores a curated selection of breweries on foot, allowing you to appreciate Asheville’s lively atmosphere and diverse beer styles. The guide will introduce you to the city’s brewing characters, explaining how Asheville’s culture influences its beers.
Guests enjoy the lively, personal experience, with reviews highlighting how guides like Kevin and Jason made the afternoon both fun and educational. The tour offers a variety of tastings at each stop, giving insight into what makes Asheville’s beer scene so special—such as the creative approaches of local brewers. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see the city, sip local beers, and learn about Asheville’s beer history in a relaxed setting.
Costing $69, it’s a good mid-range option that balances affordability with intimacy. The walking pace is manageable, and the small group size enhances interaction and personalized attention.
Bottom line: This tour combines city exploration with authentic beer tasting, best suited for those who want a deeper connection to Asheville’s brewing soul.
5. Asheville: Terrors, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
For those interested in Asheville’s spooky side, the Terrors, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl offers a mix of ghost stories and local drinks. This 2-hour walking tour takes you through some of Asheville’s most historic and haunted bars, sharing tales of spirits, prohibition, and tragic deaths that still linger in the walls.
Led by guides like Holly, the tour includes stops at notable locations like Pack’s Tavern and the S&W Market, where you can enjoy drinks at your own expense. The storytelling is lively, with participants noting how entertaining and informative Holly and other guides are, making the ghost stories come alive. The tour is perfect for history buffs or anyone intrigued by the paranormal, with a lighthearted approach to Asheville’s darker tales.
Priced at $30, it’s an affordable way to combine storytelling, history, and a few drinks. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a spooky twist to their night out and aren’t shy about sharing ghostly tales.
Bottom line: A fun, spooky experience perfect for those who like a little ghostly mystery with their drinks.
6. Asheville: Expert-Led Brewery Walking Tour with Beer Samples
The Expert-Led Brewery Walking Tour is a concise, 3-hour tour led by a certified craft beer expert. With only two reviews, it’s a specialized experience for those who want in-depth knowledge about Asheville’s breweries, including how beers are made and the raw ingredients used. The guide will take you through downtown Asheville’s best breweries, sharing insights that deepen your appreciation for craft brewing.
Guests rave about Jason’s extensive knowledge, including behind-the-scenes access and discussions about the brewing process. The tour features tastings at three breweries, with a focus on education and local culture. While small in scale, it’s a high-quality experience suited for serious beer enthusiasts or those curious about the technical side of brewing.
At $65, the tour is a good value considering the personalized expertise and exclusive tasting access. Its intimate size makes it ideal for serious beer lovers who want a detailed understanding of Asheville’s brewing craft.
Bottom line: This tour is best for those who want to learn the technicalities of brewing while sampling some of Asheville’s finest beers.
7. Asheville Terrors Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl
This second haunted pub crawl, Asheville Terrors Boos and Brews, offers a slightly different haunted experience. Starting from Wedge Brewery, it takes you through Asheville’s most historic spots, with tales of spirits, murders, and ghostly legends. The small group size means you’ll get a more personal, storytelling-focused experience.
Guides like Holly and Dustin make the stories come alive, sharing tales of Asheville’s haunted past while you visit several iconic bars. You’re free to purchase drinks at each location, adding flexibility to your evening. The reviews emphasize the fun and engaging storytelling, with many mentioning how much they enjoyed the mix of history and spooky stories.
At $27, it’s an affordable, lively way to experience Asheville’s darker history. Perfect for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, ghost stories, and a casual night with drinks.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a fun, spooky evening with plenty of local color and ghostly tales.
8. Asheville: Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack
Finally, the Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack offers a classic introduction to Asheville’s beer scene. Over four hours, you’ll visit three breweries or cider houses with VIP access, sampling up to 12 different beverages. The tour includes a tasty pretzel to help soak up the beer, making it perfect for those who want a relaxed, social experience.
This tour emphasizes the inner workings of each brewery, with guides sharing local history and brewing secrets. Round-trip transportation adds convenience, especially for those unfamiliar with Asheville’s layout. The reviews mention the friendly guides and the quality of the tastings, making it a solid choice for newcomers and those wanting a leisurely, informative experience.
At $99, this offers good value considering the length, access, and included snack. It’s suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at Asheville’s craft scene in a comfortable setting.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, fun tour that combines education, sampling, and socializing for all levels of beer lovers.
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Asheville
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and what kind of experience excites you most. If you’re interested in a deep dive into brewing techniques, the Premier Mobile Guided Brewery Tour is ideal. For scenic outdoor fun, the Floating Bar Crawl offers a relaxing float with plenty of beer stops. If history and ghost stories intrigue you, the haunted pub crawls are a fun, spooky choice, with options at different price points.
Book early, especially during peak seasons, as these tours are popular and often fill up. Think about whether you prefer walking, driving, or floating—each provides a different way to experience Asheville’s beer and bar scene. For those new to craft beer, the guided tours with VIP access are excellent, while seasoned enthusiasts might appreciate the behind-the-scenes insights or the comprehensive mobile experience.
Final Thoughts
Asheville’s drinking tours cover a broad spectrum—from beer education and outdoor adventures to haunted tales and city walks. Two standout options are the Asheville Signature Guided Brewery Tour for its balanced mix of education and tasting, and the Floating Bar Crawl Tour for its unique river float combined with visits to top breweries. Whichever you choose, booking early helps secure your spot in these popular experiences. Cheers to discovering Asheville’s best with a glass in hand!