Charlotte’s thriving craft beer scene isn’t just about the beer — it’s about the experience. With its mix of innovative breweries, lively neighborhoods, and unique tour options, Charlotte offers something for every beer lover. Whether you prefer a guided tour with a sit-down meal, a fun bus ride with live music, or a private outing with friends, this city’s brewery tours provide a great way to explore local flavors and meet fellow enthusiasts.
The city’s combination of modern breweries and historic districts makes for unforgettable outings. Some tours focus on education and tasting, while others add live music and energetic transport. No matter your style, you’ll find a tour that fits your interests. And since Charlotte is known for its friendly, laid-back vibe, these tours keep the experience relaxed and enjoyable.
Quick Overview
Below you’ll find a selection of the best brewery tours in Charlotte, each offering a different approach:
- An immersive craft beer experience with visits to four breweries and a included dinner (The Original Charlotte Brewery Tour)
- A lively bus ride with live music and visits to three breweries (Live Music and Brewery Bus)
- A flexible brewery crawl using golf carts to explore local favorites (Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour)
- A private pub crawl with electric carts for a more personalized experience (Charlotte: Private Brewery/Pub Crawl)
1. The Original Charlotte Brewery Tour – Craft Beer Experience
This 5-hour guided tour combines beer tasting with a delicious meal. Priced at $150 per person, it offers visits to four local breweries, with an emphasis on learning about the brewing process. The tour starts at the Westin Charlotte, where you’ll hop into an air-conditioned vehicle and head out for the evening.
What makes this tour stand apart is the focus on education and quality. Your guide, who limits the group size to 14, shares insights into craft beer styles and brewing techniques. The tour also includes a sit-down dinner at the well-known Midwood Smokehouse, making it a full evening of food and drink. All beer is included in the price, so no need to worry about extra costs unless you want additional drinks.
Highlights include visiting Petty Thieves Brewing Co, Protagonist, and Lower Left Brewing Co — each with its own personality and specialty beers. Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the fun atmosphere, with one noting, “Vinny was so knowledgeable and great fun.” The tour’s value lies in the combination of great beer, good food, and small-group attention.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want an in-depth, relaxed evening combining beer education with a local dining experience.
2. Live Music and Brewery Bus
This three-hour tour offers a unique twist: exploring Charlotte’s breweries while riding on LaZoom’s iconic purple bus, which doubles as a stage for live bands. For just $69 per person, you enjoy a lively ride through the city with stops at NoDa Brewing Company, Resident Culture Brewing, and Hi-Wire Brewing.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of music and beer. As the bus rolls through trendy neighborhoods like South End, you can sip your BYOB drinks while listening to live performances. Each brewery stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving you a taste of Charlotte’s creative brewing scene without feeling rushed. The bus’s festive atmosphere makes it ideal for groups seeking a fun, energetic day out.
Reviewers love the fun decor, the mix of music and beer, and the chance to explore several neighborhoods in a short time. One said, “It was a blast and I highly recommend,” highlighting its appeal to those who want to combine sightseeing, music, and craft beer.
Bottom Line: A lively, entertaining way to enjoy Charlotte’s brewery scene with friends, especially if you love live music and a festive vibe.
3. Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour
For around $48, this private brewery crawl offers a flexible and personalized experience. Starting at QC Rides, a knowledgeable guide will lead you on a golf cart trip around the city’s top breweries. You choose which three spots to visit, and you can stay as long as you like at each.
This tour is ideal if you prefer customization and comfort. It’s perfect for small groups or couples who want to select their favorite breweries and avoid the larger crowds. The golf cart makes it easy to hop between destinations, and you avoid worrying about parking or navigation.
Reviewers appreciate the flexibility — one noted, “Keith was a great tour guide and allowed us to customize our evening.” It’s best suited for those who want an intimate, leisurely experience with some control over the itinerary.
Bottom Line: A good choice for travelers seeking a tailored brewery tour, especially if you value comfort and personal attention.
4. Charlotte: Private Brewery/Pub Crawl
This private pub crawl offers a 4-hour experience with your own group of up to 7 people. Using an electric cart, you’ll visit some of Charlotte’s best microbreweries and pubs, with the option to include live music performances along the way. Price is $329 per group, making it a more exclusive, customized outing.
Perfect for small parties or special occasions, this tour provides a relaxed pace and the chance to truly explore Charlotte’s nightlife. The electric cart makes for a smooth ride, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of each venue without rushing. While specific reviews aren’t available, the private format ensures tailored service and flexible scheduling.
This tour is best suited for groups who want a personalized experience with a focus on local culture and authentic pub-hopping. It’s more expensive, but the privacy and customization make it worth considering for a special celebration.
Bottom Line: Ideal for small groups seeking a private, intimate look at Charlotte’s microbreweries and pubs, especially with added live music.
How to Choose Your Perfect Brewery Tour
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, time available, and interest level. If you want a comprehensive evening with food and education, the Original Charlotte Brewery Tour offers excellent value. For a fun, lively experience with live music, the Live Music and Brewery Bus is hard to beat.
For a more personalized experience, the Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour is ideal, especially if you prefer to customize your stops. And if you’re celebrating something special or traveling with a small group, the Private Brewery/Pub Crawl provides privacy and flexibility.
Booking early is recommended for popular options, especially during weekends and peak times. Consider your energy levels — tours with more walking or driving may require a bit of stamina, but Charlotte’s friendly pace makes it manageable.
Final Thoughts
Charlotte offers a diverse range of brewery tours that cater to different interests and budgets. For a full immersion in craft beer paired with a meal, the Original Charlotte Brewery Tour is a top pick. If you’re after a lively, music-filled outing, the Live Music and Brewery Bus is a fantastic choice. Those seeking flexibility or exclusivity should consider the Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour or the private Charlotte: Private Brewery/Pub Crawl.
Whatever your preference, Charlotte’s brewery scene stands ready to deliver memorable tastes and experiences. Be sure to book early, especially if you want to secure spots on the most popular tours, and enjoy discovering what makes Charlotte’s beer culture so lively and authentic.