Bend, Oregon, is truly a craft beer lover’s paradise. With over 35 craft breweries scattered across the town, the beer scene is woven into the local lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just curious about what makes Bend’s brews so special, the city offers tours that blend local flavor with authentic experiences.
We particularly enjoy tours that give behind-the-scenes access and those that combine tasting with a taste of Bend’s lively food scene.
For example, the Craft Brewery Tours with Complimentary Tasting Flights offers a deep dive into Bend’s brew culture, making it a standout choice for those wanting both education and plenty of tasting.
If you’re planning your visit, this guide will help you pick between two excellent options—one focusing solely on craft brewing and the other pairing beer with Bend’s renowned food trucks. Both tours promise fun, insight, and plenty of good beer, so you’re sure to find one that suits your style.
Quick Overview
Here’s a quick snapshot of what each tour offers:
- Craft Brewery Tours with Complimentary Tasting Flights: Visit three top breweries, including a behind-the-scenes tour, with multiple flights for tasting. Price: $99, duration approx. 2.5 hours.
Learn more here.
- Food Truck and Brewery Tour with Complimentary Tastings: Explore two breweries plus Bend’s lively food truck pod, with tastings and local snacks. Price: $99, duration approx. 2.5 hours. Details here.
Now, let’s look at each tour in detail so you can decide which one matches your beer-loving style.
1. Craft Brewery Tours with Complimentary Tasting Flights
Starting at just $99 per person, this tour offers an immersive look into Bend’s craft beer scene. It lasts roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes and takes you to three of the city’s favorite breweries, each with its own unique vibe.
The tour includes a behind-the-scenes visit at one brewery, giving you insight into the brewing process—something that truly distinguishes this experience. Expect to sample several flight tastings, offering a broad comparison across different brewing styles.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on education and variety. The guide shares stories about the local beer scene, highlighting Bend’s reputation as a craft beer hub. Reviewers love the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to compare beers directly. One noted, “Scott was a good host. Laid back experience. Beautiful Spring day in Bend. Good beer, great convo.
Would go again as there are SO MANY craft options in Bend.” Another praised the visit to three diverse breweries, saying, “The Deschutes brewery tour was very good. It was a fun glimpse of the Bend brewery scene.”
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for those wanting a thorough introduction to Bend’s craft breweries, with a good mix of education, variety, and local flavor. It’s excellent for beer enthusiasts eager to understand the brewing process while sampling a wide selection.
2. Food Truck and Brewery Tour with Complimentary Tastings
For about the same price ($99), this tour combines Bend’s craft breweries with its dynamic food truck scene. Lasting approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, it takes you to two of Bend’s favorite breweries and the city’s liveliest food truck pod. The focus here is on enjoying complimentary flight tastings alongside tasty Tots made from scratch—a local specialty.
This tour offers a relaxed, social vibe, perfect for those who want to experience Bend’s casual food scene alongside their craft beer. The guide ensures you get a good sense of Bend’s food truck culture and its connection to the local beer scene.
One review mentions, “We had a great time on our tour with Scott! He shared some great local spots in Bend with us! He was able to give us some awesome recommendations for other things to do, eat, and see while we are in town.”
While it doesn’t include a behind-the-scenes brewery tour, it compensates with a lively atmosphere and the chance to try local snacks and beers in a fun setting. It’s ideal for travelers who want a taste of Bend’s social scene and enjoy tasty, informal bites.
Bottom Line: This tour suits those looking for a laid-back experience that combines craft beer, food trucks, and local flavor. It’s perfect if you’re interested in sampling Bend’s vibrant food truck culture alongside its breweries.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two tours, consider your interests and what kind of experience you want. If you’re a beer aficionado eager to go behind the scenes and learn about the brewing craft, the Craft Brewery Tours with Complimentary Tasting Flights is a strong choice. It’s also ideal for those who want a structured, educational experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more social, relaxed vibe and want to combine your beer tasting with Bend’s renowned food truck scene, the Food Truck and Brewery Tour with Complimentary Tastings offers a lively, informal experience. It’s great for travelers who enjoy local snacks and a bit of local culture.
Consider booking early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot. Both tours are around the same price and duration, so your choice really depends on whether you want behind-the-scenes access or a more social, foodie-focused experience.
In summary, Bend’s brewery tours offer a fantastic chance to sample some of the best craft beers in the country, learn about the local brewing scene, and enjoy the town’s lively food culture. For those looking for in-depth education and a variety of brews, the Craft Brewery Tours with Complimentary Tasting Flights is perfect.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more informal, food-and-beer combo experience, the Food Truck and Brewery Tour with Complimentary Tastings will serve you well.
Either way, these tours provide a great way to learn about Bend’s craft beer culture. Be sure to book early and enjoy tasting your way through this lively Oregon town.