Richmond, Virginia, is quickly earning a reputation as a craft beer lover’s paradise. Its diverse breweries, innovative techniques, and welcoming atmosphere make it a standout destination for beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in behind-the-scenes tours or hopping between the city’s top spots, Richmond offers something for every kind of beer traveler.
We particularly like how the Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA provides an intimate look at three different breweries, including a behind-the-scenes experience at The Veil Brewing Co. You’ll learn about beer styles and the brewing process, all while sampling some of the most creative brews in town.
Meanwhile, the Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl by Junket offers a broader exploration, with visits to four distinctive breweries and cideries, perfect for those who want to sample a range of craft drinks in a single day.
Both tours highlight Richmond’s unique craft scene—one with a focus on education and personalized experience, the other on variety and exploration. Read on to discover which one fits your style best.
Quick Overview
Richmond’s brewery tours include private tastings, behind-the-scenes access, and guided explorations of popular spots such as The Veil Brewing Co. and Vasen Brewing Company, or a full-day crawl through Scott’s Addition with stops at Buskey Cider, Strangeways Brewing, and Ardent Craft Ales.
For details, check out the Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA and Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl by Junket. Each offers a different style of experience: one more personal and educational, the other more extensive and varied.
1. Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA
At number 1 on our list is the Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA, which balances personalized attention with a deep dive into Richmond’s brewing scene. For $90 per person, you get a 2.5-hour private tour led in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus.
What makes this tour stand out is the tailored experience—visiting three top breweries with generous tastings and an insider look behind the scenes. This tour is perfect for those who want an intimate, educational experience without the crowds.
The day begins with a tutored tasting in central Richmond, where your guide will explain different beer styles and the industry’s ins and outs. The first stop is The Veil Brewing Co., known for pioneering techniques like spontaneous fermentation in Richmond. Here, you not only sample their innovative beers but also enjoy a meal from Nokoribi, their Japanese pub fare concept.
Next, you visit Vasen Brewing Company, which pays homage to Scandinavian heritage, with beers focused on creating a sense of inner well-being. The guide shares insights into how their beers reflect their cultural roots.
This tour’s real strength is the behind-the-scenes access—learning how a koelship is used or how experimental brewing techniques shape their beers. With a small group and a knowledgeable guide, the experience feels both personal and immersive. Reviews praise the guide’s expertise and the well-paced itinerary.
The cost reflects the quality of tastings and the hands-on experience, making it a good value for craft beer lovers who want an in-depth look at Richmond’s breweries.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a personal, educational tour with exclusive access and quality tastings. It’s ideal if you prefer a smaller group and tailored experience.
2. Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket
At number 2 is the Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl by Junket, which offers a broader, more social exploration of Richmond’s craft scene. For about $86 per person, this 3-hour tour takes you through Scott’s Addition—the city’s hub for breweries, cideries, and meaderies.
It’s a great choice for visitors who want to taste a variety of drinks and see more of Richmond’s diverse offerings in a single outing.
Led by an expert tour guide—who is a USMC Disabled Combat-Veteran-Owned, women and minority-led—the crawl visits four prominent spots, including Buskey Cider, Strangeways Brewing, and Ardent Craft Ales. The first stop at Buskey Cider introduces you to their innovative apple ciders, like their dry-hopped variety, in a historic train depot setting.
Then, at Strangeways Brewing, you find wild ales and experimental brews that push the boundaries of traditional brewing.
Ardent Craft Ales, once a garage brewery, now creates popular beers like their Honey Ginger ale, blending old and new techniques.
The tour emphasizes variety—sample everything from cider to funky ales—and offers a lively, social atmosphere. Since the stops are close together, you can chat with fellow travelers and learn about each brewery’s story.
The reviews note the knowledgeable guide and the fun, relaxed pace, though some might find the shorter duration limits deep exploration. For those interested in experiencing many different craft drinks in one outing, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a lively, comprehensive sampling experience across several breweries and cideries, with a focus on variety and socializing.
How to Choose Your Perfect Richmond Brewery Tour
Choosing between these two great options depends on your priorities. If you prefer a more intimate, educational experience with behind-the-scenes access, the Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA is the way to go. On the other hand, if your goal is sampling a wide range of beers and ciders while meeting other enthusiasts, the Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl by Junket offers excellent value.
Consider your budget, time, and interest level. For a relaxed, detailed look at brewing techniques and a small group experience, book early for the private tour. If you’re traveling with friends and want a lively day exploring multiple venues, the crawl might suit you better. Checking opening hours and availability in advance will help you plan your visit.
Final Thoughts
Richmond’s beer scene is vibrant and varied, offering options for both those who love detailed insights and those who prefer sampling a wide array of flavors. The Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA is perfect for craft beer aficionados eager to learn about brewing innovations, while the Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl by Junket is great for social drinkers who want to taste the city’s best in one go.
Both tours provide authentic experiences that highlight Richmond’s commitment to craft brewing excellence. To ensure you don’t miss out, book your preferred tour early—these experiences tend to fill up quickly, especially in peak travel seasons. Whatever your style, Richmond’s breweries welcome visitors eager to discover their creative and delicious offerings.