Richmond, Virginia, isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a city that takes its beer and spirits seriously. With a thriving craft beer scene and a love for history, Richmond offers a variety of drinking tours that give visitors a taste of local flavors along with some fascinating stories.
Among the best options, the Brewery Tour of Richmond stands out for its behind-the-scenes access and expertly curated tastings, making it perfect for craft beer enthusiasts.
Or, if you’re into ghost stories and a bit of spooky fun, the Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl offers a lively mix of history and hauntings.
And for those who want to explore multiple breweries and meaderies in one go, the Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl by Junket combines the best of Richmond’s craft beverage scene with expert guidance.
The city’s mix of rich brewing traditions, innovative breweries, and spirited storytelling makes Richmond a hotspot for drinking tours. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed tasting experience or a spooky night out, Richmond has something to offer.
Quick Overview
Here’s a quick snapshot of the best drinking tours in Richmond:
– A private Brewery Tour focusing on craft beers and behind-the-scenes insights (more info)
– An atmospheric Haunted Pub Crawl exploring historic pubs and ghost stories (more info)
– An all-in-one Brewery and Meadery Crawl visiting top breweries and Black Heath Meadery (more info)
1. Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA
For around $90, the Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA offers an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at Richmond’s vibrant craft beer scene. This private tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and starts with a tutored tasting in central Richmond, setting the tone for a personal experience.
Your guide will take you in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus to three top breweries, each selected for their distinct approach to brewing.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of generous tastings and a visit to one brewery’s behind-the-scenes operations, where you’ll learn about innovative techniques like spontaneous fermentation.
The first stop is The Veil Brewing Co., known for pioneering process-focused brewing with Belgian influences, including a Japanese pub fare concept called Nokoribi. You’ll sample three beers here and gain insight into their inventive methods.
Next, Vasen Brewing emphasizes Scandinavian heritage, offering up to three unique beers that showcase their philosophy of creating something greater than oneself.
Rated 5/5 with enthusiastic feedback, this tour is best suited for those who appreciate craft beer and want an intimate, educational experience. The value for the price is high, given the personalized attention and quality tastings. Plus, the behind-the-scenes element provides a deeper appreciation of the brewing process.
Bottom Line: If you’re a craft beer lover eager to explore Richmond’s breweries with expert guidance, this private tour is a top choice.
2. Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
For a different vibe, the Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl combines Richmond’s historic pubs with ghost stories, all for just $27.75. This roughly 2-hour tour offers a lively blend of history, local drinking spots, and paranormal tales — perfect for those who enjoy a little spooky fun while sampling local drinks.
Starting in the historic Shockoe Bottom neighborhood, your guide will take you to pubs housed in buildings with ghostly legends. For example, Rosie Connolly’s Pub, housed in a former YMCA building, is rumored to have ghostly hands assisting in pouring drinks.
You’ll visit several spots, including the famous Edgar Allan Poe Museum, while hearing stories about haunted buildings and mysterious apparitions.
This tour also highlights Richmond’s haunted history, such as the old Masonic lodge that’s believed to be haunted by spirits from the War of 1812.
Rated 4/5, the tour is especially popular for its engaging storytelling and variety of pubs. However, some visitors note disappointment in not being able to visit certain locations like Richbrau. Still, the combination of spooky tales and local drinks makes this a memorable night out.
Bottom Line: Best suited for history buffs and those looking for a fun, spooky night with a twist.
3. Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket
Priced at $86, the Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl by Junket is a comprehensive experience that showcases the best of Richmond’s top breweries, cideries, and meaderies. This 3-hour tour is led by veteran guides, many of whom are veterans or minority-owned businesses, adding a layer of authenticity and local pride.
The tour visits four spots: Buskey Cider, known for dry-hopped ciders and seasonal releases; Strangeways Brewing, famous for wild ales and experimental brews; Ardent Craft Ales, blending traditional techniques with modern twists; and Black Heath Meadery, the city’s first meadery. Each stop offers tastings, and the tour is designed to give a broad overview of Richmond’s diverse craft scene.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on local, independent producers with a variety of beer, cider, and mead options. It’s ideal for those who want to sample a wide array of beverages and learn about different brewing and mead-making techniques. The tour is well-reviewed for its expert guides and variety.
While there are no reviews listed, the itinerary promises a well-rounded experience suited for craft beverage enthusiasts. It’s a bit longer than the others, making it perfect if you want an in-depth exploration without the high price tag.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want to cover many breweries and meaderies in one outing, especially if you enjoy cider and mead alongside beer.
How to Choose
When selecting a drinking tour in Richmond, consider your budget, interests, and time available. If you’re passionate about craft beer and want a personalized experience, the Brewery Tour of Richmond offers an educational, behind-the-scenes look. For a fun, spooky evening, the haunted pub crawl is perfect, especially if you enjoy stories and historic pubs.
If variety is your goal, exploring multiple breweries, cideries, and meaderies with the Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl by Junket will give you a broad taste of Richmond’s craft scene.
Timing also matters—weekends tend to be busier, and booking in advance is advised, especially for the private brewery tour. If you’re visiting during cooler months, consider indoor options like the brewery tours, as some pub crawls may be less comfortable outside.
To sum it up, Richmond offers a surprising range of drinking tours that cater to various interests. Craft beer fans will love the personalized brewery experience, while history and ghost enthusiasts will enjoy the haunted pub crawl. For those who want to taste many different beverages, the comprehensive brewery and meadery crawl hits the mark.
No matter what you choose, booking early ensures you secure your spot in these popular tours. Richmond’s beverage scene is lively and diverse, and these tours are a fantastic way to get a real feel for the city’s character—cheers to exploring Richmond’s finest drinks.