14 Of The Best Drinking Tours In Asheville

Asheville stands out as one of the best places in the Southeast to explore craft beverages. Its vibrant brewery scene, innovative distilleries, and a lively pub culture make it a paradise for drinkers. What truly sets Asheville apart is its small-town charm combined with world-class brewing, plus innovative tours like the Floating Bar Crawl Tour that mixes nature with suds.

My personal favorite? The Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour because it is led by a certified cicerone, ensuring you learn about beer from someone who truly knows their stuff.

Visiting Asheville’s historic Green Man Brewery, or tasting exclusive brews behind the scenes, makes these tours both educational and fun.

If you’re considering a beer-focused adventure, you’ll find a variety of options on our list—from traditional brewery walks and mobile tours to river float pub crawls. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just in search of a good time, Asheville’s drinking tours are sure to satisfy.

1. Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour

At number 1, the Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour offers a perfect introduction to Asheville’s craft beer scene. Led by a certified cicerone, this 3-hour-15-minute stroll takes you through three of the city’s top breweries.

You’ll sample around 10 local beers, including award winners at Hi Wire Brewing, and get behind-the-scenes access at Twin Leaf Brewery to see how beer is made from grain to glass.

The Green Man Brewery, one of Asheville’s oldest, completes the tour with stories of its history and a chance to taste its award-winning beers.

With over 340 reviews giving it a 5.0 rating, it’s a favorite for its expert guidance, ample tastings, and informative narrative.

Bottom Line: Ideal for beer lovers wanting a deep dive into Asheville’s brewery scene with a knowledgeable guide.

2. Asheville Signature Guided Brewery Tour

At number 2, the Asheville Signature Guided Brewery Tour is a more comprehensive experience lasting about 3.5 hours. It takes you behind the scenes at three breweries—Green Man, DSSOLVR, and One World Brewing—allowing you to see how beer is crafted up close.

The tour includes up to 12 tastings and a snack to balance the flavors. With a perfect 5-star rating from 60 reviews, guests praise its enthusiastic guides and eclectic beer selection.

This tour is well-suited for those who want a mix of education and variety, especially if they’re interested in exploring Asheville’s diverse craft scene.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for serious beer aficionados looking for a behind-the-scenes look and a wider tasting experience.

3. Floating Bar Crawl Tour

Number 3 on our list is the Floating Bar Crawl Tour, a unique blend of river relaxation and pub hopping. Over roughly four hours, you’ll float down the French Broad River with your guide, stopping at some of Asheville’s best pubs, including the well-known New Belgium Brewing. The raft comes with an ice-filled cooler, making it easy to enjoy refreshing drinks while taking in the scenery.

With a 4.5 rating from 43 reviews, people love the laid-back vibe, the small group size, and the chance to see wildlife like bald eagles while sipping local brews.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a relaxing day combining nature and beer without sacrificing quality.

4. Premier Mobile Guided Brewery Tour Around Asheville

The Premier Mobile Guided Brewery Tour takes you in a comfortable vehicle to exclusive breweries around Asheville. Over about 3 hours, you’ll visit three different spots, sampling three beers at each—a great way to enjoy variety and convenience. This tour is rated 5.0 based on seven reviews, with guests appreciating the knowledgeable guides and the customized experience.

It’s ideal for those who prefer not to walk but still want a personalized brewery tour with behind-the-scenes access.

Bottom Line: A solid pick for travelers wanting convenience and exclusivity in their brewery experience.

5. Premier Walking Guided Brewery Tour Through Downtown Asheville

Number 5 is the Premier Walking Guided Brewery Tour, offering an immersive look at Asheville’s brewery culture. Over three hours, you’ll explore several breweries on foot, tasting a diverse selection of craft beers in the lively downtown area. The tour’s reviews praise its friendly guides and the authentic experience of walking through Asheville’s streets.

It’s perfect for visitors who want to combine walking with beer tasting and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those who prefer a more personal, city-focused experience with a relaxed pace.

6. Asheville: Expert-Led Brewery Walking Tour with Beer Samples

At number 6, the Asheville: Expert-Led Brewery Walking Tour offers an intimate experience with certified craft beer experts. Focused on learning about the brewing process and sampling some of Asheville’s best beers, the tour emphasizes educational insights. It’s perfect for those who want to understand what makes Asheville’s beers special.

With only a few reviews and a $65 price, it’s a more personal tour that’s suited for beer enthusiasts eager for a deep dive.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want expert guidance and educational value.

7. Asheville: Terrors, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Number 7 is the Haunted Pub Crawl, combining ghost stories and bar hopping. Over two hours, you’ll explore Asheville’s haunted spots while enjoying drinks (at your own expense). The tour features tales of ghostly legends like Zelda Fitzgerald and prohibition-era stories.

With a 4.2 rating from 26 reviews, it’s perfect for those interested in spooky history and a less beer-focused experience.

Bottom Line: Fun for those who enjoy history with a supernatural twist.

8. Asheville Terrors Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

Number 8 offers a slightly shorter and more spirited take on the haunted pub experience. Starting at Wedge Brewery, it takes you through Asheville’s most haunted bars, with spooky stories and drink stops at each location. The reviews highlight its entertaining guides and unique storytelling.

It’s best for those who want a spooky night out with drinks and stories.

Bottom Line: Suitable for ghost story lovers who want a mix of history and bar hopping.

9. Asheville Brewery Tour

At number 9, the Asheville Brewery Tour specializes in visiting 3-4 top breweries with a focus on diversity—from IPAs to lagers. Led by a local guide, the tour is about two hours and offers a chance for intimate tasting experiences.

It’s less elaborate but perfect for those wanting a quick, well-curated brewery visit with insider stories.

Bottom Line: Best for visitors seeking a short, quality-focused brewery experience.

10. Asheville: 3 Brewery Walking Tour with Tastings

Number 10 is a straightforward 3 Brewery Walking Tour, covering three breweries on foot. It emphasizes local tastings and learning about brewing techniques, ideal for visitors who want a relaxed pace with informative commentary.

Although reviews are limited, it’s a dependable choice for those who enjoy a leisurely stroll and sampling.

Bottom Line: Good for first-timers wanting a guided, walk-and-sample experience.

11. Asheville: Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack

Number 11 offers a VIP experience with inside access to three breweries plus a pretzel snack to soak up the beer. Lasting about 4 hours, it’s ideal for those wanting a more leisurely and indulgent day. Reviewers mention its fun and engaging guides.

Bottom Line: Suitable for beer fans who appreciate a more relaxed, all-inclusive tour with some light food.

12. Asheville: Mobile Craft Brewery Tour with Tastings

Number 12 is a mobile tour that combines transportation and tasting. Over 3 hours, you’ll visit exclusively Asheville breweries with a guide sharing behind-the-scenes stories. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride while exploring multiple destinations.

Bottom Line: Best for those who want a hassle-free, behind-the-scenes brewery experience.

13. Bachelorette Royal Bar Crawl through South Slope District

Number 13 is a lively bachelorette party experience in Asheville’s South Slope District. It’s an interactive bar crawl with clues and puzzles involving food and drinks at each stop. Though reviews are non-existent, it’s tailored for groups celebrating a special occasion.

Bottom Line: Great for group celebrations looking for interactive fun and a night of bar hopping.

14. Private Walking Brewery Tour Asheville Craft Beer

Last but not least, the Private Walking Brewery Tour offers a customized experience for small groups or private parties. Lasting three hours, you’ll explore downtown Asheville’s taprooms, sampling creativity and tradition. It’s suited for travelers looking for a personalized experience with a flexible schedule.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting private, tailor-made brewery adventures.

How to Choose the Right Asheville Drinking Tour

When selecting a tour, consider your budget—from casual pub crawls like the Haunted Pub Crawl to more comprehensive signature tours. Think about your interests: if you want behind-the-scenes access, tours like the Premier Mobile Guided Brewery Tour or the Expert-Led Walking Tour are great choices.

Those seeking relaxation combined with nature should check out the Floating Bar Crawl.
Timing-wise, many tours operate year-round, but booking early ensures availability, especially for private or popular experiences.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re after a deep dive into Asheville’s breweries, a fun river float, or a haunted pub crawl, this city offers an impressive variety of drinking tours. For a classic beer experience, the guided brewery walks or mobile tours are excellent. If you want something truly unique, the Floating Bar Crawl combines nature and suds effortlessly.

If you’re traveling with a group or celebrating a special occasion, options like the Private Walking Brewery Tour or the Bachelorette Royal Bar Crawl can add a personalized touch. Remember to book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot on these popular Asheville experiences. Whatever your taste, Asheville’s liquid offerings certainly won’t disappoint.