Asheville: Downtown Brewery Walking Tour with Beer Expert

Summary

Walk Asheville’s brewery scene taste fresh pours meet beer experts

You’ll join a small group in downtown Asheville for a walking brewery tour led by a certified beer expert. Sample ten unique local beers across three top breweries—including behind-the-scenes access at Hi-Wire—and hear stories about Asheville’s brewing culture as you explore the lively Arts District on foot.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my afternoon in Asheville standing outside Terranova Beer Company, nervously checking if I’d worn the right shoes for a “walking tour” (I had — sneakers are fine). Our guide, Jamie, greeted us with this huge grin and handed out our first beer sample before we’d even sat down. The place smelled like bread and something sweet—malt? Jamie explained it was from the mash tun. I tried to look like I knew what that meant. She told us how Terranova is one of the city’s newer breweries but already winning awards, which made me feel like I was getting in on some local secret.

We wandered through the Downtown Asheville Arts District, weaving past murals and people with dogs (so many dogs). At Hi-Wire Brewing, Jamie took us behind the scenes—literally through a door marked “staff only”—and suddenly we were surrounded by these massive steel tanks humming quietly. She talked about the brewing process from grain to glass while we sipped another beer. I remember trying to catch all the flavors she mentioned—citrus, pine—and missing half of them because I was still thinking about how cold the metal felt when I leaned against one tank. Someone asked if Asheville really has more breweries per capita than anywhere else; Jamie just laughed and said, “It sure feels like it.”

Green Man Brewery was our last stop—a bit older, more lived-in. There was this group of regulars at the bar who nodded at us like they’d seen a hundred tours come through. The bartender poured something darker for us and told a quick story about Green Man’s early days in Asheville’s beer scene. By then, my notes were just doodles and half-finished sentences. We tasted maybe ten different beers altogether (don’t worry—they’re small pours), and honestly, I still think about that malty one from Green Man when it rains.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided brewery tour in Asheville

• Meet guide at Terranova Beer Company
• Sample award-winning beers at Terranova
• Hear Terranova brewery story
• Visit Hi-Wire Brewin production area
• Learn brewing process at Hi-Wire
• Sample beers at Hi-Wire Brewin
• Go to Green Man Brewery
• Learn about Asheville brewing industry
• Sample award-winning beers at Green Man

Top questions

How many breweries are included on this Asheville brewery tour?

The tour visits three breweries: Terranova Beer Company, Hi-Wire Brewing, and Green Man Brewery.

Are beer samples included during the walking tour?

Yes, you’ll sample 10 different beers throughout the tour—all included in your ticket.

Is this Asheville brewery tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Where does the brewery walking tour start?

The tour begins at Terranova Beer Company in downtown Asheville’s Arts District.

Is there an age requirement for this Asheville beer tour?

The minimum drinking age is 21 years old for all participants.

Does the tour include a certified guide?

Yes, every group is led by a Cicerone-certified beer expert who shares insights along the way.

How long is each stop on the brewery walking tour?

You’ll spend time sampling beers and learning at each location; total duration varies but covers three breweries comfortably.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes guided visits to three downtown Asheville breweries with a Cicerone-certified guide leading you through tastings of ten different beers—plus exclusive behind-the-scenes access at Hi-Wire Brewing—all within easy walking distance in the Arts District.