Asheville has earned a great reputation as one of the best craft beer cities in the country. You will find everything from large brewery campuses to smaller taprooms. That variety makes it easy for families, couples, and groups to find spots that feel comfortable and unpretentious. This guide walks you through the top breweries in Asheville to help you plan on adding these must-visit places to your itinerary.

What Makes Asheville a Craft Beer Destination

Asheville’s craft beers stand out because of their variety. Many breweries around the city focus on small-batch brewing, which allows them to experiment with flavors from sophisticated to approachable options for those not looking to explore flavors too much.

Another reason Asheville works so well for beer lovers is how close many breweries are to each other. You can easily visit several spots in just one day. This makes it convenient for you to maximize your time in Asheville in case you want to do other activities along the way.

New Belgium Brewing Asheville

New Belgium Brewing Asheville stands out due to its riverside location and spacious outdoor areas. The brewery offers a wide range of beers, from light and beginner-friendly options to more bold flavors. The setting makes it a great stop on a warm day when you want to enjoy a drink outside. They do not have food inside the brewery, but food trucks are often found nearby, so you can still pair your pint with great food.

Visitors often appreciate how open and social the space feels. It is common to see people relaxing, playing games, or simply enjoying the views along the river.

Highland Brewing Company

Highland Brewing Company is one of Asheville’s most established and well-known breweries, and it plays an important role in the city’s craft beer story. The brewery is especially popular for its large outdoor area, which gives families, groups, and visitors plenty of space to relax. They also sometimes host community gatherings, live music and events. You can also host a private event in their event center or their barrel room, such as weddings and business-related events. The atmosphere feels local and welcoming, which makes it an easy place to spend a great time with your friends. With a mix of classic and seasonal beers, Highland appeals to both longtime craft beer fans and those just starting to explore it.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is one of the most well-known breweries near Asheville and a favorite for first-time visitors. From the moment you step in, you’ll find it enormous, with open spaces, walking paths, and a relaxed atmosphere. It is a good choice for families and groups because there is plenty of room to spread out.

The beer selection includes classic styles as well as seasonal options. You will surely enjoy pairing their drinks with food from the on-site restaurant, making it a great place to spend a few hours. There’s even a nice playground for your kids, so they won’t feel left out in the experience.

Wicked Weed Brewing

Well known for its creative beer styles and strong presence in Asheville’s south slope, Wicked Weed Brewing Funkatorium offers a. Many people stop here not only for good beer but also its lively atmosphere with its beautifully designed beer garden. Their great selection of Italian cuisine, such as pastas, meatballs, cold cut sandwiches, and Neapolitan-style pizzas, are must-haves to go along with your beer flights.

Burial Beer Co.

Burial Beer Co. is a favorite among craft beer fans who enjoy bold and innovative brews. The brewery focuses on small-batch beers, which means the selection changes often. This keeps things interesting for repeat visitors. Hence, why atmosphere is important, which they nailed. One thing to note here is that they charge per ABV, so a higher alcohol content will cost more, but it’s worth it. Aside from drinks, they also offer deliciously made food from burgers, buffalo wings and sandwiches. Most people would recommend their Smash Burger and Shrimp Roll. You can also bring your kids here to have a great time. They offer non-alcoholic drinks and a kids’ menu available when asked. It’s really must visit brewery in Asheville.

Hi-Wire Brewing

Known for its approachable beers and colorful and playful vibe, Hi-Wire Brewery offers a wide range of styles that appeal to both casual drinkers and fans of craft beer. It is an easy stop if you want great-tasting flagship and seasonal IPAs. You’ll easily be able to relax in their awesome outdoor beer garden area, which sets this brewery apart from the competition. They also have indoor seating options too, which offers good atmosphere as well, with pinball and claw machines for your entertainment. There’s also a food truck where you can get delicious snacks like burgers and fries. This open layout makes it a good choice for you to socialize with your group.

Green Man Brewery

Green Man Brewery is one of Asheville’s older breweries and has a strong connection to the local beer scene. It offers a mix of traditional beer styles and new creations. The space’s balcony area is especially popular and provides a relaxed place to enjoy a drink. They offer both strong IPAs and light options like New American Lager for a more casual drink. This brewery often appeals to visitors who enjoy a classic brewery feel. You can also have bar food such as hot dog, sliders and tacos delivered to you by scanning a bar code at their bar area.

Asheville Brewing Company

Asheville Brewing Company combines beer with a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. You’ll feel this vibe as soon as you see their colorful storefront. Combined with their great beers, they also offer selections of pub food from burgers, nachos, pies, and pizzas, which makes it an easy place to visit with kids or groups who want a simple meal along with their drinks. The beer selection includes approachable styles that pair well with food. Their creation the Ninja Porter beer is one we recommend trying out. They also offer IPAs like their Perfect Haze. It is definitely a comfortable spot to unwind in Asheville.

DSSOLVR

DSSOLVR is known for its experimental approach to brewing. The brewery often creates beers with unique ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations. If you like gluten-free sours or would just like to try it, this is the place to go. They also offer great Lagers and IPAs too, if you want more familiar flavors.

The taproom itself feels modern, cool and welcoming. Plus, even if you are new to craft beer, the staff is usually happy to help you find something you will enjoy. They also have pinball machines and shuffleboard for you to enjoy.

One World Brewing

Love a great atmosphere? You’re in for a great time at One World Brewing, located in West Asheville. Aside from their awesome beers, you’ll get to appreciate jamming with the live band that’s performing on stage. The circular bar is a great layout that invites you into Asheville’s friendly and approachable community. There’s plenty of space for you to show off your dance moves when you’re in the mood for it. They also have outside seating options in case you just want to enjoy a good talk with your group of friends.

They also have a great brewery located in downtown Asheville. Though smaller than your average brewery in Asheville, their basement brewery is quite a cool experience to see. You’ll get this impression that you’re about to enter a hidden gem, a Speakeasy kind of feel. Once you’re in, you get a great selection of craft beers and play darts and shuffleboard along the way.

Zillicoah Beer Company

Zillicoah Beer Company, located in Woodfin, NC near Asheville is loved for its riverside setting along the French Broad River and large open outdoor space. The brewery feels relaxed and local, with plenty of room to sit and enjoy the surroundings. They offer a good selection of craft beer, a few ciders, and wine in case you want to go off tangent.

Many visitors enjoy stopping here to pair a beer with fresh air and scenic views. It is an easy place to linger, especially on a nice sunny day.

Wedge Brewing Company

Wedge Brewing Company in the River Arts District has a strong community feel and a long history in Asheville. From the outside, you’ll get that very rustic and classy 19th-century feel. The brewery is known for its good beer and great outdoor seating. The beer selection includes a mix of classic and creative styles. Their Julian Price Pilsner and Iron Rail IPA are great draft beers to try. There’s also a great food truck available outside if you want to pair your drink with some tasty food. With its location, it is a good spot to take a nice break after experiencing Asheville’s art culture.

White Labs Brewing Co.

This is a great brewery if you are curious about how different types of yeast would affect how beer tastes. They offer a science-based approach to making their beer, focusing on the importance of fermentation. This makes tasting more interesting and gives you something to talk about as you sample. Their taproom in Asheville offers a modern and comfortable feel. They also offer delicious wood-fired pizza from your classic Margherita and Pepperoni to Broccolini Pizzas, and also great portions of their sandwiches and fries. They have weekly pizza, burger and wings specials every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Twin Leaf Brewery

Twin Leaf Brewery offers a modern taproom and a balanced beer menu. They offer great drinks from sour ales to Belgian Monastic ales, such as their award-winning Luminosity Tripel. They’re also recently offering a classic locally made pizza to pair with your drink. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces feel clean and open. Twin Leaf is a great place to add to your list of breweries to visit.

Tips for Visiting Breweries in Asheville

A little planning goes a long way when exploring breweries in Asheville, and these tips can help make your visits smoother and more enjoyable.

  • If you plan to try out more than 2 breweries, visiting during the weekdays will be better as it gets busier during weekends.
  • Choose breweries with food or outdoor seating if traveling with family and kids.
  • Check brewery hours in advance, as some close earlier than expected.
  • A great spot to start your own DIY brewery tour would be at the south slope area, where Wicked Weed, Green Man, and Burial Brewing Co. are located.
  • Lastly, always drink responsibly and know your limits.

Where to Stay While Exploring Breweries in Asheville

Having a comfortable place to stay makes exploring breweries in Asheville even better. Staying nearby one or more of these breweries allows you to plan your visits without worrying about long drives or strict schedules. It also gives you a relaxing space to return to after a day of tasting and exploring.

View Our Asheville Rentals Here!

Mighty Tree Properties offers incredible vacation rentals in the Asheville area that give you room to unwind and enjoy time together. Whether you are traveling as a couple, family, or group, having the right vacation home helps make your Asheville trip feel complete. Contact us and book your stay today.

FAQs About Breweries in Asheville

Is Asheville good for first-time craft beer visitors?

Yes, Asheville has many breweries to choose from that work well for beginners. Staff are always friendly and knowledgeable in case there’s anything you would like to ask.

Are breweries in Asheville family-friendly?

Many breweries welcome families and offer food or outdoor space. It is always best to check individual brewery policies and reviews.

How many breweries should we visit in one day?

Most visitors enjoy two to three breweries in a day. This allows time to relax and enjoy the different options at each stop.

Do Asheville breweries serve food?

Some breweries have on-site restaurants or food trucks.

Is transportation between breweries easy?

Yes, many breweries are close to each other. However, if you want to visit them all, a great way is to book a brewery tour, such as Brew-ed Brewery Tours and Asheville Brewery Tours, which are among the most trusted local options.