Brewery tours continue to grow in popularity as travelers seek experiences that go beyond tasting beer at the bar or homebrewing setup. Guided tours now offer visitors a closer look at brewing methods, fermentation rooms, aging cellars, and the history behind some of the most recognizable craft beer names in the country. After deep research, the following list highlights the best brewery tours in the United States.
Allagash Brewing Company
Portland, Maine
Allagash Brewing Company earns recognition for offering multiple tour formats tailored to different interests. Shorter tours introduce visitors to the barrel room and feature releases, while longer experiences explore wild and sour aging techniques. For small groups seeking a customized visit, private tours provide a more focused look at Allagash’s brewing philosophy and specialty beers.
Bell’s Brewery
Comstock and Kalamazoo, Michigan
Bell’s Brewery has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most respected craft breweries in the Midwest. Visitors can tour both its production facility in Comstock and its flagship location in Kalamazoo. Tours walk guests through brewing, fermentation, and packaging processes, while also highlighting the brewery’s long-standing role in American craft beer history.
Deschutes Brewery
Bend, Oregon
As Bend’s first microbrewery, Deschutes Brewery remains a cornerstone of Oregon’s beer scene. Its affordable guided tours focus on hop development, brewing innovation, and the company’s evolution into one of the largest craft breweries in the country. Guests receive complimentary items and tastings as part of the experience.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Chico, California, and Mills River, North Carolina
Sierra Nevada offers immersive tours at both its California and North Carolina locations. These interactive experiences trace beer production from raw ingredients to finished bottles. Visitors engage with hops, observe brewing equipment up close, and conclude with guided tastings. Advanced tours provide deeper insight into sustainability and specialty brewing techniques.
Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Leinenkugel’s brewery tours focus heavily on heritage. The Legacy Tour covers more than a century of brewing history while showcasing modern production facilities. Additional options include pilot brewery visits and in-depth sessions led by brewing experts, appealing to both casual visitors and dedicated beer enthusiasts.
Burial Beer Co. Forestry Camp
Asheville, North Carolina
Burial Beer Co. offers tours centered on Asheville’s vibrant craft beer culture. The experience introduces visitors to Burial’s production facility and taproom while providing historical context on the local brewing scene. The tour is accessible to designated drivers and non-drinkers, making it inclusive for a wide range of visitors.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Experiences
St. Louis, Missouri
Anheuser-Busch provides one of the most extensive brewery tour programs in the country. Guests can choose from multiple experiences, ranging from introductory walks through the historic campus to premium tours that include exclusive areas and fresh pours directly from finishing tanks. Souvenirs and branded memorabilia are included in select packages.
Planning Costs and Brewery Travel Considerations
As brewery tourism expands, travelers increasingly plan multi-stop trips that include tastings, merchandise purchases, and guided experiences. Some visitors budget in advance, while others rely on quick cash for brewery tours to cover admission fees, transportation, and related expenses when exploring multiple breweries in a short timeframe. This approach allows beer fans to participate fully in limited availability tours or seasonal experiences without delaying travel plans.
SweetWater Brewing Company
Atlanta, Georgia
SweetWater Brewing Company offers guided tours that highlight large-scale production alongside its creative beer lineup. Standard tours provide an overview of the brewing process, while extended weekend tours take guests deeper into behind-the-scenes operations. Tastings are included in both formats.
Spoetzl Brewery
Shiner, Texas
Spoetzl Brewery, home of Shiner beer, delivers a tour experience rooted in small-town history. Visitors learn about the brewery’s early twentieth-century origins and its lasting impact on the local community. The guided experience combines historical storytelling with an up-close look at modern brewing operations.
Troegs Independent Brewing
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tröegs Independent Brewing claims the top spot for its comprehensive production tour. The guided experience covers every stage of brewing, from milling and hop storage to fermentation and packaging. Guests begin with a welcome beer and finish with additional tastings, making the tour both educational and immersive.
