Our Favorite Breweries to Visit in Asheville
Our Favorite Breweries to Visit in Asheville
When we’re not sipping Gaelic’s on the patio at Highland, you’ll find Highlanders visiting the numerous breweries around town. When it comes to craft beer, Asheville has earned its place on the map. What started as a small but passionate brewing community has grown into a destination for beer lovers across the Southeast and beyond.
With so many breweries spread across the city, planning where to go can feel like part of the adventure. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a local looking to mix things up, here are our favorite breweries to visit in Asheville.
Why Asheville is a Top Craft Beer Destination
Asheville’s beer scene is rooted in independence, creativity and community. It’s a place where small, family-owned breweries like, Hillman Beer and Twin Leaf, sit alongside nationally recognized names, like Sierra Nevada and Burial Beer Co., all contributing something unique to the culture.
You’ll find everything from classic styles to experimental releases that push boundaries. It’s one of the reasons Asheville is often considered home to some of the best breweries in the country—without losing the local feel that defines it.
Breweries to Visit in Asheville
There’s no one way to experience Asheville beer. That’s part of what makes it special. Here are a few ways to explore the city’s craft beer scene:
Legacy Breweries That Built Asheville Beer
These breweries helped lay the foundation for Asheville’s craft beer scene. Longstanding, consistent and deeply rooted in the community, they’re essential stops for understanding how it all started.
Innovative Breweries Pushing Craft Beer Forward
From hazy IPAs to mixed fermentation and small-batch releases, these breweries are constantly experimenting. Perfect for trying something new and seeing where beer is headed.
Neighborhood Breweries with Local Charm
Scattered across Asheville’s neighborhoods, these spots bring a strong sense of place. They’re ideal for slowing down, grabbing a pint and connecting with locals.
Visit Highland Brewing: Asheville’s Original Craft Brewery
No list of breweries to visit in Asheville, NC is complete without Highland Brewing. As the city’s original craft brewery, we’ve been part of Asheville’s beer story since the beginning.
Our East Asheville brewery offers more than just beer. With a full Taproom, live music and outdoor activities like disc golf and volleyball, it’s a place to spend an afternoon or stay for the day.
Whether you’re starting your brewery tour or wrapping it up, we’re always glad to be part of your Asheville experience.
👉 Planning your visit? Explore our Taproom, events and what’s on tap.
Tips for Visiting Asheville Breweries
Make the most of your time exploring Asheville’s brewery scene:
Plan Your Brewery Route
Give yourself time. Asheville has more breweries than you can visit in one day.
Mix Well-Known and Local Spots
Balance legacy breweries with smaller neighborhood locations for a full experience.
Check Events and Live Music
Many Asheville breweries host events, markets and live music throughout the week.
Support Local
Choosing local breweries helps keep Asheville’s craft beer scene thriving.
What Makes Asheville Breweries Stand Out
What sets Asheville apart isn’t just the number of breweries. It’s the people behind them.
From brewers to bartenders to the folks sitting next to you, there’s a shared sense that beer is just the beginning. Conversations happen easily. Connections form naturally. Visitors quickly feel like locals.
Start Your Asheville Brewery Experience
However you build your list of favorite breweries to visit in Asheville, there’s no wrong way to do it. Each stop brings something new and every visit adds to the story.
If you find yourself on the east side of town, we’d love to pour you a beer.