If you’ve ever visited Asheville, North Carolina you’ll know that the craft beer scene here is legendary, with one of the highest brewery-counts per capita in the U.S. Whether you live here or you’re planning a visit, here are 10 of the best breweries around town, including a few of my personal favorites. As an elopement photographer in Asheville, I’m always on the lookout for spaces that look good and provide great service.
How many breweries are in Asheville?
It’s hard to pin an exact number because the scene keeps growing, but estimates put the city and metro area at around 50 or more breweries. That means you’ve got a lot of choices, here are ten that stand out.
1. Wicked Weed Brewing
A true Asheville staple. Wicked Weed is known for its adventurous sour-and-funky beers and has become somewhat iconic in the local beer world. If you’re after something unique and experimental, this is the place.
2. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Asheville
Just outside Asheville in Mills River, Sierra Nevada offers a massive brewery experience with beautiful grounds, outdoor space, and top-tier beer. A must if you’re looking to combine great beer with a scenic setting.
3. Burial Beer Co.
One of my personal favorites. Burial is bold, creative, and true to craft in a way that’s very Asheville. From IPAs to more experimental batches, this brewery delivers. The space is also a true vibe.
4. Archetype Brewing
Archetype is a newer brewery compared to some veterans, and they focus on Belgian-style and experimental ales in a relaxed, community-oriented setting. If you want something a bit off the beaten path, this is a great stop.
5. Hi‑Wire Brewing
Hi-Wire is a comfortable favorite with solid beer styles, good food options, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s easy to bring friends (or family) when not everyone is a hardcore craft-beer nerd. This one also has a really cool outdoor space.
6. Green Man Brewery
A “classic” Asheville Brewery that has been around and helped shape the local scene. They offer approachable beers with character and are a great place to visit if you want something reliable.
7. New Belgium Brewing Company Asheville
Though slightly bigger than a microbrewery, New Belgium’s Asheville location brings big production chops plus a great visitor experience: riverside setting, impressive facility, and plenty of beer styles to explore.
8. Highland Brewing Company
Highland was one of the pioneers in Asheville’s craft beer scene (founded in the ’90s). It has a larger campus feel and laid-back vibe, great if you want beer and space to relax.
9. Catawba Brewing Co.
Catawba delivers solid craft beer with a slightly more laid-back production scale and multiple locations. Good stop for quality beer without the mega-brewery feel.
10. French Broad River Brewing Co.
A neighborhood favorite, easy going, friendly, often less crowded, perfect for a more relaxed “brewery crawl” without the hustle of the busiest spots.
Tips for Your Brewery Visit
- Design your route: Many of these are clustered around the South Slope district of downtown Asheville, which means you can walk or take short rides between several spots.
- Style variety: From sours (Wicked Weed) to Belgian-inspired (Archetype) to hops-forward IPAs (Burial) to big campus breweries (Sierra Nevada), you’ll get a wonderfully broad beer spectrum.
- Time your visit: Weekends can be crowded. Early evenings or weekdays may offer more relaxed taproom time.
- Food options: Many breweries either have food trucks, kitchens, or nearby eateries, plan for snacks or a meal to pair with your beer explorations.
- Transport: If you’re doing several breweries, consider rideshares or designated drivers rather than trying to walk too far between them.
Final Thoughts
Asheville’s beer scene isn’t just about the number of breweries (though yes, there are dozens), it’s about the character, creativity, and community behind them. Each of the ten above has its own personality, style, and vibe. Whether you pick two or try to hit them all, you’ll likely leave with a few favorite beers, memories of cool taprooms, and maybe even a new brewery to follow.
Cheers to good beer in Beer City USA!
And if you want to figure out a way to incorporate a brewery tour into your elopement, let’s chat!
