Some breweries are all about what’s in the glass. In Asheville, a lot of them are also about what’s outside the taproom windows—mountain ridges, rivers, murals, and festival-style patios.
This post gives your guests a short list of “beer with a view” breweries that pair perfectly with the scenic spirit of Asheville Tours & Excursions.
New Belgium Brewing: Riverfront, Greenway & Bike Culture
If you only recommend one scenic brewery in the city itself, make it New Belgium. Set along the French Broad River on Craven Street, the taproom opens onto a huge deck and grassy lawn that overlook the river and the greenway.
Why people love it:
- Big outdoor space with plenty of seating
- Frequent food trucks and community events
- Dog- and kid-friendly atmosphere, with a mellow, “let’s hang out” vibe
After a morning hiking or touring, this is an easy place to kick back, watch the river roll by, and let everyone choose their own speed—cornhole and conversation for some, quiet riverside people-watching for others.
Sierra Nevada – Mills River: The Brewery That Feels Like a Park
About 20–25 minutes south of Asheville, Sierra Nevada’s Mills River brewery looks like a lodge dropped into the woods. The main building opens onto a huge back porch, terraced beer garden, fire pits, and walking paths that wind through landscaping and toward the river.
Standout features:
- Taproom and restaurant with big windows and 20+ beers on tap
- Outdoor amphitheater and event space for live music
- Trails and gardens that make it easy to stretch your legs between pints
It’s a destination in its own right—and a natural follow-up to any scenic or waterfall tour heading south of Asheville.
Wedge Brewing: Art, Murals, and Trains in the River Arts District
In the River Arts District, Wedge Brewing is practically a landmark. Its main location sits in a converted warehouse with a giant mural-covered facade and outdoor seating between the railroad tracks and studios.
What you get here:
- A very “local” crowd of artists, creatives, and neighborhood folks
- Outdoor tables perfect for warm afternoons and early evenings
- Easy access to galleries and other RAD stops between beers
If your guests want to blend brewery-hopping with browsing local art and murals, this is the spot.
Highland Brewing: Rooftop & Forest Trails
Highland Brewing, Asheville’s original craft brewery, has turned its East Asheville campus into a full-on gathering place with a taproom, rooftop bar, and wooded property that includes trails and a disc golf course.
It’s a great pick if:
- Guests have a car and don’t mind a short drive from downtown
- They want to mix a beer stop with some light walking or disc golf
- They’re interested in the history of Asheville’s beer scene
The rooftop, in particular, is a lovely place to catch a sunset glow over the trees.
Hillman, Zillicoah & Other “By the Water” Breweries
Beyond the big names, a few smaller breweries offer great water views and relaxed atmospheres:
- Hillman Beer (near the Swannanoa River) combines cozy indoor space with a riverside patio and excellent pub food.
- Zillicoah Beer Company in Woodfin sits right on the French Broad, with a large lawn, fire pits, and snack-style food.
These are perfect “local favorites” to mention when guests say, “We love the idea of river breweries but want something a little quieter.”
How to Build a Scenic Brewery Afternoon
Here’s an easy “beer with a view” sequence you can suggest in your blog:
- Morning: Take a Blue Ridge Parkway or waterfall tour with Asheville Tours & Excursions.
- Early Afternoon: Head to New Belgium or Wedge for river-and-art views.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: If you’re up for a drive, finish at Sierra Nevada Mills River for dinner, sunset light, and a walk through the gardens.
Mix and match depending on where your tours go and where your guests are staying.
A Quick Word on Safety & Designated Drivers
It’s good to gently remind our readers:
- Choose a designated driver for any DIY brewery-hopping
- Pace tastings (most breweries offer small pours and flights)
- Drink plenty of water—especially if you’ve been hiking or out in the sun
Or, better yet, split the fun over multiple days: one day for heavy hiking, another for more leisurely brewery visits.
Asheville’s breweries aren’t just about beer—they’re about river views, garden patios, and mountain sunsets. Add one or two of these scenic stops to your itinerary, and you’ll see why so many people fall in love with Beer City USA.
