Frequently Asked Questions

There is a 4-person minimum for each tour; in the event the minimum # of cruisers is not met, tour is subject to cancellation. If your tour is cancelled, you will be contacted by Asheville Brews Cruise prior to your tour date.

Q) What is your refund/cancellation policy?
A) We have a 24 hour cancellation policy (48 hours for parties of 6 or more). We require a $5.00 cancellation fee for each ticket cancelled. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start of your scheduled tour (48 hours for parties of 6 or more) will be charged full ticket price.

Q) Where do we meet to begin our tour?
A) Most tours start and end at the Asheville Brewing Company (77 Coxe Avenue) , on the southern edge of downtown. Our Beer City walking tour begins at the Lexington Avenue Brewery in the heart of downtown.

Q) Where do we park?
A) For tours that depart from Asheville Brewing Company (77 Coxe Avenue), there is ample parking in the Wachovia Bank parking lot on the north side of the Asheville Brewing Company. For tours departing from the Lexington Avenue Brewery, the Rankin Street Parking Garage (a City of Asheville parking garage) is located only one block northwest of the brewery. The first hour is free and each additional hour costs only 75¢.

Q) How long is our tour?
A) Tours typically last 3-3 ½ hours (be sure to arrive approximately 15 minutes before scheduled start time to assure an on-time departure).

Q) What can we expect on our tour?
A) Our tours are knowledge based. You will be given detailed information about the beer brewing process and learn about the nuances of different beer styles. Your Brews Cruise guide and the staff of the breweries you will visit are very knowledgeable and will gladly answer any questions you may have.

Q) What is appropriate attire to wear for my tour?
A) Anything comfortable is appropriate, especially shoes. Open-toed shoes are not recommended. It is also recommended that you bring an umbrella with you on walking tours.

Q) How many beer samples can I expect to receive during the tour?
A) Typically you will receive approximately 15-16 4 ounce samples during the tour. You are not obligated to drink each sample provided. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION OR DESIGNATE A SOBER DRIVER BACK TO YOUR HOME OR HOTEL AT THE END OF THE TOUR. Your guide will happily provide you with local taxicab information at your request.

Q) Are there hotels within walking distance of the tour's starting/ending place?
A) There are several hotels within easy walking distance. Hotels include the Sheraton Four Points, Hotel Indigo, Haywood Park Hotel, Downtown Inn, and Renaissance Hotel. The Sweet Peas Hostel is located directly above the Lexington Avenue Brewery.

Q) What is the appropriate amount to tip our tour guide?
A) According to tipping.org, tour guides are typically given a gratuity of 10-15% of the price of the tour, but any amount is greatly appreciated.

Q) How far will we have to walk on the walking tours?
A) Our walking tours will require a total walking distance of approximately one mile, divided between stops at each brewery/restaurant. The most strenuous portion of the tour is a moderately uphill, approximately ½ mile walk up scenic and shaded Church Street on our way from Green Man Brewery to the Oyster House (our Beer City walking tour - see our tour schedule/description page - is slightly less strenuous).

Q) What happens if I book a walking tour and there is inclement weather?
A) Unless the weather is extremely severe or dangerous, walking tours will continue as scheduled. If the tour should have to be cancelled, the full ticket price will be refunded.

Q) Can we purchase merchandise at the breweries?
A) Yes. Each brewery offers a selection of t-shirts, pint glasses, etc for purchase. You may also purchase an array of Brews Cruise merchandise during the tour.

Q) Is food provided during the tour?
A) Yes. You will be provided with a small snack (usually a bag of peanuts) during the tour, as well as bottled water. You will also have the opportunity to purchase additional food at the breweries that serve food on our tours.

Q) Can we bring alcohol and/or food on the van or bus?
A) You may not bring alcoholic beverages on the tour. However, food may be brought on board, as long as you clean up your mess after eating.

Q) Can minors or dogs join the tour?
A) Minors will be allowed on private tours booked at maximum capacity (24-28 people). Otherwise, adults 18 or older are welcome to join the tour and pay the designated driver price. Although many of the breweries are dog friendly, we do not allow pets on the tour.

Q) What is the price of a Designated Driver ticket?
A) Designated Driver tickets are $25. To purchase a Designated Driver ticket, enter the coupon code: DD_SOBER during the checkout process while purchasing your ticket(s) from this website. $20 will be deducted from your order total ($45 regular ticket price - $20 Designated Driver coupon code = $25 Designated Driver ticket). One Designated Driver coupon code can be used per checkout transaction. Designated Drivers will not be served any alcohol by the Brews Cruise tour guide.

Q) Do you offer special pick up and drop off arrangements?
A) Generally, we do not make special arrangements. We may make exceptions for private parties of 24 or more. Please call for more information.

Q) Do you offer any discounts?
A) If you book a party of 6 or more, you will receive a $5 toward Brews Cruise merchandise. Military personnel, firemen, police officers, "repeat offenders", and Buncombe County residents will also receive $5 vouchers toward merchandise.