Discover the Sierra Nevada Brewery Tour in North Carolina

Sierra Nevada’s Mills River brewery offers one of the most impressive craft beer experiences in the country — combining world-class brewing facilities, immersive tours, tasting opportunities, and a beautiful campus set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can explore the brewhouse, learn about sustainable production, and enjoy award-winning beers fresh from the source.
Why it’s special: It’s a stunning “destination brewery” with high-tech equipment, interactive tours, a scenic taproom, a restaurant, and one of the most sustainability-driven brewing operations in the U.S.

History/Story of Sierra Nevada’s Mills River Brewery

Opened in 2014 as Sierra Nevada’s East Coast production center, the Mills River brewery was designed to uphold the company’s reputation for innovation, environmental stewardship, and craft-brewing excellence. With extensive solar installations, water-treatment systems, and advanced brewing equipment, this facility set a new standard for green brewing. Today it produces many of Sierra Nevada’s most iconic beers and hosts thousands of visitors each year.

What You’ll See & Do

• Walk through the brewhouse and production areas where beer is mashed, lautered, boiled, and fermented

• Explore the cellar, hop storage, quality labs, and canning/packaging lines

• Learn about Sierra Nevada’s sustainability systems: solar arrays, water recovery, and energy-efficient operations

• Enjoy guided tastings of fresh beers, including fan favorites and limited releases

• Spend time in the taproom and restaurant offering seasonal dishes and beer pairings

• Explore the beautiful outdoor spaces, trails, and riverside seating areas

Visiting Information

Hands-On Elements

Tours may include opportunities to smell hops, see brewing ingredients up close, observe active fermentations, and taste selected beers. Guests get a rare close look at brewing equipment and sensory aspects of beer production.

Photo/Video Policy

Photography is welcome in public areas, tasting rooms, and designated tour zones. Certain production floors may restrict flash, tripods, or close-up filming for safety.

Souvenirs & Extras

• Specialty beers, limited releases, and brewery-only offerings

• Growlers, cans, bottle packs, and mixed samplers

• Merchandise including apparel, glassware, and gifts

• Restaurant and taproom with extensive food and beer menus

• Walking trails and outdoor seating for a scenic post-tour break

Practical Info

All tours require advance booking, as space fills quickly. Guests must be 21+ for tasting experiences (ID required). Closed-toe shoes are recommended. The entire brewery campus is easy to explore and offers food, drinks, shopping, and outdoor recreation in addition to guided tours.

Pricing

• Brewhouse Tour (free introductory tour): Free — limited availability

• Guided Brewery Tour (extended): ~$20–$25 per person

• Specialty or Themed Tours: Pricing varies based on offering

• Beer tastings: Included in most paid tours

Nearby

• Asheville — breweries, restaurants, arts, and historic downtown

• Blue Ridge Parkway scenic overlooks

• Mills River and Pisgah National Forest hiking areas

• North Carolina Arboretum

FAQs

Do all tours include beer tastings?

Most paid tours include several tastings. The free introductory tour may not include tastings, depending on the schedule.

Can children join the tour?

Children can visit the property and restaurant but typically cannot join production tours. Some family-friendly viewing areas may be available.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled tour to check in at the visitor center.

Is the restaurant open without taking a tour?

Yes — the taproom and restaurant operate independently and welcome walk-ins.

What should I wear?

Closed-toe shoes are required for production-floor tours. Comfortable attire is recommended due to walking and standing.