Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Mills River
The biggest beer experience in Beer City's backyard
⏱ 1-3 hours👤 All ages$
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Mills River is the anchor of the so-called Brewgrass corridor south of Asheville, and its arrival helped cement the region's reputation as one of the country's great beer destinations. The facility is built to show off: visitors can see the brewhouse from public areas, and the grounds, gardens and amphitheater make it feel more like a destination resort than a factory.
Tour craft: book the Beyond the Pale Tour for the complete experience and the tasting, or the Hoppy Hour Tour if you want a shorter, lighter introduction. Weekday tours are best to see packaging in operation. Eat in the taproom before or after (the food is a step above typical brewpub fare), and check the amphitheater calendar in the warmer months — summer shows on the lawn are a local favorite. Private tours can be arranged with two weeks' notice.
Practicals and fit: 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River, about 20 miles south of Asheville near the airport. Tours run daily from morning to late afternoon; under-12s are not permitted on tours. Fit: beer lovers, couples and groups with a driver — and a natural lunch stop on the way to Pisgah National Forest.
What to Expect
Format
Guided brewery tours of varying length and depth (from an hour-long ingredients tour to a ninety-minute walk-through with nine samples), plus a free-entry taproom restaurant, gift shop and seasonal amphitheater concerts.
Best Time
Weekdays to see the packaging lines running; book weekend tours in advance. Summer and early fall for amphitheater shows.
Duration
One to three hours depending on the tour, plus a meal in the taproom.
Tips
Reserve your tour ahead. Bring a designated driver — Mills River is a drive from Asheville. No one under 12 is allowed on tours. Pair with lunch in the taproom before heading on to Pisgah Forest.
⚡ Quick Picks
Best For
Beer lovers who want the region's most impressive brewery experience.
Families
Tours are for ages 12 and up; younger kids can join for a meal in the taproom and the grounds.
Couples
A tasting tour, a long lunch and a summer concert make an easy, fun afternoon.
Pair With
The Cradle of Forestry and Pisgah National Forest to the south, or the downtown beer scene back in Asheville.
Time Needed
Half a day.
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Get Tickets →Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Sierra Nevada from Asheville?
About 20 miles south, in Mills River near Asheville Regional Airport — roughly a 25-minute drive.
Which tour should I book?
The Beyond the Pale Tour (about ninety minutes, ending with nine samples) is the full experience; the Hoppy Hour Tour is a shorter, hands-on introduction. Specialty tours run on select dates.
Do I need a reservation?
Advance booking is recommended for tours, especially on weekends. The taproom restaurant does not require a ticket.
Can kids come?
Not on tours — guests under 12 are not permitted, infants included. Families can still eat in the taproom and enjoy the grounds.
Are there concerts?
Yes, the outdoor amphitheater hosts bluegrass and touring acts, mostly in the warmer months. Check the brewery's calendar.
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