Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina has become one of the best beer destinations in America, with world-class breweries scattered from the mountains to the coast. Whether you love hoppy IPAs, smooth lagers, or funky sours, the state offers something for every beer lover. Planning your first brewery road trip here can feel overwhelming with so many amazing options. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to ten essential stops that showcase the very best of North Carolina’s craft beer scene.
1. Highland Brewing — Asheville
Back in 1994, when craft beer was barely a whisper in North Carolina, Highland opened its doors and changed everything. Today, their 40-acre campus feels like a beer lover’s paradise, complete with rolling meadows, a bustling taproom, and food trucks serving up delicious bites.
The iconic Gaelic Ale remains their calling card—a balanced amber that’s been winning fans for three decades. On any given weekend, you’ll find families, dogs, and friends sprawled across the lawn, pint in hand, soaking up mountain views.
Highland hosts frequent live music and seasonal festivals, making every visit feel like a celebration. It’s the perfect first stop to understand where Asheville’s beer revolution began.
2. Burial Beer Co. — Asheville
If Highland is where Asheville’s beer story started, Burial is where it gets weird—in the best possible way. This brewery has earned a cult following for pushing boundaries with bold, experimental brews that challenge what beer can be.
Their Skillet Donut Stout tastes exactly like its name suggests, delivering rich coffee and pastry flavors in every sip. Burial operates two distinct Asheville locations: the original South Slope taproom and the sprawling Forestry Camp.
Constant collaborations, limited releases, and festivals keep the calendar packed year-round. Beer geeks travel from across the country just to snag rare bottles and taste what Burial dreams up next. Expect creativity, community, and absolutely unforgettable flavors.
3. Sierra Nevada—Mills River — near Asheville (Mills River)
Sierra Nevada’s East Coast facility isn’t just a brewery—it’s a full-blown beer destination that rivals theme parks in scale and beauty. Nestled in Mills River, just outside Asheville, the campus features a massive taproom, scenic back porch, and miles of hiking trails winding through the property.
Sipping a fresh Pale Ale here, straight from the source, feels almost sacred for craft beer fans. The brewery offers tours showcasing their cutting-edge sustainable practices and brewing technology.
Seasonal releases and experimental small-batch beers rotate regularly, giving visitors something new to discover. Families love the outdoor spaces, while beer enthusiasts geek out over the freshness and variety. It’s California brewing excellence planted firmly in North Carolina soil.
4. New Belgium—Asheville (Liquid Center) — Asheville
Perched along the French Broad River in Asheville’s artsy River Arts District, New Belgium’s Liquid Center brings Colorado’s beloved brewery to the East Coast. The riverside patio alone is worth the visit, offering stunning water views and a laid-back vibe perfect for lazy afternoons.
Fat Tire flows freely here, alongside the full Voodoo Ranger lineup and rotating seasonal experiments. Food trucks park outside regularly, and the weekly event calendar stays packed with live music, yoga, and community gatherings.
New Belgium’s commitment to sustainability shines through in their LEED-certified building and eco-friendly practices. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their beers, the Asheville location delivers both quality and atmosphere in equal measure.
5. Wicked Weed Brewing (Brewpub) — Asheville
Downtown Asheville’s original Wicked Weed brewpub remains a must-visit despite the brewery’s acquisition by AB InBev sparking debate among craft purists. The full-service restaurant pairs elevated pub fare with an impressive tap list that includes their flagship Pernicious IPA.
Wicked Weed’s sour program, housed at their separate Funkatorium location, has earned international acclaim for wild ales and barrel-aged experiments. At the main brewpub, the energy buzzes with tourists and locals alike, all drawn by consistent quality and prime downtown real estate.
The kitchen serves everything from burgers to creative small plates designed to complement their diverse beer styles. Love them or debate them, Wicked Weed’s impact on Asheville’s beer scene can’t be ignored.
6. Hi-Wire Brewing — Asheville (South Slope & Biltmore Village)
Hi-Wire brings playful energy to Asheville’s sometimes-serious craft beer scene, with two distinct locations offering different vibes. The South Slope taproom welcomes families and four-legged friends with outdoor games, a relaxed atmosphere, and a hidden tiki bar tucked away for tropical cocktail cravings.
Over in Biltmore Village, their production brewery and taproom showcases the behind-the-scenes magic of brewing at scale. Hi-Wire Lager recently earned a silver medal at the 2025 World Beer Cup, proving their approachable beers pack serious craftsmanship.
Kids can run around while parents sample the latest releases, making Hi-Wire perfect for beer lovers who don’t want to leave family behind. The calendar stays full with trivia nights, live music, and seasonal events.
7. Foothills Brewing — Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem’s Foothills Brewing has anchored the Triad’s beer scene since 2005, long before craft breweries dotted every corner. Their downtown brewpub combines old-school charm with serious brewing chops, serving up classics like the beloved People’s Porter alongside adventurous seasonal releases.
A separate tasting room offers another space to sample their rotating tap list and limited batches. Foothills proves you don’t need to be in Asheville or Charlotte to find world-class beer in North Carolina.
The brewpub’s cozy interior and friendly service make it feel like your neighborhood hangout, even if you’re visiting for the first time. Check their 2025 event calendar for tap takeovers, release parties, and community gatherings.
8. Mother Earth Brewing — Kinston
Eastern North Carolina doesn’t get enough credit for its beer scene, but Mother Earth Brewing in Kinston is changing that narrative. Their laid-back taproom and sprawling beer garden create the perfect setting for slow-sipping sessionable brews and catching up with friends.
What sets Mother Earth apart is their adjoining retro Motor Lodge, where you can actually spend the night after a day of tasting. Imagine walking from your vintage-style room straight to the taproom for breakfast beers and lunch.
The brewery’s commitment to their small-town community shines through in everything they do, from local ingredients to supporting regional causes. Mother Earth proves great beer thrives beyond the big cities, rooted in authentic hospitality and passion.
9. NoDa Brewing Company — Charlotte
Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood pulses with artistic energy, and NoDa Brewing Company sits right at its heart. Named after the North Davidson arts district, this brewery has been pouring award-winning beers since 2011, building a loyal following that packs the taproom year-round.
Their flagship Hop Drop ‘N Roll IPA has racked up medals and become synonymous with Charlotte craft beer. The North End taproom hosts constant events—from food truck rallies to live music—keeping the calendar full through late 2025 and beyond.
NoDa’s vibe balances neighborhood hangout with destination brewery, attracting both locals grabbing weeknight pints and beer tourists exploring the Queen City. The industrial-chic space and rotating taps ensure there’s always something new to discover.
10. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB) — Charlotte
Germany meets the South at OMB, home to the Southeast’s largest biergarten and some of the region’s most authentic German-style brewing. Acres of shaded outdoor seating create the perfect backdrop for sipping their flagship Copper Altbier, a smooth, malty beer brewed according to traditional Düsseldorf methods.
OMB takes the Reinheitsgebot (German beer purity law) seriously, using only water, malt, hops, and yeast in every brew. The result is clean, flavorful beer that transports you straight to Bavaria without the plane ticket.
Families spread across picnic tables while friends gather for liters and pretzels, creating a communal atmosphere that feels timeless. OMB’s commitment to tradition and quality has made it a Charlotte institution since 2009.
