In many ways, Sierra Nevada Brewery, located on lushly landscaped grounds near the Asheville airport, is as good as a destination resort. Established in 1979, with the mission to brew the highest-quality beer with the least environmental impact possible, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has been reducing waste and reusing materials in creative and thoughtful ways ever since.

The brewery comes with 215 acres of land, mountain biking trails, patios, gardens, an amphitheater, an airy brewhouse, and a bustling taproom. It is evident in the attention to detail that the North Carolina brewery was a labor of love for the Sierra Nevada. Many have referred to it as the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of breweries. For beer-lovers that are looking for an extraordinary experience that encompasses an interesting look into one of America’s best breweries, lively tasting and delicious culinary experiences in a beautiful setting, the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Mills River, NC, is a must-visit.

There is something here for everyone. I enjoy beer, but by no means am I an expert. My wife, however, has a vast knowledge of beers (she has been to over 200 breweries). To her, Sierra Nevada Brewery was the equivalent of Disney World — the Malt Disney World. We loved the conservation efforts, scenery and friendly staff. Whether you are a single person, a couple, or a whole family, you could easily spend a leisurely afternoon here. The attention to detail and taste is evident from the beautifully landscaped entranceway to the brewing of the beer; it's almost as if the beer is poured from the line it's so fresh.

After walking the grounds we built up an appetite so we went to the Taproom for a meal. The food is out of this world. We enjoyed the duck fries, empanadas, summer veggie pizza, and, of course, pretzels with pimento cheese. Everything we experienced on this visit was so much more than we expected.

Our one piece of advice: Before you go, check their special events schedule, because you may want to participate in one of their many outdoor concerts and music festivals. Other than that, always take the scenic route; it’s a big world out there – go explore it.

There’s a lot going on at the Sierra Nevada, so they’ve created numerous tours — different topics, lengths, and beer samplings.

Note: You must make reservations online for all tours except the Guided Tastings and the self-guided Visitor Corridor.

Brewery Tour

Duration: 45 minutes | 12+ | Complimentary | Reservations Required

Tour of production facility; navigate the entire beer-making process from raw ingredients through fermentation and packaging; finish with an educational tasting of a few Sierra Nevada beers.

Heritage Tour

Duration: 90 minutes | 12+ | $15 | Reservations Required

Explore the pioneering production facilities and the journey that led from a small home-brew shop in California to becoming one of America’s premier craft breweries; End the tour with a full, educational tasting of some of our year-round and seasonal brews.

Beer Geek Tour

Duration: 3 hours | 21+ | $50 | Reservations Required

Discover what makes the Sierra Nevada tick. This tour is ideal for beer lovers who already have basic beer knowledge and are looking for a behind-the-scenes look and taste of the facility. Talk ingredients and beer history before being invited into the 200-barrel production brewhouse. Wander into the hop cooler; take in the aromas; scope out the cellar where you’ll sample beer right from the tanks; prepare for a few surprises along the way and a Sierra Nevada experience like no other.

Note: Long pants and close-toed shoes required

Hop Head Tour

Duration: 90 mins | 21 + | $30.00 | Reservations Required

A special brewery tour celebrating crisp, hoppy goodness in the aromatic hop room, copper-clad brewhouse and more. Dive into the evolution of craft beer’s most popular style, and explore the storied history of how India Pale Ales took over the palates of beer drinkers everywhere. Ready your brain and your taste buds for an immersive IPA adventure that you won’t soon forget.

Note: Long pants and closed-toe shoes required

Trip in the Woods

Duration: 2 hours | 12+ | $20 | Reservations Required

This specialty tour will feature a guided nature walk through the beautiful, forested property. On this 1.5-mile, moderate hike you will learn about the natural resources surrounding the land: like the French Broad River, native plants and trees, sunshine and all that North Carolina rain. Learn how engineers harness and protect these resources and about the long history of making great beer while minimizing the impact on the environment. Wrap up with a sampling of a few of our award-winning brews.

Guided Educational Tasting

Duration: 30 minutes | 21+ | $12 | Same-day Ticket Sales*

One of the knowledgeable guides will walk you through a sampling of eight beers. Discuss beer styles and their history, as well as what makes Sierra Nevada’s beer unique. Provided paper and pens allow for tasting notes. Bring an adventurous palate and thirst (for beer and knowledge).