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Brewery Tours

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Brewery Tours

Brewery Tours
A double decker bus outside McGuire’s “Feasting, Imbibery, and Debauchery” Irish Pub that serves Irish food and has a brewery tour in Pensacola, Florida. File photo: RaksyBH, ShutterStock.com, licensed.

Florida offers a wide array of beer tours, with craft breweries booming across the state. Here are some of the top places where you can find beer tours:

1. Tampa Bay Area (area info)

  • Overview: Tampa is known for its vibrant craft beer scene, especially in Ybor City and downtown Tampa.
  • Popular Tours:
    • Brew Bus Tampa Bay: Offers brewery tours around the Tampa Bay area, including stops at top breweries like Cigar City Brewing, Coppertail Brewing Co., and 3 Daughters Brewing.
    • Ybor City Brew Tour: This walking tour highlights breweries in historic Ybor City, including Tampa Bay Brewing Company and The Bricks Ybor​ (Travellers Worldwide).
  • Location: Tampa, Ybor City, and St. Petersburg ​(Road Affair).

2. Orlando (area info)

  • Overview: Orlando has a growing craft beer scene with breweries popping up in neighborhoods like Winter Park and downtown Orlando.
  • Popular Tours:
    • Hop On! Central Florida Brew Tours: A guided tour that visits several local breweries in the Orlando area, offering tasting flights and behind-the-scenes experiences.
    • Orlando Brewery Tour: A tour that covers popular spots like Orlando Brewing, Dead Lizard Brewing, and Crooked Can Brewing ​(Rove.me).
  • Location: Orlando and surrounding areas ​(Road Affair).

3. Miami (area info)

  • Overview: Miami’s beer scene is infused with Latin American flavors, making it a unique destination for craft beer lovers.
  • Popular Tours:
    • Miami Brew Bus: Takes participants on tours of Miami’s craft breweries like Wynwood Brewing, Concrete Beach Brewery, and J. Wakefield Brewing.
    • Wynwood Brewing District Tour: A walking tour that focuses on the Wynwood district, known for its art and craft breweries ​(Travellers Worldwide)​(VISITFLORIDA Media).
  • Location: Wynwood District and Downtown Miami​ (Rove.me).

4. Jacksonville (area info)

  • Overview: Jacksonville’s beer scene is growing rapidly, particularly in the historic Riverside and San Marco districts.
  • Popular Tours:
    • Jax Brew Bus: Takes guests to a variety of Jacksonville’s breweries like Bold City Brewery, Intuition Ale Works, and Engine 15 Brewing Co..
    • Riverside Craft Beer Tour: A walking tour of breweries in the Riverside neighborhood, known for its diverse beer offerings ​(Travellers Worldwide)​(Road Affair).
  • Location: Jacksonville and surrounding areas ​(VISITFLORIDA Media).

5. St. Petersburg & Clearwater (area info)

  • Overview: The craft beer movement is thriving on Florida’s Gulf Coast, particularly in St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
  • Popular Tours:
    • St. Pete Beach Brewery Tour: A fun, casual tour of local breweries like 3 Daughters Brewing, Green Bench Brewing, and Cycle Brewing.
    • Craft Beer Trail: Known as the “Gulp Coast,” this self-guided tour covers over 30 breweries across St. Petersburg and Clearwater​ (Rove.me)​(Travellers Worldwide).
  • Location: St. Petersburg and Clearwater ​(Road Affair).

6. Fort Lauderdale (area info)

  • Overview: With its laid-back vibe, Fort Lauderdale offers a mix of beachside and urban craft beer experiences.
  • Popular Tours:
    • Brewery Bus Tour Fort Lauderdale: Covers breweries in the city and nearby, including stops at Funky Buddha Brewery, LauderAle, and Tarpon River Brewing.
  • Location: Fort Lauderdale and nearby areas ​(Rove.me)​(Road Affair).

These beer tours offer opportunities to taste Florida’s unique craft beer while learning about the brewing process and the local brewery culture. Whether you prefer a guided tour or a self-guided trail, there’s a tour to suit every beer enthusiast.

Before Heading Out

Before heading out for a beer tour in Florida, it’s important to keep the following considerations in mind to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and safe experience:

1. Stay Hydrated

  • Beer tours often involve visiting multiple breweries and sampling several varieties of beer. It’s important to drink water throughout the tour to stay hydrated and avoid the effects of alcohol consumption.
  • Some tours provide water, but it’s a good idea to bring your own reusable bottle ​(Travellers Worldwide)​(Road Affair).

2. Eat Before or During the Tour

  • Drinking on an empty stomach can lead to faster intoxication. Many tours offer food pairings or stops at local eateries, but it’s recommended to have a meal before heading out. If your tour doesn’t include food, check ahead to see if any of the breweries offer snacks or meals ​(Rove.me)​(Travellers Worldwide).

3. Plan Transportation

  • Since you’ll likely be sampling multiple beers, it’s important to arrange transportation. Consider using rideshare apps, public transportation, or having a designated driver. Some tours offer transportation services (like brewery buses), which can be a safe and convenient option ​(Road Affair).

4. Understand the Tour Inclusions

  • Different tours offer different experiences. Some may include brewery visits, tastings, and food pairings, while others focus on behind-the-scenes brewery tours. Be sure to read what’s included in the package to avoid surprises, like additional charges for tastings ​(Travellers Worldwide).

5. Respect the Tasting Limits

  • Drink responsibly and know your limits. Brewery tours are meant to be fun, and many provide small samples, but overconsumption can ruin the experience. Pay attention to how much you’re drinking, especially when moving between stops ​(Rove.me).

6. Check Age Restrictions

  • Most beer tours are strictly for guests aged 21 and over. Make sure everyone in your party is of legal drinking age and bring a valid ID, as you may be asked for identification at both the tour operator and the breweries ​(Travellers Worldwide)​(Road Affair).

7. Dress Comfortably

  • Many tours involve walking between locations or spending time in outdoor areas. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Florida can be hot and humid, so light, breathable clothing is ideal, especially for day tours​ (Rove.me)​(Road Affair).

8. Book in Advance

  • Popular beer tours can fill up quickly, especially on weekends or during events like beer festivals. It’s recommended to book your tour in advance to secure a spot and confirm the meeting place and time ​(Road Affair).

By keeping these tips in mind, you can have a great time exploring Florida’s thriving craft beer scene while staying safe and responsible.

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