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Portland Craft Beer Tour: Drinks and Food Included!
Rating: 5.0 | Price: $600 | Duration: ~4 hours | Location: Portland, USA
If you’re a beer enthusiast or simply someone curious about Portland’s legendary brewing scene, this craft beer tour offers an engaging, tasty, and educational experience. Led by knowledgeable guides in a city famous for its craft beer, the tour lets you sample some of Portland’s best brews while enjoying a relaxed, social atmosphere.
What we really love about this tour is how well it combines authentic beer tasting with a touch of local flavor—like snacks from Olympia Provisions or pizza from Pan con Queso. It’s a perfect way to get a taste of Portland’s brewing innovation without the hassle of navigating the city on your own.
One thing to keep in mind is that the itinerary can change slightly depending on seasonal factors, brewery closures, or the day’s timing. This flexibility makes the tour adaptable but also means your exact brewery lineup might vary.
This experience suits travelers who enjoy craft beers, want a guided perspective on Portland’s brewing legacy, and appreciate good food alongside their drinks. It’s also ideal for those who prefer a small-group environment for a more personal vibe.
Key Points
- Authentic Portland Experience: Visit three of Portland’s top breweries, learning about their unique brewing philosophies.
- Inclusive Tastings and Snacks: Enjoy tastings of award-winning beers plus complimentary snacks from local producers.
- Behind-the-Scenes Access: Optional behind-the-scenes glimpses into the brewing process add a richer understanding of beer craft.
- Flexible Itinerary: While the stops are subject to change, the focus remains on quality, innovation, and local flavor.
- Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Damon are praised for their friendliness, insight, and city expertise.
- Convenient Pickup & Small Group: Pickup is offered from a central location, and groups are capped at 26, ensuring an intimate experience.
Exploring the Portland Craft Beer Scene: What You Can Expect
This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Portland’s vibrant beer culture, balancing tastings, narrative, and a touch of local food. For anyone interested in craft brewing—whether a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer—this experience packs in a lot of value in just a few hours.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Stop 1: Wayfinder Beer
Your first stop is at Wayfinder Beer, a brewery that has garnered notable awards, including Oregon Beer of the Year. This place embodies the blend of tradition and modern science that defines Portland’s brewing scene. The guide will point out how Wayfinder combines ancient brewing tactics with German-style precision and American craft swagger, making this a compelling first taste of the city’s innovation.
While here, you’ll enjoy cheese, salami, and nuts from Olympia Provisions & Cowbell Cheese—simple, high-quality snacks that perfectly complement the beer. The 45-minute visit allows enough time to sample different brews and chat with staff about their brewing philosophy.
Review insight: One reviewer praised the guide, Damon, for being “great, taking us to three really cool places with great beer and food.” It’s clear that the guides add a personal touch that elevates the experience beyond just a tasting.
Stop 2: Living Häus Beer Co
Next, you’ll visit Living Häus, a lager-forward brewery focused on clean, intentional, and curious beers. Expect to sample brews that showcase Portland’s penchant for precision and quality. The brewery emphasizes natural ingredients and responsible sourcing, with pizza from Pan con Queso adding a hearty, satisfying touch.
This stop is about more than just drinking beer—it’s about understanding the craft behind each brew, appreciating the careful ingredient choices, and savoring the atmosphere of a brewery that’s dedicated to clarity and curiosity in brewing.
Review insight: Guests have appreciated the mix of delicious food and a relaxed environment, with some noting the “naturally leavened multigrain dough” as a highlight.
Stop 3: Away Days Brewing Co
In the modern, intimate setting of Away Days, you’ll find a rotating selection of ten taps plus two cask engines, often featuring styles from England and Europe. The emphasis here is on international influences and European-style beers, making it an interesting stop if you’re into diverse brewing traditions.
Olives and nuts serve as snacks, giving a savory balance to your tastings. The guide may share stories about how European brewing styles influence Portland’s craft scene, adding depth to your tasting experience.
Review insight: Visitors mention the “great time” had with a guide who was both “fun and knowledgeable,” emphasizing the importance of a good guide in making the tour memorable.
Stop 4: Level Beer
The final stop is at Level Beer, renowned for its subtle, balanced, and traditional brews, with a surprising mix of New World ales and lagers. Here, you’ll get a glimpse into Portland’s broader brewing spectrum—beyond the hoppy IPAs, exploring more nuanced and traditional styles.
While this stop is optional depending on the schedule, it offers a great opportunity to compare different brewing philosophies and flavors. The 45-minute duration is enough to sample a couple of beers and soak in the relaxed atmosphere.
The Food & Snacks
Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy thoughtfully selected snacks that enhance your tastings. From cheese and salami to olives and nuts, the food is designed to complement the beers without overwhelming them. The inclusion of complimentary snacks at two stops adds to the overall value, making this more than just a beer tasting—it’s an introduction to Portland’s local food scene as well.
The Guides & Group Size
One of the most praised aspects of this experience is the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Damon, the guide mentioned in reviews, is described as “great” and “fun,” with a knack for sharing insights about the breweries and Portland itself.
With a maximum group size of 26, the tour remains intimate enough to foster conversation and personalized attention. Pickup is offered from a central location in Portland, making it easy to access and reducing logistical stress.
Price & Value
At $600 for approximately four hours, the price might seem high compared to casual pub crawls, but it reflects the quality of the breweries visited, the included tastings, snacks, and expert guidance. Guests often mention that the experience feels like good value for the depth of knowledge, variety of beers, and food experience provided.
It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a curated, guided introduction to Portland’s craft beer culture without the hassle of planning individual brewery visits.
Practical Tips
- Arrive on time at the designated meeting point, Director Park, by 2:00 pm to start smoothly.
- Dress comfortably — Portland weather can vary, especially if the tour extends into the evening.
- Bring your ID as alcohol tastings require proof of legal drinking age.
- Consider your walking pace; each brewery visit lasts around 45 minutes, with some time in transit.
- Group size is capped at 26, so booking early is recommended if you want to secure a spot.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This craft beer tour is perfect for beer lovers eager to explore Portland’s brewing scene with the guidance of locals. It’s equally suited for those who appreciate good food and want to learn about the brewing process and history.
If you’re traveling with friends, family, or even solo but enjoy social experiences, this tour offers a friendly, relaxed environment. It’s also very fitting for visitors who prefer a structured, informative outing rather than wandering aimlessly through breweries.
However, if you’re after a very specific beer style or a more freeform pub crawl, you might find the set stops a little restrictive. But for most travelers wanting an authentic, fun, and educational introduction to Portland’s craft beer scene, this tour hits the mark.
The Sum Up
For anyone wanting to explore Portland’s famous craft beer culture, this guided tour offers a well-balanced mix of tastings, storytelling, and food. With knowledgeable guides like Damon, guests get more than just a tasting—it’s an engaging journey into Portland’s brewing innovation. The inclusion of snacks, behind-the-scenes insights, and the chance to sample award-winning beers make it a memorable and valuable experience.
The tour’s flexibility and focus on quality make it an excellent choice for beer enthusiasts, curious travelers, or groups seeking a fun afternoon with easy logistics. Though the price might be on the higher side, the quality of the breweries visited and the insider knowledge gained justify the cost for many.
If you’re keen to explore Portland’s “Beervana” with a trusted guide, this craft beer tour promises a flavorful, educational, and fun experience that you’ll remember long after your trip.
FAQ
Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered from a central location at Director Park, making it convenient to start the experience without worrying about transportation.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately four hours, with about 45 minutes spent at each brewery, plus travel time in between.
Are snacks and food included?
Yes, snacks are a key part of the experience, with selections like cheese, salami, nuts, and pizza from Pan con Queso at designated stops.
Can I learn about how beer is made?
While the itinerary includes some behind-the-scenes elements, visits may include a look at the brewing process, depending on brewery schedules and closures.
What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 26, ensuring a personable and engaging experience.
Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, including service animals, and it’s ideal for those who enjoy craft beer, food, and learning about local culture.
What if a brewery is unexpectedly closed?
The itinerary is flexible, and stops may change depending on closures or seasonal factors; guides aim to keep the experience enjoyable regardless.
Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer aficionado or just looking to taste Portland’s finest brews with an expert, this tour offers a balanced, authentic, and fun way to explore the city’s beer scene.
