Follina: Visit to a craft brewery, 3 beers and local specialities ITA

Exploring a craft brewery in Italy’s beautiful Veneto region offers more than just a taste of local beers; it’s an authentic dive into traditional brewing methods and regional flavors. This tour in Follina presents a rare chance to see how small-scale, family-run operations blend heritage with innovation. We particularly love how the experience combines educational insights with delicious tasting moments—plus, a lovely gift to take home.

That said, it’s important to note that this tour’s duration is just around one hour, which might feel brief for those wanting in-depth brewery visits. Also, since the activity is limited to those over 18 and non-pregnant participants, it’s geared toward adult beer enthusiasts or curious travelers eager to discover Italy’s craft scene. If you’re into discovering local traditions behind food and drink, this tour is a wonderful choice.

This experience would suit travelers who appreciate authentic, small-batch products, enjoy learning about local production, and value a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It’s especially appealing for those seeking a taste of Veneto beyond the usual sightseeing.

Key Points

• Authentic small-batch beer production in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Prosecco hills.
• Educational and engaging guided tour led by knowledgeable staff, including the reception manager.
• Tasting of three distinct craft beers paired with regional cheeses, cold cuts, and local specialties.
• Includes a unique beer distillate called ‘Primo Malto,’ offering an extra flavor dimension.
• Attractive perks: a free gift and a 15% discount on purchases.
• Family heritage in winemaking and spontaneous fermentation enriches the story behind the beers.

Setting and Overview

Perched in the scenic Prosecco hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019, Follina’s brewery combines the charm of Veneto’s rolling landscapes with a passion for craft brewing. Unlike large industrial breweries, this family-run operation focuses on top-fermented, bottle-refermented beers, which are unfiltered and unpasteurized, thus preserving their natural flavors and character. Its location and philosophy make it a distinctive spot for those interested in artisanal beer-making.

The tour lasts roughly 30 minutes, with the overall experience clocking in at about an hour. This concise format works well for travelers who prefer a quick but comprehensive peek into the brewery’s secrets without a lengthy commitment.

The Production Tour

Upon arrival at the brewery, guests are greeted by the reception manager who guides the tour. This part is a real highlight—seeing the production process up close creates a deeper appreciation for each sip you’ll later enjoy. The guide explains how raw ingredients are selected, the nuances of spontaneous fermentation, and the special techniques that set Follina’s beers apart from mass-produced options.

Travelers have expressed appreciation for the personal, friendly approach of the guides. As one reviewer put it, “The staff’s knowledge really elevated the experience,” which is common praise. Expect to see the brewing area, observe ingredients like hops and malt, and learn about bottling and storage for the refermentation phase. It’s an educational journey that demystifies craft beer production and highlights regional craftsmanship.

Tasting and Food Pairings

The tasting session is thoughtfully curated. You’ll sample three Follina craft beers, each with distinct profiles, accompanied by regional cold cuts, cheeses, crispy pickles, and a special grape mustard. These local delicacies complement the beers perfectly, illustrating how regional ingredients influence flavor.

Reviewers consistently mention how the pairing enhances the tasting experience. One noted, “The pairing with snacks was really well made,” which amplifies the flavors of both the beer and the local produce. The beers themselves are described as high quality, with one traveler mentioning, “The quality of the beer was excellent,” reinforcing that this isn’t just a sightseeing stunt but a genuine tasting experience.

The Beer Distillate: Primo Malto

A unique feature of this tour is the opportunity to sample ‘Primo Malto,’ a beer distillate. It’s a different take on spirits, offering a concentrated flavor of the brewery’s signature malts and hops. This adds an extra layer of appreciation for the brewing craft and allows you to explore beyond the usual beer glass.

Souvenirs and Discounts

At the end of the experience, visitors receive a free gift—a thoughtful touch that keeps the memory alive. Those who want to take home their favorite bottles will also benefit from a 15% discount on any purchases in the brewery’s shop, making it easier to bring a piece of Veneto back with you.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adults over 18 interested in regional beverages, beer lovers eager to learn about top-fermented brewing, and those seeking an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at Italy’s craft scene. It’s less suited for children or pregnant women, given the nature of the tasting.

• Duration: About 1 hour, with a 30-minute guided tour.
• Location: Via Pedeguarda, 26, Follina, Veneto.
• Languages: Guided tours available in Italian and English.
• Price: Compares favorably considering the guided insights, tastings, and extras like the gift and discount.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
• Availability: Check current schedules as times vary; booking in advance is recommended.
• Best for: Those who enjoy learning about local production, regional foods, and craft beverages.

Important Notes

• The activity involves tastings only of beer and distillate; other beverages are not included.
• Transportation is not included, so plan to arrive on your own.
• Not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18.
• Cancellation policy: Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility for travel plans.

This brewery visit offers a genuine experience that combines regional heritage with craft innovation. The fact that the brewery has a long family history in winemaking adds an extra layer of authenticity, as they apply traditional spontaneous fermentation techniques to their beers. This blend of old-world tradition with modern craft brewing makes the experience stand out from more generic tours.

The guided approach means you’ll not only taste but also understand the care and skill that goes into each brew. The pairing of regional cheeses, cold cuts, and the grape mustard emphasizes local flavors, making this more than just a beer tasting—it’s a culture.

The value for money is clear when considering the educational aspect, the quality of the beers, the personalized guidance, and extra perks like the gift and discount. It’s a memorable, fun, and educational activity for those curious about Italy’s lesser-known craft breweries.

If you are a beer enthusiast looking to discover Italy’s craft scene beyond the vineyards, this tour is a treat. For foodies and lovers of regional flavors, the pairing makes it a memorable gastronomic experience. It is also perfect for those wanting a quick, friendly introduction to Veneto’s local production methods without an extensive time commitment.

Travelers seeking a small-group, authentic experience will appreciate the personal touch of the guided tour. Conversely, if you prefer longer, more detailed brewery visits, or have very young children and non-drinkers in your group, this might not be the best fit.

Is transportation included? No, transportation to the brewery is not part of the experience, so you’ll need to arrange your own arrival.

Can I visit if I don’t drink alcohol? Since the activity involves tasting three beers and a distillate, it might not be suitable for non-drinkers or pregnant women.

How long does the tour last? The guided tour itself lasts approximately 30 minutes, with the full experience around 60 minutes.

Is the tour available in English? Yes, guides speak both Italian and English, making it accessible for international travelers.

What is the cost? While the explicit price isn’t listed here, the tour offers great value considering the guided insight, tastings, a gift, and a discount.

Can I buy bottles to take home? Yes, you’ll receive a 15% discount on purchases made at the shop after the tour.

Is this suitable for children? No, the activity is only for those over 18, due to alcohol tastings.

What is the cancellation policy? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Choosing to spend an hour at Follina’s craft brewery provides a rare glimpse into Italy’s burgeoning artisan beer scene. It’s a perfect blend of education, flavor, and regional culture—all delivered in a warm, friendly environment. The guides’ knowledge, combined with the quality of the beers and local food pairings, creates a memorable experience that feels both genuine and rewarding.

This tour is especially suited for curious travelers who appreciate craftsmanship and regional traditions, as well as those seeking a relaxed, authentic activity away from crowded tourist spots. Whether you’re into beer, food, or simply looking to deepen your understanding of Veneto’s local character, this small-batch brewery offers a worthwhile and tasty stop.

If you’re after a taste of Veneto’s innovative side, combined with a touch of family heritage and regional flavor, booking this experience is a smart choice. It’s not just a tasting; it’s a mini cultural journey in the beautiful Prosecco hills.