Memphis Brew Bus Tour with Three Local Breweries & Tastings

Touring Memphis often conjures images of soulful music, legendary blues, and iconic landmarks. But if you’re a craft beer enthusiast or simply curious about the city’s burgeoning brew scene, the Memphis Brew Bus Tour offers a refreshing alternative to the usual sightseeing routes. This three-and-a-half-hour journey takes you behind the scenes of three top local breweries, with plenty of tastings and local flavor along the way.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines the relaxed pace of beer tasting with the convenience of private transportation—no worries about who’s driving after a few samples. Plus, the knowledgeable guides sprinkle in fun stories and insider tips that make each stop more than just a quick pour. On the downside, it’s a fairly popular tour booked about a month in advance, so planning ahead is a good idea if you want a spot. This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic local scenes, enjoy good company, and want to explore Memphis from a different perspective.

Key Points

• A three-brewery experience that highlights Memphis’s craft beer scene
• Relaxed, approximately 3.5-hour tour starting from downtown Memphis
• Private transportation ensures comfort and safety
• Guided by friendly, knowledgeable local guides
• Includes generous tastings, snacks, and bottled water
• Suitable for those 21 and over, with no hidden costs

Discovering Memphis’s Craft Beer Scene

While Memphis’s reputation is built on its legendary music—a blend of blues, soul, and rock—its craft beer scene is quietly rising in popularity. This tour offers a chance to see a different side of the city, through the eyes of local brewers and beer lovers. It’s a practical way to sample a variety of brews without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar streets or making multiple stops on your own.

The tour begins at a convenient downtown meeting point on South Main Street, a lively hub that’s easy to reach by public transportation or a short taxi ride. From there, the group is whisked off in private, comfortable transport, leaving you free to relax and soak in the sights. With a maximum of 20 travelers, it keeps the group intimate enough for personalized attention, but lively enough to make new friends.

What’s Included and How It Works

The price of $64.75 per person covers all taxes, fees, and handling charges, making it a straightforward deal. You’ll get beverages at each brewery, including the opportunity to compare different styles and tastes. Snacks and bottled water are also included, so you won’t go hungry or dehydrated during the trip. The guides, both driver and local guide, are there to make the experience informative and fun, sharing stories and answering questions along the way.

Please note: Gratuities are not included, so if you feel the guides and staff did a good job, tipping is appreciated but optional. The tour is suitable for most travelers aged 21 and over, and service animals are welcome.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The First Stop: The Warm Welcome

The tour kicks off at the downtown meeting point. While the exact breweries visited aren’t specified in the provided info, the overall experience promises a variety of Memphis’s top craft breweries. Expect warm welcomes from brewery staff eager to share their stories and passion. The guide’s anecdotes help you understand what makes Memphis’s brewing scene unique—think local ingredients, innovative styles, and a deep sense of community.

Many reviewers praised the guide, with one noting, “Our tour guide was so gracious & helpful in navigating the Memphis Brewery scene.” This friendly approach makes the stops feel more like visits to friends’ homes than commercial stops.

The Middle Stops: Tasting and Learning

Each brewery offers exclusive samples, giving you a taste of the city’s brewing diversity. Whether you prefer IPAs, sours, or stouts—this tour is about discovering what Memphis has to offer. Several reviews highlight the ample tastings, with one saying, “The beer stops gave out AMPLE tastings,” ensuring you get more than just a sip or two.

These stops are more than just pouring stations—they often include a brief tour of the brewing process or a look into the brewery’s history. This behind-the-scenes approach elevates your experience from just drinking to understanding.

The Final Stop: The Best of the Day

The last brewery usually provides a variety of beers, including some that are more experimental or limited edition. Reviewers appreciated that the final stop “saved the best for last,” often mentioning the impressive selection of beers and sours. It’s a good place to unwind, chat with locals, and reflect on what you’ve learned and tasted.

Returning to Downtown

The tour wraps back at the starting point, with plenty of time to explore further or continue your Memphis adventure. We loved the ease of having transportation taken care of, especially after several hours of sampling. For those looking to extend their stay, the central location is perfect for walking to nearby attractions or grabbing a bite.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

What makes this tour stand out is the local connection. Breweries in Memphis are often small, family-run operations with passionate staff eager to share their craft. Several reviews mention how welcoming the staff were, with one saying, “Every brewery that we visited was more than happy to have us & served us great beer!”

The guides are a key part of the experience. They’re described as friendly, personable, and full of fun stories, adding a layer of local flavor that you might not get on a self-guided tour. Their insights help you appreciate not just the beers, but also the local culture and brewing philosophy.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $64.75, the tour offers considerable value considering the three breweries, tastings, snacks, bottled water, and transportation. Compared to individual visits or hiring a cab, it’s a cost-effective way to maximize your beer experience while avoiding the hassle of planning.

Many guests consider this tour a fantastic deal—one reviewer called it “well worth the money,” especially given the quality of the breweries and the friendly guidance. It’s a good choice for those who want a curated experience that balances education, fun, and good value.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for beer lovers, curious travelers, or groups looking for a relaxed, social activity. It also suits those new to Memphis but eager to dive into the local scene without the stress of navigating unfamiliar streets alone. If you enjoy stories about local businesses or trying a variety of brews, you’ll find plenty to love here.

However, keep in mind that participants must be 21 or older, and the tour is about savoring craft beers—so it’s not suitable for children or those avoiding alcohol.

Final Thoughts

The Memphis Brew Bus Tour offers a fun, friendly, and authentic way to explore the city’s craft beer scene. With knowledgeable guides, ample tastings, and comfortable transport, it strikes a good balance between entertainment and education. The stops are thoughtfully selected to showcase Memphis’s brewing talent, often highlighting small, passionate breweries that might not otherwise be on your radar.

For travelers who appreciate a local touch and want to support Memphis’s craft beer community, this tour delivers on both fronts. It’s perfect for those looking for a laid-back afternoon, a chance to meet new people, and a taste of Memphis’s more recent, flavorful side.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, providing enough time to visit three breweries without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 552 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103. This central location makes it easy to access by public transportation or foot.

Are meals included?
No, but snacks and bottled water are provided during the tour. You’ll have time to grab a meal afterward if you’d like.

Is there an age restriction?
Yes, you must be 21 or older to participate, as alcoholic beverages are served.

What’s included in the price?
All taxes, fees, handling charges, beverages, snacks, bottled water, and guided transportation are included. Tipping is optional.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Less notice may result in no refund.

Is this a good tour for groups?
Yes, with a maximum of 20 travelers, it’s suitable for small groups, friends, or couples wanting a shared experience.

What if I have mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best to consider the walking involved at each brewery and the comfort of the transportation.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a relaxed, engaging way to sample Memphis’s local brews while soaking up some stories and meeting new friends, this Brew Bus Tour is a solid pick. With authentic brewery visits, generous tastings, and friendly guides, it offers more than just a drink—it’s a genuine taste of Memphis’s craft beer culture. Perfect for curious explorers and beer enthusiasts alike, this tour makes a memorable addition to any Memphis itinerary.