Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour

If you’re a craft beer enthusiast or simply curious about the roots of American brewing, the Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the heart of Washington’s hop and craft beer scene. With a friendly, knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the Yakima Valley’s rolling landscapes, visit multiple award-winning breweries, and sample a variety of locally brewed beers—without the hassle of planning logistics yourself. All this for around $45 per person, with an easy pickup option and a duration of about five hours.

What we love most about this tour is its focus on authentic, local breweries, combined with breathtaking scenery that elevates the experience. You’ll get a real sense of Yakima’s importance in the craft beer world, as it produces an astonishing 75% of the nation’s hops. Plus, the casual, small-group vibe means you’ll feel more like visiting friends than being herded through a tourist trap. But keep in mind, since tasting fees are not included, you’ll want to budget for beverages if you plan to indulge at each stop. This tour is ideal for those who want a relaxed, educational, and delicious tour that highlights the region’s unique agricultural and brewing culture.

Key Points

• Authentic regional focus on Yakima’s hop-growing and craft breweries
• Beautiful landscapes and orchard views enhance the experience
• Small group size (max 14 travelers) creates a friendly atmosphere
• Knowledgeable guides provide insights beyond just brewery visits
• Tasting costs are separate from the ticket price, so budget accordingly
• Ideal for beer lovers wanting a comprehensive, relaxed tour in Yakima

Exploring the Yakima Valley: The Heart of Hops and Orchards

The tour kicks off at 102 N Naches Ave in Yakima, where the guide greets you with a warm welcome. From there, the journey winds through the scenic Yakima Valley, a region renowned for its abundance of hops, apples, cherries, peaches, and nectarines. As you drive through this lush landscape, your guides will share stories about the area’s agricultural significance and its influence on the local brewing scene.

Yakima produces a staggering 75% of the nation’s hops, making it a must-visit destination for beer aficionados. Your driver and guide will point out the rolling fields of verdant hop vines, often with glimpses of orchards that add bursts of color to the scenery. It’s a perfect blend of agriculture and craft brewing that not many tours highlight as vividly.

Visiting the Breweries: Small-Batch Meets Award-Winning

Depending on the day, you’ll visit 3 to 4 breweries, each with its own distinct personality. The tour is designed to showcase both small-batch, artisanal brewers and larger, widely-distributed craft brands. Reviewers note that the stops are thoughtfully chosen, with many of the breweries being highly accommodating and eager to share their stories.

One of the highlights from reviews is the friendly and informative nature of the guides, particularly Wendy, who many travelers describe as “top-notch.” She ensures everyone feels comfortable and gets the most out of each visit—whether that means answering questions about brewing processes or recommending their favorite beers.

Expect to sample beers at each brewery, but note that tasting fees are not included in your ticket. This allows you to choose what you want to indulge in, whether that’s a flight of IPAs, sours, or stouts. The breweries themselves are praised for their welcoming atmosphere and excellent craftsmanship. One reviewer mentioned visiting Cowiche Creek Brewing Co, where the views are as memorable as the beer, adding a visual delight to the tasting experience.

Scenic Stops and Breathtaking Views

One of the most appreciated aspects, according to reviews, is the stunning scenery you encounter throughout the day. As your van winds through the vineyards and orchards, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas—perfect for photos and simply soaking in the landscape. At Cowiche Creek Brewing Co, for example, guests gushed over the “amazing views” that made their tasting experience even more enjoyable.

These vistas aren’t just eye candy—they add a sense of place that deepens your appreciation for how much the region’s natural environment influences its craft brews. The rolling hills, lush fields, and orchard-flanked roads create an authentic backdrop that extends beyond just the beer.

Food and Refreshments

Snacks are provided along the way—think pretzels and bottled water—helping you stay refreshed during the tour. While alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price, reviewers consistently mention the quality of the beer and the value of sampling at multiple breweries. Wendy and her team often go above and beyond in making sure everyone has a relaxing, unrushed experience, allowing time to chat, enjoy the views, and savor the brews.

Small Group, Personal Touch

With a maximum of 14 travelers, this tour keeps the vibe intimate and friendly. Many reviewers, like “West side Band,” mention how much they appreciate the personalized attention and the relaxed pace. Dana, the driver, is praised for making everyone feel welcome and ensuring smooth logistics throughout the day.

This small-group setting also means that questions are encouraged, and you get insights that you might miss on larger, more hurried tours. Plus, with pickup offered from a central location in Yakima, the logistics are straightforward, and there’s no fuss about transportation.

Pricing, Booking, and Cancellation Policy

At $45 per person, this tour offers good value considering the number of brewery visits, the scenic drive, and the personalized experience. Remember, tasting fees are on you, which gives you flexibility over how much you want to indulge.

Booking in advance—typically around three weeks—is recommended, as the tour is popular. The best part? Cancellations are free if made 24 hours before the scheduled start, giving you peace of mind if your plans change unexpectedly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for craft beer lovers eager to learn about the region’s hop production and visit some of Yakima’s top breweries. It’s also great for those who enjoy scenic drives and want a relaxed, informative experience with a small group. The focus on local culture and the opportunity to taste a variety of beers make it ideal for travelers who appreciate authenticity over touristy glitz.

It’s worth noting that the tour is for guests aged 21 and over, so it’s not suitable for families or those under legal drinking age. If your group includes non-drinkers, they might find the scenery and atmosphere still enjoyable, but tasting is limited to those 21+.

Final Thoughts

The Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour offers a genuinely immersive way to see, taste, and appreciate one of the country’s most important beer regions. With friendly guides, stunning scenery, and a well-curated selection of breweries, it provides an experience that’s both educational and fun. The small group setting, combined with flexible options and authentic stops, means you’ll leave feeling like you’ve connected with Yakima’s brewing community rather than simply ticking off a tourist activity.

For those seeking a laid-back, scenic, and beer-focused adventure, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to deepen their understanding of craft beer, enjoy beautiful landscapes, and make some new friends along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup at a designated meeting point in Yakima, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs approximately 5 hours, giving you plenty of time to visit multiple breweries without feeling rushed.

Are tasting fees included?
No, tasting fees are not included in the ticket price. You should budget extra if you plan to sample beers at each brewery.

What is the minimum age requirement?
All participants must be 21 or older to join, as the tour involves alcohol tasting.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the tour start time. After that, refunds are not available.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While tastings are for those 21+, non-drinkers might still enjoy the scenery and the company, but they won’t participate in the beer tasting part.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-balanced glimpse into Yakima’s hop-growing heritage and craft brewing scene, paired with scenic views and friendly guides. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to combine education, relaxation, and a true taste of Washington’s beer culture. If you love craft beer or want to learn more about the region’s agricultural roots, this tour will likely become a memorable highlight of your trip.