Explore Salt Lake City's vibrant craft beer and spirit scene with immersive tours, tastings, and behind-the-scenes looks at local producers.
Salt Lake City, often perceived through its unique cultural lens, is also a thriving hub for craft beverages. The city's burgeoning brewery and distillery scene offers a fascinating glimpse into Utah's evolving landscape of artisanal production. Beyond the iconic mountains and historic sites, visitors can now discover a diverse range of locally crafted beers and spirits, each with its own story and unique flavor profile. These tours provide an accessible and engaging way to delve into this dynamic industry, offering more than just a tasting; they are an exploration of innovation, local ingredients, and the passion of Utah's distillers and brewers. From crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs to meticulously crafted whiskeys and vodkas, Salt Lake City's craft beverage producers are dedicated to quality and creativity. Brewery and distillery tours in Salt Lake City are designed for both the seasoned enthusiast and the curious newcomer. They typically involve guided walks through production facilities, explaining the intricate brewing and distilling processes from grain to glass. Participants often have the opportunity to meet the makers, understand the science and art involved, and sample a selection of the finest products. This is an excellent opportunity to experience a different facet of Salt Lake City, one that highlights its modern entrepreneurial spirit and its commitment to quality artisanal goods.
Taste the distinct brews and spirits crafted right here in Salt Lake City, experiencing unique regional tastes.
Go beyond the taproom and see exactly how your favorite beverages are made, from raw ingredients to the final pour.
Gain insights into the brewing and distilling processes from knowledgeable staff and master craftspeople.
Engage with and support the growing community of independent craft producers in Salt Lake City.
Pairing knowledge or understanding the ingredients can elevate your appreciation of local food and drink culture.
Explore a range of breweries and distilleries, each offering a different atmosphere and product range.
These tours concentrate on Salt Lake City's vibrant craft beer scene. Visitors learn about the brewing process, from malting and hopping to fermentation and bottling. Tastings of various beer styles are a central part of the experience.
Dedicated to the art of spirit-making, these tours showcase Salt Lake City's growing distillery offerings. Participants can discover how spirits like whiskey, vodka, and gin are produced, often with a focus on local botanicals and unique distillation methods.
For those who want to experience the best of both worlds, these tours often combine visits to both a brewery and a distillery in a single outing. They offer a broad overview of Salt Lake City's craft beverage production landscape.
While not guided tours, some platforms might highlight self-guided options that provide maps and suggested itineraries for exploring multiple breweries and distilleries at your own pace. This offers maximum flexibility.
Most tours range from 2 to 4 hours, depending on whether one or multiple locations are visited and the depth of the tour.
Tours are typically indoors, but you might spend a short amount of time outdoors walking between venues or enjoying an outdoor tasting area.
Group sizes can vary from intimate sessions with just a few people to larger organized groups, depending on the operator and tour type.
Usually includes guided tours of the facilities, explanations of the production process, and tasting portions of beer or spirits. Some may include a souvenir glass or discount vouchers.
Meeting points are typically at the first brewery or distillery on the itinerary. Clear instructions and addresses are provided upon booking.
Prices generally start around $35 per person and can go up to $100+ for more comprehensive or private tours.
Book in advance, especially for weekend tours, as popular spots fill up quickly.
Consider the transportation options. Some tours include pick-up and drop-off, which is ideal for enjoying tastings responsibly.
Wear comfortable shoes. You'll likely be on your feet for a good portion of the tour exploring the production areas.
Come with an open mind and a willingness to try new things. You might discover a new favorite beverage.
Check the specific tasting policies. Some venues have restrictions on what can be tasted or how much.
Remember to stay hydrated. It's easy to get carried away with tastings, so drinking water between samples is crucial.
Tip your guides and the staff at the venues. They work hard to provide a great experience.
Look for tours that focus on smaller, independent producers for a more authentic and intimate experience.
A: No, absolutely not. In Utah, as in all of the US, the legal drinking age is 21. Even if you are not drinking, you may be asked to show ID to confirm you are over 21 if you are accompanying someone who is tasting. Tours will strictly adhere to legal age requirements.
A: Brewery tours focus on the process of making beer, involving ingredients like malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. Distillery tours concentrate on making spirits such as whiskey, vodka, or gin, which involves fermentation and distillation of grains or other base ingredients.
A: While tasting is a key component, many tours offer non-alcoholic alternatives or focus on the educational aspect of the production process. It's always a good idea to check with the specific tour operator about non-alcoholic options before booking.
A: Tasting portions are generally small, designed to allow you to sample a variety of products without becoming overly intoxicated. Typically, you'll get 2-4 ounces of various beers or 0.5-1 ounce pours of different spirits per tasting session.
A: Yes, reservations are highly recommended, and often required, for most brewery and distillery tours. This helps the operators manage group sizes and ensure they have enough staff and product available.
A: For tasting tours, it's uncommon to have significant dietary issues beyond potential gluten sensitivities for beer. However, if you have severe allergies or specific concerns, contacting the tour operator directly in advance is the best approach.
A: Absolutely! Brewery and distillery tours make for fun and engaging group activities, offering a unique way to celebrate. Many operators offer private tour options that can be customized for special occasions.
A: Most breweries and distilleries have a retail shop where you can purchase their products to go. Availability may vary depending on the product and local regulations. Tours often offer a discount on purchases made on the day.
Discover stunning mountain vistas and vibrant urban life, all in one accessible destination.
Experience the unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural richness found in Salt Lake City.
Enjoy world-class skiing and hiking just minutes from a thriving downtown arts scene.
Explore significant historical sites, including Temple Square, offering a glimpse into pioneer heritage.
Savor local craft breweries and diverse culinary experiences that reflect the region's growth.
Salt Lake City: Where majestic nature meets a welcoming, dynamic city atmosphere.
Salt Lake City experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and dry with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C), while winters are cold and snowy, perfect for winter sports, with average snowfall in the surrounding mountains exceeding 500 inches. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and beautiful scenery, though mountain weather can change rapidly.
The best months to visit are generally September and October for crisp autumn air and fall colors, or February and March for prime skiing conditions and fewer crowds than mid-winter.
Peak season for tourism is winter (December-February) driven by world-class skiing, and summer (June-August) for outdoor recreation and city festivals. Expect higher prices and more visitors during these times.
The shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather and often lower accommodation rates, though some high-alpine trails might still be snow-covered in early spring.
Explore comprehensive guides to plan your perfect trip, including food tours, cultural experiences, and more.
Savor SLC's evolving culinary landscape with guided explorations of its vibrant downtown food and drink scene, from craft breweries to historic eateries.
Discover thrilling mountain biking tours in Salt Lake City, from beginner-friendly trails to challenging climbs with breathtaking Wasatch Front views.
Discover unparalleled winter adventures with Salt Lake City's premier ski and snowboard excursions, accessing world-class resorts just minutes from downtown.
Discover Salt Lake City's spiritual heart with expertly guided tours of Temple Square and its significant landmarks.
Discover architectural grandeur and Utah's history on guided tours of the magnificent Utah State Capitol Building in Salt Lake City.
Getting around Salt Lake City is surprisingly easy thanks to its efficient public transportation system, UTA. The TRAX light rail and FrontRunner commuter train connect major attractions, suburbs, and even the airport. UTA buses fill in the gaps, making most areas accessible. Many downtown attractions are walkable, and bike-sharing programs are available for shorter distances. For exploring further afield, especially the nearby ski resorts, renting a car offers the most flexibility, though some resorts offer shuttle services.
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Find the perfect accommodation for your Salt Lake City adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.