Explore the Best Brewery Tours in Colorado
Colorado is an epicenter for craft beer, boasting over 200 breweries. This guide highlights the best brewery tours available in the state, from Fat Tire in Fort Collins to MillerCoors in Denver. All brewery tours are free, with many providing samples for visitors aged 21 and older. It’s advisable to check with each brewery for the latest updates on tour times and availability.
Anheuser-Busch
More than 94,000 guests tour the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Fort Collins each year, highlighting its popularity amid Colorado’s rich brewing history. The brewery offers free tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday, and daily tours from June to September. Guests aged 21 and older can enjoy samples, and all visitors can explore the Clydesdale Hamlet on-site.
Avery Brewing
Avery Brewing, located in Boulder, offers free tours at 4 p.m. on weekdays and at 2 p.m. on weekends. Visitors do not need reservations, and the taproom features food and a dog-friendly patio. Founded in 1993, Avery Brewing is known for its signature brews like Avery IPA and seasonal creations, including Chai High Brown Ale.
Boulder Beer
Boulder Beer offers free tours lasting 45 minutes at 2 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Recognized as Colorado’s first microbrewery, Boulder Beer produces notable brews like Hazed & Infused and Singletrack. Guests aged 21 and older receive a complimentary sample tray during the tour. The onsite pub operates from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays.
Great Divide Brewing Co.
The Great Divide Brewing Co. provides free tours from Monday to Friday at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Their LoDo location in Denver runs tours every hour from 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Established in 1994, Great Divide proudly offers the DPA (Denver Pale Ale), a tribute to Denver’s brewing culture.
Left Hand Brewing
Located in Longmont, Left Hand Brewing Co. offers free brewery tours every Saturday at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Founded in 1993, Left Hand was named in honor of Chief Niwot, translating to “left hand” in English. The brewery is recognized for its Sawtooth Ale and Black Jack Porter.
MillerCoors
Established in 1873, Coors Brewery in Golden is renowned as the world’s largest single-site brewery. Free tours run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. During the summer, tours are also available Monday through Wednesday.
New Belgium Brewing Co.
New Belgium Brewing offers free 90-minute brewery tours in Fort Collins from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Although advance reservations are usually recommended for maximum enjoyment, guests can sample popular brews such as Fat Tire and Sunshine Wheat during the tour.
Odell Brewing Co.
Odell Brewing Co. provides free tours at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Having been established in 1989, Odell is known for brews like 90 Shilling and Easy Street Wheat. While advance reservations aren’t accepted, it’s advisable to arrive half an hour early for the tours.
Upslope Brewing Co.
Upslope Brewing Co., a relatively new addition to the Colorado brewery scene, offers free tours from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays to Fridays. On Saturdays, tours run from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and include popular brews like Pale Ale and India Pale Ale, as well as a unique Christmas Ale in single batches.
Wynkoop Brewing Co.
Wynkoop Brewing Co., which was co-founded in 1988 by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, features free brewery tours at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday. The brewery prides itself on crafting all beers on-site and also offers a bar and restaurant along with billiards. For those interested, private tours can be arranged as well.