Asheville, North Carolina has earned a serious reputation as one of the best craft beer cities in the country, and if you’re a wine lover, don’t worry, the wine bar scene is also impressive. When my husband and I spent four nights here, we made it a point to explore both, and we weren’t disappointed. Whether you’re sipping a flight of funky IPAs or settling into a cozy wine bar with a great by-the-glass list, Asheville delivers. For a full look at everything this mountain city has to offer, check out my Asheville, NC travel guide on Lily Travel.
The city’s South Slope neighborhood alone is packed with taprooms, and the vibe across all of them is welcoming, creative, and very much in the spirit of Asheville itself. You could honestly spend an entire long weekend just bar-hopping, hiking, and eating, and that’s not a bad way to spend a few days in the mountains.
Below are the four spots we personally visited and loved, plus a roundup of other breweries worth adding to your list if you have extra time.
4 Can’t Miss Spots for Drinks in Asheville
1. The Asheville Club
The Asheville Club was our rainy-afternoon discovery. We ducked in on a drizzly afternoon and I immediately ordered a lavender martini. I wanted something you can’t find anywhere else and it was really good, light and floral without being overly sweet. This place is known for its wine selection, so if you go, be sure to check out their wine list as well. The Asheville Club has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it a great spot to settle in for a cocktail when the weather isn’t cooperating (or even when it is).
Pro Tip:
The Asheville Club is a great stop on a downtown walkabout. It pairs well with a visit to the nearby boutiques and bookshops before heading out for dinner.
2. 5 Walnut Wine Bar
We ended up at 5 Walnut Wine Bar twice during our trip, and that tells you everything you need to know. It’s a cozy, intimate space tucked into downtown Asheville with a really well-curated by-the-glass list. When you come here, it’s easy to sit down for one glass and stay for two. The atmosphere is low-key and unpretentious, which is exactly what you want from a neighborhood wine bar.
We tried several different wines across our two visits — from a bright white to an orange wine to a bubbly rosé and a red — and every pour was worth it. If you’re a wine person visiting Asheville, this place should absolutely be on your list. Some days they even have live music!
Pro Tip:
5 Walnut Wine Bar has a huge selection of different wines to choose from, which was why we spread out our visit there into two days. If you love a spot, don’t be afraid to go back!
3. Burial Beer Co.
Asheville is synonymous with craft beer, and Burial Beer Co. is one of the breweries that puts the city on the map. We visited the South Slope location, which has a fun, funky outdoor space that felt like a true Asheville experience. We ordered a flight so we could try a variety of their beers, and we liked every single one. The aesthetic leans dark and artistic and their branding is bold. The whole vibe of the place matches the beer.
Burial Beer Co. has multiple locations around Asheville, so depending on where you’re staying or what neighborhood you’re exploring, you have options.
Pro Tip:
Order a flight on your first visit so you can sample a range before committing to a full pour. Their rotating taps mean there’s always something new to try.
More Asheville Breweries Worth Checking Out
We only had four nights in Asheville, which meant we barely scratched the surface of the brewery scene. If you have more time, or a higher beer-to-hike ratio than we did, here are more breweries that locals and visitors consistently rave about:
4: The Biltmore Winery
If you’re planning a full day at The Biltmore — and you absolutely should be — don’t overlook the winery on the estate. The Biltmore Winery is one of the most visited wineries in the country, and a complimentary wine tasting is included with most types of estate tickets. You get to choose which wines you want to try, which makes it a really personal and enjoyable experience rather than just a generic pour-and-move-on situation.
We found a bottle of red we really loved during our tasting, so after we finished, we headed straight to the wine shop and gift store to grab a few bottles to take home. After that, we settled in at the wine bar with a glass and an appetizer and just relaxed for an hour.
Pro Tip:
Book your Biltmore tickets in advance, especially on weekends. The winery tasting is a great way to end the day after exploring the house and the gardens. And if you find a wine you love, buy it on-site, it’s not always easy to find Biltmore wines elsewhere.
Planning Your Asheville Long Weekend
Between the craft beer, the wine bars, the incredible restaurants, the hiking, and the Biltmore, Asheville is one of those rare cities that rewards every kind of traveler. For everything you need to plan your trip, including where to stay, where to eat, where to hike, and what to see, head to my full Asheville travel guide. Cheers!
