From its laid-back lifestyle to lovable oddities, Portland is known for a lot of things. Perhaps what ties it all together is the local love for great beer. With more breweries than any other city in the USA, it’s no wonder Portland is known as”beer city.” Although I have explored the beer scene on my own in the past, I’ve never had the privilege of getting a locals insight. This seemed odd to me.
I mean I have taken craft beer tours allover the world. From Lithuania to Cape Town, Pilsen to Sydney. I’ve even visited the world-famous Hofbräuhaus on a Munich layover. Why not Portland? With the help of a Brewvana Craft Beer Tour, this ends now.
This is my time exploring the best breweries in Portland, Oregon with Brewvana Craft Beer Tours.
Exploring Brewery Tours in Portland
Portland is a haven for beer enthusiasts. Well, it’s not just a place about the breweries – it’s the experience of hopping from one brewery to another and immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant beer culture through brewery tours.
Surrounded by the aroma of hops and barley, each brewery offers a unique taste of the city’s essence. Tours like Brewvana extend beyond mere sips of beer; they’re about diving deep into Portland’s soul, understanding its history, and connecting with its people.
Portland’s Reputation as a Beer Destination
So, what exactly makes Portland stand out among other beer destinations? It’s a combination of several factors – from the city’s rich brewing history dating back to the mid-19th century to its thriving craft beer scene that has evolved over the years.
With a perfect blend of passionate brewers, locally sourced ingredients, and innovative brewing techniques, Portland has earned its rightful place as a mecca for beer lovers.
How many Breweries are there in Portland?
Portland boasts more breweries than any other city in the world. With over 70+ breweries within the city limits alone, Portland offers the best beer tour experience like no other. From cozy neighborhood pubs to expansive brewery complexes, each establishment adds its own flavor to Portland’s diverse beer landscape.
Compare prices on flights to Portland flights with SkyscannerTypes of Beer Tours Portland Oregon
When it comes to exploring Portland’s bustling beer scene, there’s a tour for every taste and preference. Here are the various types of brewery tours you can join on in the city:
Self-Guided Brewery Tours
Prefer to chart your own course? Opt for a self-guided brewery tour and create your personalized beer adventure. With a map in hand, explore the city at your own pace, stopping by breweries that catch your eye along the way.
Portland Bike Brewery Tours
Pedal your way through Portland’s vibrant beer scene. As you navigate the city’s streets and bike lanes, you’ll discover a whole new perspective on Portland’s neighborhoods and landmarks.
Bus Brewery Tours
Sit back, relax, and leave the driving to the experts on a bus brewery tour. Hop aboard a comfortable bus and journey to multiple breweries, all while enjoying the company of fellow beer enthusiasts and indulging in tastings along the way.
Brewvana Craft Beer Tour
Brewvana Craft Beer Tour stands out as one of Portland’s favorite brewery experiences. As an all-inclusive tour company, Brewvana offers an immersive beer-tasting adventure throughout Portland, Oregon.
With stops at three or four handpicked breweries, each tour promises a diverse array of beer tastings to tantalize your taste buds.
Mississippin’
For my Brewvana Craft Beer Tour I was lucky to line up with their Mississippin’ Walking Tour. This took me to a side of Portland I had yet to explore. What was once home to heavy industry, the Mississippi/Williams area of North Portland is now home to some incredible restaurants, shops, and, of course, breweries. This up-and-coming area is best explored on foot and with the Mississippin’s Tour, we did just that.
Best Breweries in Portland, Oregon
With so many breweries to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. But because we booked with Brewvana, it makes everything easier to enjoy and experience the best breweries in Portland Oregon.
Ecliptic Brewing
Our day started at Ecliptic Brewing where our guide and craft beer lover Kelene gave us rundown on what to expect that day. After signing an incredibly long waiver that included a throw-up clause, we were given a handy pretzel neckless and an education on beer elements and ingredients. It was best to get this upfront before the samples kicked and while my attention span was still held.
Kelene proceeded to walk us through Ecliptic’s beer samples, adding interesting tidbits and facts behind each type of beer we tried. Staying true to the brewery theme and owner John Harris’s love of astronomy, the beers are named after all things space related.
This included Spectra Hoppy Pilsner, Orbiter IPA, and Phobos Single Hop Red Ale. A personal favorite was the Capella Porter. Although I love dark beer, I’m certainly not alone on this favorite as this brew has recently raked in a few awards including gold at the US Open Beer Championships.
Clearly, this Brewvana Craft Beer Tour was off to a great start.
Stormbreaker Brewery
Our Mississippin’ Tour continued with the stroll up Mississippi Street to our next stop, Stormbreaker Brewery. Along the way Kelene pointed out highlights and quirkiness that can only be found in Portland. At one point we passed a pair of dildos strung over a telephone wire.
Keep it weird Portland. Keep it weird.
The stroll between breweries was my favorite part of this Mississippin’ Walking Tour and would’ve been made even better if you could walk with beer in hand, like my recent cocktail tour in New Orleans. You would think Portland would be a little more liberal on this.
But I digress.
Hopworks Bike Bar
After sampling some seriously refreshing Total ReKolsch (even refreshing on that cool winter day) and a booze-heavy Imperial Mississippi Ryed, a red ale mashup with rye and hops, we walked (stumbled) to our last brewery. Hopworks Bike Bar is a popular brewery in the area, and on our visit it showed.
This crowded bike-themed stop was less about the beer and more about the food served with. Snacks were a surprise addition on this walking tour, but by this point a much welcomed one. Instead hearing more about the beer we were sampling we mingled with other guests and enjoyed the end of an already great afternoon of Portland’s best beers.
Oregon Brewery Tour: Let Brewvana Craft Beer Tour Guide You
With over 60 breweries within the Portland area, it should come as no surprise that Brewvana Craft Beer Tours offers several different types of tours. From behind-the-scenes tours for those interested in the back end to walking tours of the Pearl District, you could visit Portland again and again and see a different side of the craft beer scene with Brewvana as your guide. There are even beer and food pairing options, two things Portland does incredibly well.
Brewvana I will be back, and I will be thirsty.
Portland Microbrewery Tour
If you’re in for a great craft beer tour when you visit Portland, Brewvana can take you to the best Portland Microbrewery Tour. These beer tours in Portland Oregon typically include visits to multiple small-scale breweries with tastings at each stop. Brewvana offers different tour options, including bus tours and walking tours, allowing visitors to choose the experience that suits them best.
Where to Stay in Portland: Budget-friendly Accommodations
If you’ve indulged in the best breweries in Portland and want to rest your head, there are plenty of budget-friendly places to stay in Portland, Oregon. Here are three of the city’s most wallet-savers but at the same time offer relaxing and 5-star accommodations for you to consider.
McMenamins Crystal Hotel
Another budget-friendly hotel in downtown Portland, McMenamins Crystal Hotel offers accommodations with a unique twist. Each room is adorned with colorful murals and artwork, giving it a funky and vibrant vibe. Plus, with its onsite brewery, bars, and restaurants, you’ll have plenty of options for dining and entertainment without ever having to leave the hotel grounds.
Northwest Portland Hostel
Situated in the vibrant Northwest District, the Northwest Portland Hostel offers accommodations with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. With both dormitory-style and private rooms available, this hostel provides options for travelers of all preferences. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, a communal kitchen, and organized activities to connect with fellow travelers. Plus, its prime location provides easy access to popular attractions, eclectic boutiques, and delicious eateries in the surrounding neighborhood.
WorldMark Portland Waterfront Park
Nestled along the picturesque Willamette River, WorldMark Portland Waterfront Park offers a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Situated just steps away from downtown Portland, you’ll have easy access to the city’s vibrant attractions, including the iconic Saturday Market, the Portland Art Museum, and the bustling food scene. Plus, with the scenic Waterfront Park right at your doorstep, you can enjoy leisurely strolls along the river or simply relax and take in the stunning views.
If you’re considering an extended stay in Portland and want to fully experience all the city has to offer for a few extra days, consider hopping behind the wheel and exploring the area with affordable car rental options.
Compare prices on rental cars in Portland with Expedia
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Portland OR known for beer?
Portland, Oregon, has earned such a stellar reputation in the world of craft beer. The city offers the best beer tours and is bursting at the seams with breweries – there’s practically one on every corner! From small-scale microbreweries to larger craft beer giants, Portland has it all. With over 70 breweries within the city limits alone, it’s no wonder Portland has earned the nickname “Beervana.”
Other than Brewvana, are there any other Beer Tours in Portland Oregon?
While Brewvana is a popular choice for beer tours in Portland Oregon, there are plenty of other options to consider if you’re looking to explore the city’s vibrant craft beer scene. From walking tours to bike tours to brewery-hopping adventures, there’s something for everyone. So if you’re eager to dive deeper into Portland’s beer culture, be sure to check out some of the other beer tours available in the city.
Are there best breweries in Portland Oregon?
Portland, Oregon, boasts some of the best breweries. With its rich brewing history, innovative craft beer scene, and passionate community of brewers, Portland is home to some truly outstanding breweries that are sure to impress even the most discerning beer connoisseurs.
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Although I was provided a complimentary tour with Brewvana Portlans Brewery Tours,
the experience, opinions, and Mississippin’ were my own.
