Craft breweries

Brewing industry · Asheville, North Carolina

Illustration of Craft breweries

Overview

Asheville is one of the best-known craft beer cities in the country, with dozens of breweries and taprooms.

History

Highland Brewing opened in 1994 as the city's first modern craft brewery. Large national craft brewers later built East Coast breweries in and near Asheville.

Today

Brewery taprooms and beer tourism are a big part of the local economy.

Compiled October 2026. History is summarized for general interest; check primary sources for research. This landmark is local context, not an employer or job listing.