Asheville food tours offer a unique and unforgettable way to experience the vibrant culinary scene of this charming mountain city. With a wide variety of tours to choose from, there’s something for every taste and budget.
From culinary walking tours that showcase the city’s best restaurants to brewery tours that highlight Asheville’s thriving craft beer scene, there’s no better way to get a taste of Asheville’s rich food culture.
Asheville Food Tour Overview: Asheville Food Tours
Asheville food tours are a popular way to experience the city’s culinary scene. These tours take guests to a variety of restaurants and food businesses, where they can sample local cuisine and learn about the city’s food culture.
The first Asheville food tour was launched in 2010. Since then, the number of tours offered has grown significantly. Today, there are over 20 food tours operating in Asheville, offering a wide range of options to choose from.
Popularity
Asheville food tours are popular with both locals and tourists. In 2019, over 100,000 people took part in a food tour in Asheville. This number is expected to grow in the coming years, as Asheville continues to attract visitors from around the world.
Types of Asheville Food Tours
Asheville’s food scene is as diverse as its landscape, offering a range of culinary experiences to suit every palate. From guided walking tours that showcase the city’s top restaurants to immersive brewery tours and farm-to-table adventures, there’s a food tour to satisfy every foodie’s curiosity.
Culinary Walking Tours, Asheville food tours
For a comprehensive introduction to Asheville’s culinary scene, embark on a guided culinary walking tour. These tours typically visit several restaurants and food establishments, allowing participants to sample a variety of dishes and learn about the city’s culinary history and culture.
Some popular culinary walking tours include the Asheville Food Tour, the Brevard Food Tour, and the Black Mountain Food Tour.
Brewery Tours
Asheville is renowned for its thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries scattered throughout the city. Brewery tours offer an insider’s look into the brewing process, allowing participants to sample different beers and learn about the history and techniques behind their creation.
Some notable brewery tours include the New Belgium Brewing Tour, the Highland Brewing Tour, and the Oskar Blues Brewery Tour.
Farm-to-Table Tours
For those interested in sustainable and locally sourced cuisine, farm-to-table tours are an excellent choice. These tours take participants to local farms and food producers, providing an opportunity to learn about the region’s agriculture and meet the farmers who grow the food that ends up on Asheville’s plates.
Some popular farm-to-table tours include the Farm Tour of Western North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Food Ventures Tour, and the Hickory Nut Gap Farm Tour.
Cooking Classes
For hands-on culinary experiences, cooking classes are an excellent option. These classes typically focus on a specific cuisine or technique, providing participants with the opportunity to learn from experienced chefs and create their own dishes. Some popular cooking classes include the Asheville Cooking School, the Biltmore Cooking Class, and the Black Sheep Restaurant Cooking Class.
Featured Food Tour Providers
Asheville is home to an array of reputable food tour providers, each offering unique experiences and culinary insights. Here’s a curated list of some of the most popular options:
These providers offer a diverse range of tours, showcasing Asheville’s vibrant culinary scene, from traditional Southern cuisine to innovative farm-to-table fare. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable culinary adventure, these tours are an excellent way to explore Asheville’s rich culinary landscape.
| Company Name | Contact Information | Website URL | Tour Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville Food Tours | (828) 225-3663 | ashevillefoodtours.com | – Downtown Asheville Food Tour: Explores the city’s culinary hotspots and hidden gems.
Craft Beer Tour Showcases Asheville’s thriving craft beer scene. Brunch Crawl A leisurely exploration of Asheville’s renowned brunch offerings. |
| Savor Asheville Food Tours | (828) 505-5779 | savorashevillefoodtours.com | – Savor Asheville Food Tour: A comprehensive tour featuring local cuisine and cultural history.
Craft Beverage Tour Focuses on Asheville’s diverse craft beverage offerings, including beer, wine, and spirits. Plant-Based Food Tour Highlights Asheville’s vegan and vegetarian culinary scene. |
| Asheville Culinary Tours | (828) 252-2438 | ashevilleculinarytours.com | – Progressive Dinner Tour: A multi-course dining experience at three of Asheville’s top restaurants.
Culinary History Tour Explores Asheville’s culinary heritage and its impact on the city’s culture. Off the Beaten Path Food Tour Showcases lesser-known culinary gems and hidden food spots. |
| Asheville Food Tours by Foot | (828) 505-5779 | ashevillefoodtoursbyfoot.com | – Original Asheville Food Tour: A guided exploration of Asheville’s historic food scene.
Brewery District Food Tour Focuses on Asheville’s thriving brewery scene and its culinary pairings. South Slope Food Tour Showcases the eclectic culinary offerings of Asheville’s South Slope neighborhood. |
Unique Food Experiences
Asheville food tours offer an array of extraordinary culinary adventures that cater to diverse palates. From savoring local craft beers to learning about sustainable farming practices and cooking traditional Appalachian dishes, these tours provide an immersive experience into the vibrant food culture of Asheville.
Tasting Local Craft Beers at Breweries
Asheville is renowned for its thriving craft beer scene, boasting over 20 breweries within the city limits. Food tours often include visits to these breweries, where participants can sample a variety of locally crafted beers while learning about the brewing process and the unique flavors that Asheville’s breweries have to offer.
Learning About Sustainable Farming Practices
Asheville is committed to sustainable practices, and many food tours incorporate visits to local farms and gardens. Participants can learn about the importance of sustainable farming, witness firsthand the cultivation of fresh produce, and connect with the farmers who are passionate about providing the community with healthy and locally sourced food.
Cooking Traditional Appalachian Dishes
Asheville’s culinary heritage is deeply rooted in Appalachian traditions. Food tours often offer hands-on cooking classes where participants can learn to prepare classic Appalachian dishes using fresh, local ingredients. From hearty stews and cornbread to mouthwatering desserts, these classes provide an authentic taste of the region’s culinary history.
Food Tour Itineraries
Food tours in Asheville offer a curated culinary experience that showcases the city’s diverse culinary landscape. Itineraries vary widely, but typically include a mix of food tastings, historical anecdotes, and cultural insights.
Sample Food Tour Itinerary
Meeting Point:Pack Square Park
Duration:3 hours
Food and Drinks Sampled:
- Smoked brisket and pulled pork at a renowned barbecue joint
- Artisanal cheeses and charcuterie at a local cheese shop
- Craft beer at a brewery known for its innovative flavors
- Sweet potato biscuits and fried chicken at a classic Southern restaurant
Historical and Cultural Significance:
- Visit the historic Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar
- Explore the vibrant Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun District
- Learn about Asheville’s rich culinary history and its role in the Appalachian food scene
Food Tour Etiquette
Food tours offer a unique and immersive way to experience a city’s culinary scene. To ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants, it’s essential to observe proper food tour etiquette.
Here are some guidelines to follow:
Respecting the Tour Guide and Other Participants
* Arrive on time and be respectful of the tour guide’s time.
- Listen attentively to the guide’s commentary and ask questions to enhance your understanding.
- Be mindful of other participants’ needs and avoid talking over them or interrupting their questions.
Asking Questions and Engaging in Discussions
* Don’t hesitate to ask questions to clarify any information or to learn more about the food and culture.
Participate in discussions and share your thoughts and experiences, but avoid monopolizing the conversation.
Trying All the Food Samples Offered
* Food tours typically involve sampling a variety of dishes. Be adventurous and try everything that is offered, even if it’s not something you would normally order.
If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, inform the tour guide in advance.
Tipping the Tour Guide Appropriately
* Tipping the tour guide is customary to show appreciation for their service. The amount of the tip should be based on the quality of the tour and the size of the group. A general guideline is to tip 15-20% of the tour cost.
Top FAQs
What is included in an Asheville food tour?
Most Asheville food tours include a variety of food and drink samples from local restaurants, breweries, and other culinary businesses. Tours may also include historical and cultural information about the city.
How much do Asheville food tours cost?
The cost of Asheville food tours varies depending on the tour operator and the type of tour. However, most tours range in price from $50 to $100.
Do I need to make reservations for an Asheville food tour?
Yes, reservations are required for most Asheville food tours. You can make reservations online or by phone.
