Things to Do at Vermont Brewery Tours

Complete Guide to travel to Vermont Brewery Tours in Burlington

About Vermont Brewery Tours

Burlington, Vermont has emerged as one of the premier craft beer destinations in the United States, with a thriving brewery scene that perfectly captures the city's creative spirit and commitment to quality. Home to legendary breweries like Magic Hat, Switchback Brewing, and Zero Gravity Craft Brewery, Burlington offers beer enthusiasts an incredible variety of flavors, styles, and experiences. The city's brewery tours showcase everything from innovative IPAs and smooth stouts to experimental seasonal brews, all crafted with Vermont's renowned attention to detail and local ingredients. The Burlington brewery tour experience goes beyond just tasting exceptional craft beer – it's an immersion into Vermont's local culture, history, and community spirit. Many breweries are housed in converted historic buildings, offering visitors a glimpse into Burlington's industrial past while enjoying cutting-edge brewing techniques. The tours typically include behind-the-scenes looks at the brewing process, tastings of flagship and seasonal beers, and opportunities to meet the passionate brewers who have made Burlington a must-visit destination for craft beer lovers from around the world.

What to See & Do

Magic Hat Brewing Company

Tour the iconic brewery known for its #9 Not Quite Pale Ale and quirky, artistic branding with guided tours of the production facility

Switchback Brewing Company

Experience tastings of their famous Switchback Ale and seasonal offerings while learning about their sustainable brewing practices

Zero Gravity Craft Brewery

Visit this innovative brewery and restaurant combination featuring experimental brews and farm-to-table dining

Foam Brewers

Enjoy waterfront views of Lake Champlain while sampling their renowned IPAs and New England-style beers

Burlington Beer Company

Discover their award-winning sour beers and unique barrel-aged selections in their welcoming taproom

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Most brewery tours operate Wednesday-Sunday, 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM, with some offering extended weekend hours. Individual brewery hours vary, so check specific locations

Tickets & Pricing

Individual brewery tours: $10-15 per person including tastings. Multi-brewery guided tours: $45-75 per person. Self-guided brewery passport: $25-35

Best Time to Visit

May through October for pleasant weather and outdoor seating. Friday evenings and weekends are most lively but also most crowded

Suggested Duration

2-3 hours for self-guided tours visiting 2-3 breweries, full day (6-8 hours) for comprehensive guided tours

Getting There

Burlington's brewery district is highly walkable, with most breweries located within the downtown area and Charlotte Arts District. If flying, Burlington International Airport is 15 minutes away with rental cars and ride-sharing available. Amtrak's Vermonter train connects Burlington to major East Coast cities. Once in Burlington, most breweries are within walking distance of each other, though some visitors prefer using ride-sharing services or designated driver services between locations. Free parking is available at most brewery locations, and several offer bike racks for cyclists exploring the Burlington Bike Path.

Things to Do Nearby

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Beautiful lakefront area with walking paths, parks, and stunning sunset views just minutes from downtown breweries
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Pedestrian-only shopping and dining district featuring local boutiques, restaurants, and street performers
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Unique museum complex showcasing American folk art, quilts, and historic buildings just 15 minutes south of Burlington
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
Family-friendly factory tours showing how the famous Vermont teddy bears are made, located in nearby Shelburne
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Iconic ice cream factory tours in Waterbury, about 30 minutes from Burlington, perfect for combining with brewery visits

Tips & Advice

Designate a driver or use ride-sharing services - Vermont has strict DUI laws and brewery tours involve multiple tastings
Eat substantial meals before and during brewery tours - many breweries offer food trucks or partner restaurants
Bring a jacket even in summer - Vermont weather can change quickly and many breweries have outdoor seating
Purchase brewery merchandise and growlers to take home - many offer exclusive beers not available in stores

Tours & Activities at Vermont Brewery Tours