New Belgium Brewing Company in Asheville, North Carolina is a riverside craft brewery known for its inventive beers, striking industrial architecture, and views of the French Broad River.
New Belgium Brewing Company opened its Asheville facility in 2016, marking the brand's first full production brewery outside its original Fort Collins, Colorado home. The Asheville location was chosen in part for its access to quality water and its proximity to a craft beer community that had already established Western North Carolina as one of the most beer-forward regions in the American South.
The brewery occupies a substantial riverside campus that blends industrial functionality with thoughtful design. Inside, you'll find a spacious taproom with long communal tables, a bar stocked with both flagship and experimental pours, and large windows that frame views of the surrounding mountains and river. The outdoor deck extends directly over the French Broad River, making it one of the more memorable places to drink a beer in the entire region.
The tap list at New Belgium Brewing Company typically features its nationally recognized beers alongside Asheville-specific releases and seasonal offerings. Food options are available on-site, leaning toward casual fare that complements a long afternoon of tasting. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to walk you through the differences between styles on any given day.
For those interested in the craft behind the product, the brewing floor is visible and accessible, giving visitors a genuine sense of the scale involved in producing beer at this level. New Belgium Brewing Company stands as a destination that rewards both the casual visitor and the dedicated beer enthusiast with equal generosity.
Visit during late afternoon on a weekday to secure a spot on the river deck before the evening crowd arrives.
Try one of the small-batch or Asheville-exclusive taps, which rotate frequently and often feature locally sourced ingredients.
Bring a light jacket if you plan to sit outside along the French Broad River, as the water creates a noticeable breeze even on warm days.
Take a self-guided tour of the brewing floor to see the large-scale fermentation tanks and learn about the production process up close.
Pair your visit with a walk along the nearby French Broad River Greenway, which connects the brewery to several riverfront parks within easy walking distance.
Float the French Broad River and bar hop at 2–3 Asheville breweries
Raft the French Broad River and stop at riverside breweries
Float the French Broad River with comfy tubes and a shuttle back
Canoe the French Broad River and stop at Asheville breweries
Rent a kayak or SUP and float two Asheville river sections