Oregon, a state celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and unique culture, is also known as America’s craft beer paradise. With hundreds of diverse breweries, from cozy small establishments to renowned large brands, Oregon offers an unparalleled beer culinary experience. If you’re a beer enthusiast eager to delve deeper into this distinctive craft beer world, an Oregon brewery tour is the perfect choice. This article from Discovery Around The World will be your detailed guide, showing you how to join an Oregon brewery tour for a complete and memorable experience.
Why Oregon is the Ideal Destination for Brewery Tours?
Oregon is not only a beautiful state but also the cradle of the American craft beer movement. Since the 1980s, Oregon has been a pioneer in developing small breweries, focusing on quality and innovation. Today, the state boasts the highest number of breweries per capita in the United States, with numerous prestigious international awards.
The diversity in beer styles is a major highlight of Oregon. You can find every type of beer you love, from hoppy IPAs, refreshing Pale Ales, robust Stouts, to crisp Lagers. Oregon breweries are constantly experimenting and innovating, creating unique flavors that reflect the free-spirited and creative essence of this region.
Moreover, the brewery tour experience in Oregon goes beyond just beer tasting. Tours often include exploring the beer production process, from selecting ingredients to bottling, helping you better understand the art and science behind each delicious pint. Furthermore, many breweries are located in peaceful rural areas or vibrant cities, offering opportunities to combine travel and local cultural exploration.
Cityscape of Eugene, Oregon, known for its craft breweries
Popular Types of Brewery Tours in Oregon
When researching how to join an Oregon brewery tour, you’ll find several options to suit your preferences and schedule:
Guided Brewery Tours
This is the most common type of tour, offering a comprehensive and in-depth experience. Guided tours are usually organized by the breweries themselves or professional tour companies. You’ll be led by a knowledgeable beer guide, explore production areas, learn about the brewery’s history and philosophy, and sample signature beers.
Pros:
- Detailed and In-depth Information: Guides provide expert knowledge about the brewing process, ingredients, beer types, and beer culture.
- Interactive Experience: You have the chance to ask questions, interact with the guide and fellow tour participants.
- Guided Beer Tasting: Guides introduce and instruct you on how to properly taste beer, appreciate flavors, and assess quality.
Cons:
- Fixed Schedule: Guided tours usually have specific schedules and timetables, which may be less flexible than other options.
- Higher Cost: Compared to self-guided tours, guided tours are typically more expensive due to the included guide and organization services.
Self-Guided Brewery Tours
If you prefer independent exploration and a flexible schedule, self-guided tours are a suitable choice. Many Oregon breweries open their tasting rooms and production areas (depending on the brewery) to visitors for self-guided exploration. You can explore at your own pace, read informational materials, or chat with brewery staff to learn more.
Pros:
- Flexible and Independent: You can decide your own itinerary, tour duration, and what you want to explore.
- Cost-Effective: Self-guided tours are often free or less expensive than guided tours.
- Explore at Your Own Interest: You can focus on aspects that interest you most, such as the brewing process, brewery history, or simply beer tasting.
Cons:
- Less In-depth Information: You may not receive as much detailed and expert information as in a guided tour.
- Requires Self-Learning: You need to proactively seek information about the brewery and brewing process if you want a deeper understanding.
- Limited Interaction: Opportunities to interact with brewery staff and fellow visitors may be fewer.
Brewery Bus Tours
For those wanting to explore multiple breweries in a day without worrying about driving, brewery bus tours are an ideal option. These tours are often organized by tour companies or local beer associations, taking you to visit and sample beers at various breweries in the area.
Pros:
- Convenient and Relaxing: You don’t need to drive, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the beer tasting experience.
- Explore Multiple Breweries: Bus tours help you visit several breweries in one day, experiencing the diversity of Oregon beer.
- Social and Friendly: You have the opportunity to socialize with fellow beer enthusiasts on the bus.
Cons:
- Fixed Schedule: Bus tours have fixed schedules and routes, offering less flexibility.
- Limited Time at Each Brewery: Time spent at each brewery may be limited to adhere to the overall schedule.
- Higher Cost than Self-Guided Tours: Bus tours are generally more expensive due to included transportation and organization services.
A brewery bus tour is a great option for visiting multiple breweries
Recommended Breweries to Visit in Oregon
To help you plan your Oregon brewery tour, here are some recommendations for famous and worthwhile breweries in different regions:
Portland Area:
Portland is known as the “Craft Beer Capital of the World,” with countless renowned breweries.
- Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House: A branch of the famous Deschutes Brewery from Bend, Oregon, serving classic beers and delicious food. Address: 210 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209.
- Breakside Brewery & Taproom: Known for innovative IPAs and a spacious, modern setting. Address: 820 NE Dekum St, Portland, OR 97211.
- Hair of the Dog Brewing Company: A pioneering brewery in the Oregon craft beer movement, famous for strong and complex beers. Address: 61 SE Yamhill St, Portland, OR 97214.
- Voodoo Doughnut: While famous for unique doughnuts, Voodoo Doughnut also has some craft beers with special flavors, worth trying. Address: 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204. (Note: Primarily a doughnut shop, but may have beer options).
Portland cityscape, the craft beer capital of the world
Eugene Area:
Eugene is a vibrant university city with many quality craft breweries.
- Ninkasi Brewing Company: One of Oregon’s largest and most famous breweries, with popular beers like Total Domination IPA and Tricerahops Double IPA. Address: 272 Van Buren St, Eugene, OR 97402.
- Hop Valley Brewing Company: Known for delicious IPAs and a spacious outdoor area. Address: 990 S 5th St, Springfield, OR 97477 (near Eugene).
- Oakshire Brewing: A beloved local brewery with balanced and easy-drinking beers. Address: 1055 W 19th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402.
Breweries in Eugene, Oregon, a craft beer destination
Bend Area:
Bend is a popular resort city with stunning natural scenery and a thriving craft beer community.
- Deschutes Brewery & Public House Bend: The original Deschutes Brewery location, with a large space and diverse menu. Address: 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR 97701.
- Crux Fermentation Project: A unique brewery with a large outdoor area, scenic views, and spontaneously fermented beers. Address: 50 SW Pine St, Bend, OR 97702.
- Boneyard Beer: Famous for bold IPAs and a casual, friendly atmosphere. Address: 37 NW Lake Pl, Bend, OR 97701.
Downtown Bend, Oregon, with a vibrant craft beer scene
Guide on How to Join an Oregon Brewery Tour
To join an Oregon brewery tour easily and conveniently, you can refer to the following steps:
- Identify the area and breweries you want to visit: Choose the area (Portland, Eugene, Bend, etc.) and breweries that suit your interests and schedule. Find information about breweries on websites, travel blogs, or review apps.
- Choose a tour type: Decide on the type of tour that fits you best: guided tour, self-guided tour, or bus tour.
- Book a tour in advance (if necessary): For guided or bus tours, you should book in advance, especially during peak tourist season or weekends. You can book tours online through brewery websites, tour companies, or online booking platforms. For self-guided tours, you usually don’t need to book in advance, just visit the brewery during opening hours.
- Check schedule and opening hours: Confirm the tour schedule (if applicable), departure time, tour duration, and brewery opening hours to ensure you arrive on time and have enough time to visit.
- Prepare appropriate attire: Choose comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and tour activities. If participating in a guided production area tour, you may need to wear closed-toe shoes.
- Enjoy and experience: Arrive at the brewery, join the tour (if applicable), and sample signature beers. Don’t forget to learn about Oregon’s beer history, brewing process, and beer culture.
Tips for a Great Oregon Brewery Tour Experience
- Drink responsibly: Enjoy beer responsibly, know your limits, and avoid driving after drinking.
- Ask and interact: Don’t hesitate to ask questions to guides or brewery staff to better understand the brewing process and beer types.
- Buy souvenirs: Many breweries have retail shops where you can buy beer, beer-related merchandise, or unique souvenirs.
- Combine with food: Many breweries have restaurants or food counters serving delicious dishes that perfectly complement beer. Try local cuisine at the brewery.
- Learn about special events: Some breweries host special events like beer festivals, concerts, or workshops. Check them out and participate if you have the chance.
Conclusion
An Oregon brewery tour is a unique and exciting travel experience, especially for beer lovers and those wanting to explore the distinctive culinary culture of this state. Hopefully, with this detailed guide on how to join an Oregon brewery tour from Discovery Around The World, you’ll have a complete and memorable trip, exploring America’s craft beer paradise and enjoying the most wonderful beer flavors. Plan your Oregon beer adventure today!