Brewery, Vineyard and Distillery Tours & Tastings

Taking in all of Bristol’s wonderful sites can be thirsty work! There’s so much to see, from Brunel’s mighty SS Great Britain to the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge – you’ll definitely be glad of some liquid refreshment during your stay.

Of course, everyone knows Bristol’s a great place for a pint of proper West Country cider. One trip to the scrumpilicious Bristol Cider Shop and you’ll have all your needs covered – their stock of 100 or so varieties of cider and perry are all made within 50 miles of Bristol. You can sample some of the shop’s stand-out offerings, including a posh champagne style cider, in one of their special Tasting Room events.

But it’s not all apples and pears. Bristol’s also big on beers, wines and spirits. Here’s some of the city’s heady highlights:

Breweries

If you’ve been for a pint in the city before, chances are you’ll have had a Bristol Beer Factory brew. They make over eight types of bottled ales, seven different cask ales and up to five specials each year – many of which are regulars in the watering holes around town. Local favourites include Southville Hop, a loud and proud American style IPA, and Seven, a traditional English bitter with mellow toffee malt tones.

The two-hour Bristol Beer Factory Tour takes you round the Southville brewery for a look behind-the-scenes plus a brief history of brewing in Bedminster. As well as being treated to draft beer samples on-site, you’ll also get a bottle of beer and a Bristol Beer Factory glass to take home as a souvenir.

The Bath Ales Brewery Tour is a real Gem too – especially if you’re a fan of their big hitter bitter. The 90 minute tour includes a short talk on the history of Bath Ales, a guided tour of the micro-brewery, generous tastings and a goody bag to take home. And, if after all that you’re still keen for more, you can follow up with a delicious dinner at one of Bath Ales’ excellent pubs.

Bristol Brewery Tours is an excelent choice and runs monthly tours visiting local breweries and craft beer venues in the city. 

Vineyards

Whilst you’re in town, wine not pay a visit to the largest vineyard in Somerset?! Aldwick Estate produces award-winning English wines – white, rosé and sparkling. This idyllic vineyard will give you a glimpse of country life in this peaceful part of the world as well as an insight into the intricacies of English viticulture. And don’t worry, you won’t leave without enjoying some rather fine vintages…

Distilleries

Liquor lovers! Ginthusiasts! You’ve come to the right place… indulge your predilection for the strong stuff on one of Bristol’s fantastic distillery tours.

The story of artisan spirit makers, Bramley and Gage, is steeped in the rolling hills of the South West. The family behind the popular 6 O’clock gins (including sloe and damson) pride themselves on using only whole fruits that grow naturally outdoors in the UK and not adding any colourings or preservatives. Get a taste for what they do on one of their 6 O’clock Gin Distillery Tours in Thornbury, where all the magic happens ‘from botanicals to bottling’. The tour includes a tutored tasting plus a glass of ‘Ginspiration’.

To sample super small batch gins, check out one of Psychopomp’s regular tastings at their new bar on St Michael’s Hill, Cotham. The Victorian apothecary vibe is just right for trying the sorts of craft concoctions made here such as Wõden, a gin blended with juniper and aged on new French oak and Charun, a summer blend starring angelica root, elderflower and cherry wood.