What are your hours of operation?
Tours are available 7 days a week! 11am-2am ( however, not all breweries are open these hours)
Our office and phones are open from 10am - 8pm. Sunday's 12pm-6pm.
What is included in the Public Tours?
Pickup, drop-off, and transportation to and from each brewery with a knowledgeable beer tour guide
Visit 3 to 4 breweries per tour
4 large samples of beer at each brewery stop (varies on Walking Tours)
One private behind the scenes brewery tour
Discounts on merchandise from breweries! Select breweries offer discounts on merch and sometimes even beer to go!
How much beer is included on the public tours?
At each brewery stop you will get at least 4 large samples. Each sample is around 4 to 5 ounces. For three brewery stops you get at least 48 ounces of beer, 1 pitcher (a lot of beer), around $30 worth of beer! For four brewery stops you will get at least 64 ounces, that's more then a pitcher (a ton of beer)! A value of around $40 worth of beer! Walking Tours include 9 samples of beer, these sample sizes vary. Walking Tours include around $20 worth off beer!
Where do your tours depart?
Our Public Tours depart from Grand Rapids in front of the central bus station at 250 Grandville Ave SW (across the street from Founders Brewing Co).
Walking Tours meet in front of Founders Brewing Company at 235 Grandville Ave SW. Please arrive about 10 minutes before the scheduled tour time.
Where do we park for public tours?
We suggest parking in Founder's parking lot located behind the brewery and just south. The first 4 hours are free with the purchase of beer or food, just give your ticket to a bartender to have it validated. You can also park at street meters for free on Saturdays and Sundays.
What if someone wants to go on a tour that does not drink beer?
If you or someone wants to go on a public tour but does not drink beer, no problem, sometimes we can offer a discounted price, depends on the tour. In order to book a tour this way, and to acquire about pricing, please call (616) 901-9719 or email: grbeertours@gmail.com.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes, gift certificates can be purchased at our Gift Certificates page. Gift certificates can be used towards public or private tours.
How do I use my gift certificate?
To use a gift certificate you must call the office at (616) 901-9719 or email: grbeertours@gmail.com
Gift certificates can be used for any public tour that is listed at Book A Tour as long as that tour has room available .
Gift certificates can also be credited towards a private tour. Note: private tours cost $350 on Saturdays for 3 hours, seating up to 14 people. If you book a private tour using a gift certificate, we need to know the expiration date and who it was purchased by. If you cancel a private tour you booked using a gift certificate the cancellation policies will apply towards your gift certificate.
How are cancellations and refunds handled?
Cancellations for public tours must be arranged 5 days prior to your scheduled tour for a refund (minus a $5 processing fee per ticket). If you cancel after this time you will be refunded half of your payment. No refund if you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled tour.
Cancellations for private tours must be arranged 45 days before your scheduled tour for a refund (minus a $10 processing fee). If you cancel after this time you will receive half of your down payment back. If you cancel less then 5 days there will be no refund.
What is included on the Public Walking Tour?
Visit to 4 breweries: Founders Brewing Company, HopCat, Grand Rapids Brewing Company & B.O.B.'s Brewery
2 samples of beer at each brewery stop, plus one bonus sample at B.O.B.'s Brewery (9 samples total)
A private brewery tour at B.O.B.'s Brewery
A knowledgeable tour guide who will talk about beer history in and out of Grand Rapids
How long of a walk is a Walking Tour?
The walking tour is just over a 1 mile walk, we will be walking around 20 minutes total round trip. It is a fairly level walk, no steep hills.
What if I want to do a Walking Tour and have a health condition that makes me walk slowly?
If you have a condition that keeps you from walking at a regular pace this tour may not be for you. Look up our driving tours.
Are Private Walking Tours available?
Yes. In order to book a Private Walking Tour call us at (616) 901-9719 or grbeertours@gmail.com
What if the weather is poor?
If you are signed up for a walking tour please dress accordingly, Grand Rapids can have extreme weather. Feel free to bring an umbrella/raincoat along if the forecast is predicting rain, or a sweater if it's going to be cold.
The 14 passenger van offers tours year around, only in severe weather will a tour be cancelled.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, we recommend a reservation to ensure your spot.
Where can I purchase tickets?
The best place to purchase public tour tickets is on this website at Book A Tour
You can also call our reservation department at (616) 901-9719
You can email requests to grbeertours@gmail.com
Note: We will not mail an actual ticket. All you need to bring is a valid state i.d. with the name the ticket/tickets were purchased under.
How much does a private tour cost?
Private tours cost $300 for three hours Monday-Thursday. Friday before 5pm cost $300, Friday after 5pm cost $350 for three hours. Saturday-Sunday private tours cost $350 for 3 hours. Every hour after 3 hours is only an additional $50 per hour. Gas will be added on accordingly if we go over 30 miles. A down payment of $200 is required in order to book a private tour.
What is included on a private tour?
If you book a private tour you have the flexibility to choose the time frame and where you want to go. Every private tour will be led by a beer tour guide. Beer samples are not automatically included in the initial price for private tours. Sample prices vary from brewery to brewery, with the beer samples included, the price is very similar in the regular public tour pricing. With private tours we will help put together a schedule, make reservations when possible, and book private brewery tours where available. We are here to help you customize a tour for your ultimate beer tour experience.
How many people can you accommodate on the tours?
We can seat up to 14 people. Larger group? We can use two vans and seat up to 28 people max. Larger yet? We can look into renting another van or a charter bus from another company.
How does a group book a private tour in advance?
Email us at: grbeertours@gmail.com or call our reservation department at (616) 901-9719
What forms of payment are accepted?
For Internet bookings we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express through Paypal. You do not need to be a member of Paypal to submit payment.
Payment by cash or credit card is accepted when you enter the van by using Square.
Do I need to print a ticket?
No ticket is needed, just show your ID with the name that it was purchased under.
Can you do hotel pickups?
Pickups are available if you are located in central Grand Rapids. We offer free pick up and drop off to Holiday Inn, City Flats Hotel, Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriott, Courtyard Marriott and Homewood Suites. If you plan to be picked up let us know in advance by contacting us. If you reserve a Private Beer Tour, we can pick up anywhere in the state, an extra fee may apply depending on location.
Can I drink before the tour starts?
Yes, but if we suspect that you are intoxicated we will not let you on the van and there will be no refund. Save the drinking for the tour. There will be plenty of delicious craft beers to enjoy.
Where do your tours finish?
You are dropped off at the same location as pick-up. Private tours can drop off wherever you like.
Where does our tour take us?
Depends if you are doing a private or public tour. Public tours are listed under Tour Info. Private tours you choose where you want to go. Some of your options can be found under the Breweries page.
How long is the tour?
Most public tours last between 4 to 6 hours, times may vary slightly. Walking Tours are 3 hours. Private tours, you choose how long.
What do we ride in?
The vehicle is a large 15 passenger Ford Econoline van, seating up to 14 customers.
Is food available on the tour?
We will make a stop long enough for a lunch break at one of the brewery stops, except for Walking Tours. Food is not included in admission. Pretzels and bottled water will be provided on the van.
Do I tip the bartenders for samples?
Your guide will take care of tips. However, feel free to tip your guide/driver at the end of the tour.
Will my ticket expire?
Your purchase is only valid for the date you select.
Are minors allowed on the tour?
We can make exceptions for minors on certain tours. Please acquire about this by email: grbeertours@gmail.com or phone (616) 901-9719.
What happens if only a few seats sell on a tour?
We reserve the right to cancel a driving tour if less than four people have booked 48 hours prior to the tour. If less then 6 people sign up for a Walking Tour we reserve the right to cancel. At that time, you will be refunded your money, or you can select an alternate tour date. For Tour 3-5 (out-of-town tours) a minimum of 8 tickets need to be sold. P.S. it is very rare for us to cancel a tour.
Can I buy beers to take home with me during the tour?
We encourage our customers to buy bottles, cans, growlers or crowlers of your favorite beers from the breweries we visit. No drinking from these beers until the tour has finished & you make it safe to your final destination. There will be a cooler for you to store beers in.
Tours are available 7 days a week! 11am-2am ( however, not all breweries are open these hours)
Our office and phones are open from 10am - 8pm. Sunday's 12pm-6pm.
What is included in the Public Tours?
Pickup, drop-off, and transportation to and from each brewery with a knowledgeable beer tour guide
Visit 3 to 4 breweries per tour
4 large samples of beer at each brewery stop (varies on Walking Tours)
One private behind the scenes brewery tour
Discounts on merchandise from breweries! Select breweries offer discounts on merch and sometimes even beer to go!
How much beer is included on the public tours?
At each brewery stop you will get at least 4 large samples. Each sample is around 4 to 5 ounces. For three brewery stops you get at least 48 ounces of beer, 1 pitcher (a lot of beer), around $30 worth of beer! For four brewery stops you will get at least 64 ounces, that's more then a pitcher (a ton of beer)! A value of around $40 worth of beer! Walking Tours include 9 samples of beer, these sample sizes vary. Walking Tours include around $20 worth off beer!
Where do your tours depart?
Our Public Tours depart from Grand Rapids in front of the central bus station at 250 Grandville Ave SW (across the street from Founders Brewing Co).
Walking Tours meet in front of Founders Brewing Company at 235 Grandville Ave SW. Please arrive about 10 minutes before the scheduled tour time.
Where do we park for public tours?
We suggest parking in Founder's parking lot located behind the brewery and just south. The first 4 hours are free with the purchase of beer or food, just give your ticket to a bartender to have it validated. You can also park at street meters for free on Saturdays and Sundays.
What if someone wants to go on a tour that does not drink beer?
If you or someone wants to go on a public tour but does not drink beer, no problem, sometimes we can offer a discounted price, depends on the tour. In order to book a tour this way, and to acquire about pricing, please call (616) 901-9719 or email: grbeertours@gmail.com.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes, gift certificates can be purchased at our Gift Certificates page. Gift certificates can be used towards public or private tours.
How do I use my gift certificate?
To use a gift certificate you must call the office at (616) 901-9719 or email: grbeertours@gmail.com
Gift certificates can be used for any public tour that is listed at Book A Tour as long as that tour has room available .
Gift certificates can also be credited towards a private tour. Note: private tours cost $350 on Saturdays for 3 hours, seating up to 14 people. If you book a private tour using a gift certificate, we need to know the expiration date and who it was purchased by. If you cancel a private tour you booked using a gift certificate the cancellation policies will apply towards your gift certificate.
How are cancellations and refunds handled?
Cancellations for public tours must be arranged 5 days prior to your scheduled tour for a refund (minus a $5 processing fee per ticket). If you cancel after this time you will be refunded half of your payment. No refund if you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled tour.
Cancellations for private tours must be arranged 45 days before your scheduled tour for a refund (minus a $10 processing fee). If you cancel after this time you will receive half of your down payment back. If you cancel less then 5 days there will be no refund.
What is included on the Public Walking Tour?
Visit to 4 breweries: Founders Brewing Company, HopCat, Grand Rapids Brewing Company & B.O.B.'s Brewery
2 samples of beer at each brewery stop, plus one bonus sample at B.O.B.'s Brewery (9 samples total)
A private brewery tour at B.O.B.'s Brewery
A knowledgeable tour guide who will talk about beer history in and out of Grand Rapids
How long of a walk is a Walking Tour?
The walking tour is just over a 1 mile walk, we will be walking around 20 minutes total round trip. It is a fairly level walk, no steep hills.
What if I want to do a Walking Tour and have a health condition that makes me walk slowly?
If you have a condition that keeps you from walking at a regular pace this tour may not be for you. Look up our driving tours.
Are Private Walking Tours available?
Yes. In order to book a Private Walking Tour call us at (616) 901-9719 or grbeertours@gmail.com
What if the weather is poor?
If you are signed up for a walking tour please dress accordingly, Grand Rapids can have extreme weather. Feel free to bring an umbrella/raincoat along if the forecast is predicting rain, or a sweater if it's going to be cold.
The 14 passenger van offers tours year around, only in severe weather will a tour be cancelled.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, we recommend a reservation to ensure your spot.
Where can I purchase tickets?
The best place to purchase public tour tickets is on this website at Book A Tour
You can also call our reservation department at (616) 901-9719
You can email requests to grbeertours@gmail.com
Note: We will not mail an actual ticket. All you need to bring is a valid state i.d. with the name the ticket/tickets were purchased under.
How much does a private tour cost?
Private tours cost $300 for three hours Monday-Thursday. Friday before 5pm cost $300, Friday after 5pm cost $350 for three hours. Saturday-Sunday private tours cost $350 for 3 hours. Every hour after 3 hours is only an additional $50 per hour. Gas will be added on accordingly if we go over 30 miles. A down payment of $200 is required in order to book a private tour.
What is included on a private tour?
If you book a private tour you have the flexibility to choose the time frame and where you want to go. Every private tour will be led by a beer tour guide. Beer samples are not automatically included in the initial price for private tours. Sample prices vary from brewery to brewery, with the beer samples included, the price is very similar in the regular public tour pricing. With private tours we will help put together a schedule, make reservations when possible, and book private brewery tours where available. We are here to help you customize a tour for your ultimate beer tour experience.
How many people can you accommodate on the tours?
We can seat up to 14 people. Larger group? We can use two vans and seat up to 28 people max. Larger yet? We can look into renting another van or a charter bus from another company.
How does a group book a private tour in advance?
Email us at: grbeertours@gmail.com or call our reservation department at (616) 901-9719
What forms of payment are accepted?
For Internet bookings we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express through Paypal. You do not need to be a member of Paypal to submit payment.
Payment by cash or credit card is accepted when you enter the van by using Square.
Do I need to print a ticket?
No ticket is needed, just show your ID with the name that it was purchased under.
Can you do hotel pickups?
Pickups are available if you are located in central Grand Rapids. We offer free pick up and drop off to Holiday Inn, City Flats Hotel, Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriott, Courtyard Marriott and Homewood Suites. If you plan to be picked up let us know in advance by contacting us. If you reserve a Private Beer Tour, we can pick up anywhere in the state, an extra fee may apply depending on location.
Can I drink before the tour starts?
Yes, but if we suspect that you are intoxicated we will not let you on the van and there will be no refund. Save the drinking for the tour. There will be plenty of delicious craft beers to enjoy.
Where do your tours finish?
You are dropped off at the same location as pick-up. Private tours can drop off wherever you like.
Where does our tour take us?
Depends if you are doing a private or public tour. Public tours are listed under Tour Info. Private tours you choose where you want to go. Some of your options can be found under the Breweries page.
How long is the tour?
Most public tours last between 4 to 6 hours, times may vary slightly. Walking Tours are 3 hours. Private tours, you choose how long.
What do we ride in?
The vehicle is a large 15 passenger Ford Econoline van, seating up to 14 customers.
Is food available on the tour?
We will make a stop long enough for a lunch break at one of the brewery stops, except for Walking Tours. Food is not included in admission. Pretzels and bottled water will be provided on the van.
Do I tip the bartenders for samples?
Your guide will take care of tips. However, feel free to tip your guide/driver at the end of the tour.
Will my ticket expire?
Your purchase is only valid for the date you select.
Are minors allowed on the tour?
We can make exceptions for minors on certain tours. Please acquire about this by email: grbeertours@gmail.com or phone (616) 901-9719.
What happens if only a few seats sell on a tour?
We reserve the right to cancel a driving tour if less than four people have booked 48 hours prior to the tour. If less then 6 people sign up for a Walking Tour we reserve the right to cancel. At that time, you will be refunded your money, or you can select an alternate tour date. For Tour 3-5 (out-of-town tours) a minimum of 8 tickets need to be sold. P.S. it is very rare for us to cancel a tour.
Can I buy beers to take home with me during the tour?
We encourage our customers to buy bottles, cans, growlers or crowlers of your favorite beers from the breweries we visit. No drinking from these beers until the tour has finished & you make it safe to your final destination. There will be a cooler for you to store beers in.