We were lucky to visit the new Sierra Nevada brewery in Mills River, N.C., while shooting Brewconomy. 

During production of the film, the location was still under construction. Now that the film has been finished and released, the brewery is open and ready for you to visit. You should definitely visit, too.

Recently we stopped by Mills River again, and I took a load of photos to share with you. So many photos, in fact, I’m going to break it down into three posts so you can fully appreciate it.

Part I of the photo series is your entrance to Sierra Nevada. The entrance itself is something you truly have to experience for yourself. It’s impressive.

Entrance to Sierra Nevada in Mills River, N.C.

Entrance to Sierra Nevada in Mills River, N.C.

The brewery is near the Asheville Regional Airport. As you pass the airport, you see signs for the brewery. It’s a short drive and you never feel lost, thanks to plenty of signage.

A traffic circle takes you off the black top to the white driveway of the brewery. As you enter, there are so many lovely signs that you’re in the right spot.

NC-Sierra-Nevada-Entrance2

Sierra Nevada - Mills River, N.C., location - August 2015

As you make your way down the white top driveway, it’s easy to get excited. The entrance builds anticipation, as you go around each curve waiting for the first glimpse of the brewery.

Sierra Nevada - Mills River, N.C., location - August 2015

Sierra Nevada – Mills River, N.C., location – August 2015

Take your time getting there, so you can fully appreciate the tiniest of details. For example, there are sculptural lights on the wall in the shape of hops. They’re gorgeous!

Sierra Nevada - Mills River, N.C., location - August 2015

Sculptural lighting in the shape of hops along the wall as you drive in.

Sierra Nevada - Mills River, N.C., location - August 2015

Close up of the sculptural lighting in the shape of hops.

Once you come around the last bend in the road, you can finally see the brewery. It’s impressive. Walking up to the building continues building the excitement (and thirst), as you get even more eager to make your way to the taproom.

NC-Sierra-Nevada-Entrance12

The entrance is to the left of these windows, where you’ll find the self-guided tour.

NC-Sierra-Nevada-Entrance10

Make the taproom your last stop on the tour. The entrance is the farthest to the left (if you’re facing the building in the parking lot), and closest to the trees.

Sierra Nevada - Mills River, N.C., location - August 2015

The parking lot is filled with solar panels.

As you walk up to the taproom, you'll see bike racks made from kegs.

As you walk up to the taproom, you’ll see bike racks made from kegs.

In Part II, we’ll go inside the brewery. I took loads of photos during the self-guided tour, which includes a cat walk over their production line. It’s absolutely stunning.

Part III is all about the taproom. I’ll share photos of food, flights, garden, and restaurant. It’s equally impressive.

I hope you’ll visit this amazing spot. I’m already planning my next visit to the Sierra Nevada brewery in Mills River, N.C. Please let me know if you have any questions using the comments.