Now that the daughter has left Cape Cod for good and the stepson returned to New Orleans from NYC we will not be making our annual summer tour of upstate NY and the Cape-goodbye to Old Saratoga Brewing's great tastings and the fresh from the fermenter Cape Cod Porter.Are there any brew facilities in Asheville/Western NC that offer tastings or samplers?I am always interested in small quantities of many different beers.

Try French Broad Brewery located near the main entrance of the Biltmore Estate.

http://www.frenchbroadbrewery.com/

I was there two years ago, and they sold flights, pints and growlers on site. They will do an impromptu tour sometimes. You can call and get a tour scheduled.

Asheville has a 'Brews Cruise' which is where you ride around to three local breweries to taste and learn about the process. The breweries that you might visit on the tour are: Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company, French Broad Brewery, Highland Brewing Company, Green Man Ales, and Pisgah Brewing Company.

http://www.brewscruise.com/asheville/

Also check out Terrapin Brewery in Athens GA and Sweetwater brewery in Atlanta GA.