Sonoma County, California, is known for its stunning wine country, but it also boasts a thriving craft beer scene. The county is home to several excellent breweries offering a variety of styles, from traditional brews to creative, experimental beers. Here are some of the best breweries in Sonoma County:
1. Russian River Brewing Company
- Location: Santa Rosa
- What to Try: Pliny the Elder (Double IPA), Damnation (Belgian-Style Ale)
- Why It’s Great: Arguably the most famous brewery in Sonoma County, Russian River Brewing is a must-visit for any beer lover. They’re known for their world-class IPAs, especially the highly sought-after Pliny the Elder. The brewery also offers a wide range of other beers, including barrel-aged sours and stouts. The brewpub in Santa Rosa has a lively atmosphere, great food, and a rotating list of beers on tap.
2. Lagunitas Brewing Company
- Location: Petaluma
- What to Try: IPA (India Pale Ale), Little Sumpin' Sumpin' (Hazy Pale Wheat Ale)
- Why It’s Great: Lagunitas is a beloved, well-known brewery that offers a large variety of beers with bold flavors. Their flagship beer Lagunitas IPA is a local favorite, but the brewery also offers seasonal and limited-edition brews. The Petaluma location has a large, welcoming taproom and beer garden, and you can often catch live music or events.
3. HenHouse Brewing Company
- Location: Santa Rosa and Petaluma
- What to Try: Incredible Pale Ale (IPA/Pale Ale), Big Chicken (Seasonal)
- Why It’s Great: HenHouse Brewing focuses on producing flavorful and fresh beers, particularly hazy IPAs and stouts. The brewery has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and offers a great selection of beers that highlight local ingredients and creative brewing techniques. Their taproom is a local favorite, with rotating seasonal beers and unique experimental brews.
4. Old Caz Beer
- Location: Rohnert Park
- What to Try: One-Way (West-Coast IPA), Chismosa (Mexican Amber Lager)
- Why It’s Great: Old Caz is a smaller brewery with a big focus on quality and flavor. They just opened a brand new brew pub in Somo Village of Rohnert Park and have been growing rapidly over the past 5 years. The brewery has a laid-back vibe and often has food trucks or events at their taproom. The staff is great and the environment is welcoming.
5. Moonlight Brewing Company
- Location: Santa Rosa
- What to Try: Death & Taxes (Schwarzbier), Reality Czeck (Czech Pilsner)
- Why It’s Great: Moonlight Brewing is known for its classic, well-executed European-style lagers and creative takes on traditional styles. Their flagship Death & Taxes is a smooth and dark lager that’s won numerous awards. The brewery is a hidden gem with a cozy taproom and an unpretentious, no-frills approach to brewing.
6. Crooked Goat Brewing
- Location: Sebastopol and Petaluma
- What to Try: IBEX (Smooth IPA), Garage Beer (Pilsner)
- Why It’s Great: Crooked Goat Brewing brings innovation and creativity to Sonoma County’s beer scene, with a variety of experimental brews. Their taproom is fun and laid-back, and it’s a great place to play games and explore local eatery spots like ACRE pizza and ACME burger.
7. Barrel Brothers Brewing Company
- Location: Windsor
- What to Try: Chico King (IPA), The Fresh Rinse (Lager)
- Why It’s Great: Barrel Brothers Brewing is known for its meticulously crafted beers, especially their oak-aged and barrel-aged brews. With a focus on flavor and balance, Barrel Brothers delivers a selection of well-crafted IPAs, stouts, and reds. Their brewery and taproom in Windsor is a cozy place to try their latest offerings.
8. Parliament Brewing
- Location: Rohnert Park
- What to Try: Kaleidoscope (Hazy IPA), Birds in Paradise (Sour)
- Why It’s Great: Parliament Brewing is a premium beer destination and is family-owned. The brewery has a welcoming atmosphere, and their rotating taplist features a wide variety from refreshing seltzers to fully body IPA's. It’s a great spot for those looking to try something new and refreshing while enjoying the communal environment.
9. The Bear Republic Brewing Company
- Location: Cloverdale
- What to Try: Racer 5 IPA (West Coast IPA), Big Bear Black Stout (Stout)
- Why It’s Great: Bear Republic is a staple of the North Bay beer scene and a pioneer in the craft beer movement. Known for its bold, hoppy beers, Bear Republic's Racer 5 IPA is iconic. Their brewery and taproom in Cloverdale offers a great spot to enjoy these brews, along with a menu of tasty pub food.
Sonoma County is a craft beer lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of breweries to explore. Whether you’re into classic styles, experimental brews, or barrel-aged sour ales, you’ll find plenty of places to discover and enjoy. Cheers!
