Barista pouring beer on tap I Shutterstock
Move over, wine enthusiasts! Sonoma County isn’t just about world-class vino anymore. This picturesque Wine Country has become a hotbed for craft beer lovers, boasting over 30 breweries that are making waves in the beer world. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and everything in between, Sonoma’s craft beer scene is giving its wine counterpart a run for its money.
Sonoma County has a strong brewing community, but like many places, it’s also seeing changes. Nationwide, craft breweries are shutting down due to rising costs, increased competition, and shifts in consumer drinking habits. However, the North Bay remains a hub for innovative brewing, with new breweries opening and established names continuing to push the boundaries of craft beer.
But why has Sonoma become such a craft beer mecca? It’s simple: the perfect blend of agricultural abundance, creative spirit, and a thirst for innovation. Just like the region’s renowned wines, Sonoma’s beers benefit from the area’s exceptional ingredients and the passion of local brewers.
While rankings fluctuate, Russian River’s Pliny the Elder is often considered one of the best craft beers in America. Its balance of bold hops and smooth drinkability has made it legendary among beer connoisseurs.
So, grab your favorite pint glass and join us on a sudsy journey through Sonoma’s top breweries. Trust us, beer aficionado, your taste buds will thank you!
No discussion of Sonoma County beer is complete without mentioning Russian River Brewing Company, a cornerstone of Sonoma’s craft beer scene. This Santa Rosa institution, founded by Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo, really put Sonoma on the global beer map when it released its most famous beer: Pliny the Elder. They also produce Pliny the Younger, a highly sought-after triple IPA that beer aficionados wait in long lines for every February. With locations in Santa Rosa and Windsor, both spots offer brewery-fresh beer, a full food menu, and plenty of seating, including an outdoor patio.
Psst: Pliny the Younger will be available on tap and in bottles from March 21st-April 3rd, 2025, so don’t miss it! See details online here!
What to Try: Pliny the Elder (if you can get your hands on it!), Blind Pig IPA, and STS Pils for a change of pace.
Visit: Santa Rosa Location – 6050 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Contact: (707) 545-2337
Visit: Windsor Location – 700 Mitchell Lane, Windsor, CA 95492
Contact: (707) 545-2337
Lagunitas may be big in the beer business, but it hasn’t lost its quirky Petaluma charm. Known for its hop-forward beers and cheeky marketing, Lagunitas offers a laid-back taproom, complete with brews on tap, live music, karaoke, and a dog-friendly patio, perfectly capturing the essence of Sonoma’s beer scene.
What to try: Lagunitas IPA (a classic for a reason), A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ IPA, and if you’re feeling adventurous, ask about their limited release seasonal brews.
Visit: 1280 N. McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, CA 94954
Contact: (707) 284-1020
With locations in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and even Novato, HenHouse Brewing Company is known for its creative and fresh beers. They consistently roll out new brews, so every visit offers something different. Their IPAs are always fan favorites, and their passion project beers often push the boundaries of traditional styles. Don’t miss their rotating lineup of food trucks, too.
What to try: The Big Chicken Double IPA (when available), and whatever’s freshest on tap.
Visit: Santa Rosa Location – 322 Bellevue Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Contact: (707) 978-4577
Visit: Petaluma Location – 1333 North McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, CA 94954
Contact: (707) 559-2437
Beer snobs and casual drinkers alike appreciate Cooperage Brewing Company in Santa Rosa for its rotating tap list of innovative, small-batch beers, many of which are barrel aged. This brewery focuses on quality over quantity, keeping about 10-13 beers on tap at any given time. Visit their OG brewery and beer garden or their newer downtown Santa Rosa taproom for easy-going vibes, distinctive beers, and a weekly rotation of food trucks.
What to try: Any of their barrel-aged offerings, but be sure to sample their fresh IPAs too.
Visit: Original Brewery & Taproom – 981 Airway Court, Suite G, Santa Rosa, CA 95403; Downtown Santa Rosa Taproom – 575 Ross Street, Santa Rosa, CA
Contact: (707) 293-9787
Santa Rosa is full of things to see and do beyond the breweries. Visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum, explore the trails at Spring Lake Regional Park, or catch live music at one of the city’s local venues. Whether you’re up for adventure or a laid-back afternoon, there’s plenty to add to your itinerary. Read More
Located near the Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma Springs Brewing Company specializes in German-style beers and hop-forward West Coast ales. Their relaxed taproom is a great place to sip on a fresh Sonoma IPA or a Bavarian beer (there are 20 beers on tap) while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
What to try: Juicy in the Sky Hazy IPA and El Valiente Mexican Pilsner.
Visit: 19449 Riverside Drive, Suite 101, Sonoma, CA 95476
Contact: (707) 938-7422
With locations in both Sebastopol and Petaluma, Crooked Goat Brewing offers an ever-changing lineup of solid beers that range from juicy IPAs to dark and malty stouts. The outdoor patios, live music, and food truck partnerships make it a popular spot to kick back with friends.
What to try: The ever-popular IBEX IPA, a pleasantly hoppy beer, or the Grain & Blood DIPA, brewed with blood oranges.
Visit: Sebastopol Location – 120 Morris Street, Suite 120, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Contact: (707) 827-3893
Visit: Petaluma Location – 110 Howard Street, Petaluma, CA 94952
Contact: (707) 559-5691
A rising star in Sonoma County’s brewing scene, Barrel Brothers Brewing Company in Windsor is known for experimenting with barrel-aged and Belgium-inspired brews. Their taproom and kitchen features a solid mix of core beers and limited releases, giving beer lovers plenty to explore, along with delicious food and a lineup of weekly events, including Taco Tuesday and Trivia Night.
What to try: The tried and true Dad Pants Pilsner or the fresh Orange Mellow, which is literally brewed with fruit and marshmallow.
Visit: 9238 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 128, Windsor, CA 95492
Contact: (707) 687-5815
Extend your Sonoma adventure. After a day of beer tasting, why not switch up the scenery? Sonoma County’s stunning coastline offers the perfect place to unwind in the great outdoors. Trade your pint for ocean views and fresh air—here’s where to go camping in Sonoma County. Read More
Specializing in sour and barrel-aged beers, Shady Oak Barrel House in Santa Rosa takes a unique approach to brewing. Their wild ales and farmhouse-style brews appeal to those looking for something beyond the typical IPA or stout. Expect the fun to continue beyond the glass, thanks to a full calendar of live music, bingo nights, open mic nights, and mouthwatering food specials at this kid-friendly brewery.
What to try: Any of the sour or barrel-aged beers.
Visit: 420 1st Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Contact: (707) 575-7687
Based inside Golden State Cider, Seismic Brewing isn’t just about great beer (though they’ve got that covered). This boutique brewery is also committed to sustainable brewing practices, addressing both environmental and societal challenges, making them a favorite among eco-conscious beer lovers.
What to try: The crisp and traditional Kolsch, elevated Pilsner, and their classic Red Lager.
Visit: 180 Morris Street #150, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Contact: (707) 544-5996
Yes, Napa has beer! Napa Valley Brewing Company, located at the historic Calistoga Inn & Restaurant, offers fresh beers in a relaxed beer garden setting. It’s one of the best places in Napa Valley to grab a cold pint after a day of wine tasting.
Another spot in Napa, Trade Brewing serves a rotating lineup of craft beers, ranging from hoppy IPAs to malty porters. Their location in downtown Napa is a casual and welcoming place to explore Napa’s growing craft beer scene, with the added bonus of fun weekly events on tap.
From historic breweries to new passion projects, Sonoma County’s beer scene is thriving. Whether you’re exploring Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, or Rohnert Park, there’s no shortage of places to grab a great beer. So next time you’re in Wine Country, swap the wine glass for a pint—you won’t be disappointed.
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