Just 40 minutes from Sacramento, Berryessa Brewing Co. makes world-class beer in the quiet, Yolo County community of Winters—known more for walnut and apricot orchards than hipster breweries.
Co-founder and head brewer Chris Miller got his start at Pacific Rim Brewing in Seattle, where he quickly worked his way up from washing kegs to brewing. After making his mark as head brewer for Snipes Mountain Brewing Company in Washington’s Yakima Valley, he moved to California with his wife, Lori, to open Berryessa Brewing.
The brewery opened in 2011, and since then, Miller’s beers have earned a place among California’s best. While some brewers like to emphasize bitterness and hops in their IPAs, Miller strives for balance and nuance in all his brews, from the Mini Separation Anxiety IPA to the award-winning Whippersnapper English-style mild.
Surrounded by orchards and mountains, Berryessa’s family-friendly taproom offers tastes, flights, and pints in a lovely rural setting. On weekends, beer lovers from all over fill the shaded patio to enjoy fresh beer, live music, and beer-friendly food-truck fare.
