With hundreds of craft breweries across California, it’s no surprise that the state capital has carved out a vibrant beer scene of its own—making Sacramento a natural starting point for any exploration of Gold Country brews.
Sacramento Area Breweries
Porchlight Brewing Company and Oak Park Brewing Co. both draw a young crowd from nearby California State University, Sacramento, while the city’s thriving beer culture is further celebrated each year during Sacramento Beer Week. At New Helvetia Brewing Company, try the multiple-award-wining Homeland Stout. Newer Sac standouts include At Ease Brewing Company, a veteran-owned brewery known for its approachable, community-driven vibe; Moksa Brewing Co., just outside downtown in Rocklin, which has quickly earned acclaim for its hazy IPAs and pastry stouts; and Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse, a relative newcomer that pairs expertly crafted lagers and ales with standout barbecue.
Just 15 miles south of Sacramento is the city of Elk Grove, which was founded as a stop on the stagecoach route between the capital city and San Francisco. Dust Bowl Old Town Tap House (which won Brewery of the Year accolades at the prestigious California State Fair Commercial Craft Beer Competition in 2022), and Flatland Brewing Co. are just a few of the spots that keep locals and present-day visitors alike quenched.
Folsom Breweries
Head northeast of Sacramento to the town of Folsom and Red Bus Brewing Company, a self-proclaimed “open-book” brewery; it allows anyone access to the brewery’s recipes. The city also has its own location of Knee Deep Brewing, a family-owned microbrewery based in Auburn.
More Breweries in Gold Country
Head to Nevada County next, where craft beer is also on the rise. Try Three Forks Bakery and Brewing in Nevada City, where you can pair your Dynamite Double IPA with a thin-crust sourdough pizza or a slice of gluten-free Insouciance Cake. Also in Nevada City is Jernigan’s Taphouse and Grill, where you can choose a libation from 12 taps to sip on while watching a game on one of their big-screen TVs. Four miles down the road, in Grass Valley, Thirsty Barrel Taphouse and Grille offers more than two dozen varieties of its house-made brews.
Elsewhere in Gold Country, a new generation of breweries is helping to redefine the region’s beer scene. In Placerville, Solid Ground Brewing (2022) pairs small-batch beers with live music and a lively taproom atmosphere. In Sonora, Bigwood Brew Works (2025) draws inspiration from the area’s Gold Rush roots while pouring signature pints such as Kakow! Vanilla Chocolate Porter and Sitting on Our Assets Pils. Also in Sonora, Dying Breed Brewing (2018), with continued expansion in recent years) blends Old West character with a robust lineup of IPAs, lagers, and seasonal releases.