Craft Breweries in Napa and Sonoma

In a region known for internationally acclaimed wines, craft beers don’t typically come to mind. Well, now they should, especially in Sonoma County. First stop is the appealing town of Petaluma, where master brewers at Lagunitas Brewing Company (now owned by Heineken) have gained a huge following with their radical takes on traditional beer styles and the irreverent messaging on their packaging. Visit the company’s in-town taproom for a tasting; popular beers include their classic IPA, plus A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ and Hop Stoopid ales. Another Sonoma County notable is Russian River Brewing, with 20 of its beers, including the legendary Pliny the Elder double IPA, served in its Santa Rosa taproom. (Expect a crowd; this beer has gained a truly cult status.)

Some breweries want to make sure you don’t go hungry: Woodfour Brewing Company, in boho-chic Sebastopol, pairs fine foods such as heirloom beans and pork belly casserole with its own beers. Guerneville’s Stumptown Brewery (look for the big white fermentation tank at the front) pours three of its own beers as well as guest beers, ales and stouts from other parts of the state, and serves up casual barbecue fare. In swanky-but-friendly Healdsburg, where in-town wine-tasting rooms abound, hang out with wine-makers (yes, they drink beer) and other locals at Bear Republic Brewing Company. Raise a glass in nearby Napa Valley at Napa Smith Brewery, also known for its Grateful Dog barley wine, and Tannery Bend Beerworks, located in Napa’s historic Tannery Row.