Sonoma County’s Other Fermented Obsessions

Craft Beer, Spirits and Cider

Sonoma County winemakers like to say it takes a lot of beer to make great wine — especially during the summer harvest season — yet that’s only part of the story. It also takes plenty of local cider and artisan spirits. Here are some of the best places to kick back and sip something delicious after a long and productive day.

Craft Breweries:

Cuver Belgian Brewers – Windsor
Sip authentic saisons, blondes and pilsners in a welcoming spot with sofa seating and darts, or out on the patio.

Flagship Taproom – Santa Rosa
Soak in the community vibe while exploring 20 craft brews on tap.

Fogbelt Brewing – Santa Rosa and Healdsburg
Named for the fog that saturates the region’s redwood forests, Fogbelt keeps things local by sourcing California-grown hops. The brews are as bold as the mighty trees that inspire them.

HenHouse Brewing – Santa Rosa and Petaluma
Stout brewed with local oyster shells? Wild saison? Anything goes at HenHouse. Known for its superb hazy ales, the brewery’s funky vibe makes for a laid-back experience.

Lagunitas – Petaluma
The Petaluma taproom for the world-famous brewer is part beer garden, part music venue and an all-around a good time. Keep an eye out for experimental one-off releases.

Old Caz Beer – Rohnert Park
Inspired by the Old Cazadero Trail, this brewery is all about easy-drinking beers and a love for the outdoors. Enjoy sessionable lagers and IPAs in a chill taproom.

Russian River Brewing Company – Santa Rosa and Windsor
A must visit for hopheads, Russian River is home to the holy grail of beer releases, Pliny the Younger.

Seismic Brewing – Sebastopol
Seismic is proof that great beer and sustainability are a perfect pairing. The brewery crafts clean, crisp brews using cutting-edge green brewing practices.

Cideries

Sonoma County’s apple orchards have been cranking out crisp, juicy goodness for generations, and today’s cidermakers are taking that heritage and kicking it up a notch.

Ethic Ciders – Sebastopol
These folks take cider seriously; their organic, estate-grown apples are treated with the same care as fine wine grapes, with terroir at top of mind.

Golden State Cider – Sebastopol
The taproom at The Barlow is a prime people-watching spot, perfect for sipping a Save the Gravenstein, named for Sonoma County’s prized heirloom apple variety.

Horse & Plow – Sebastopol
These winemakers turned cider makers specialize in organic, small-batch ciders that highlight Sonoma County’s apple-growing legacy. Their rustic tasting barn is a bucolic spot to sip dry ciders alongside organic wines.

Tilted Shed Ciderworks – Windsor
The husband-and-wife duo behind this cidery works with heirloom apples and wild fermentation to craft deep, complex flavors. Expect dry and beautifully funky offerings.

Distilleries

You’ve heard of farm-to-table, but what about grain-to-glass? In Sonoma County, distillers are rewriting the rules with craft spirits that blend local ingredients, serious skill, and a little magic.

Alley 6 – Healdsburg
This small batch distillery makes grain-to glass whiskey and single malts in small batches using traditional techniques.

Barber Lee Spirits – Petaluma
Set in an atmospheric brick warehouse downtown, Barber Lee offers spirits flights and creative cocktails made with its artisan whiskey, bourbon, rye and more.

Griffo Distillery – Petaluma
Griffo marries tradition with innovation, using local lavender, citrus, and even cold brew coffee to craft delicious spirits. The laid-back tasting room also offers house-made cocktails.

Hanson of Sonoma – Sonoma
The Hanson family creates organic, small batch vodka distilled from local grapes. The infusions? Meyer lemon, habanero, cucumber — fresh, bold, and made for cocktails.

Prohibition Spirits – Sonoma
The creative lineup includes whiskey, rum, amaro and a cult-favorite limoncello called HelloCello. The Sonoma Plaza tasting room is a must-stop for cocktail lovers.

Young & Yonder Spirits –Healdsburg
The distillery’s Stave Robber whiskey and H.O.B.S. vodka push the boundaries of craft spirits. Ask about special experimental releases for a barrel-aged surprise.