Sonoma County, known primarily for its wines, is also home to a vibrant craft beer and cider scene. This guide explores noteworthy breweries and cideries that beer and cider enthusiasts should not miss on their next trip to the region.

Notable Breweries

Sonoma County boasts a surprising number of unique breweries for its size. Starting with Russian River Brewing in Windsor, this brewery is celebrated nationwide for its iconic beer, Pliny the Elder. Santa Rosa hosts multiple breweries, including Cooperage, Fogbelt, and HenHouse, alongside the original Russian River brewpub.

In Rohnert Park, you can find Old Caz and Parliament, while The Barlow in Sebastopol showcases breweries such as Crooked Goat and Seismic Brewing. Moving up north to Petaluma, Lagunitas is a well-known name and offers various locations to explore, including the Palace of Barrels. Other breweries can be found as far north as Cloverdale’s Wolf House and in Guerneville with Stumptown.

Cidermakers: From Orchard to Glass

Sonoma County has a rich apple history dating back to when early settlers first introduced the fruit. Although many orchards have transformed into vineyards, over 2,000 acres of heirloom apple varieties still flourish, preserving the county’s cider-making legacy.

Ace Cider, founded in 1993, is recognized as the oldest cidery and is popular for its sweet options and seasonal varieties. Tilted Shed Ciderworks, based in Windsor, creates a diverse range of ciders from over 120 heirloom apple varieties, both from their orchards and local sources.

At Golden State Cider, located at The Barlow, visitors can sample seasonal ciders. Additional cideries in the Sebastopol area include Dutton Estate, Ethic Ciders, Eye Cider, and Horse & Plow. There are also a few cideries throughout the county, such as Goat Rock Cider in Petaluma and Preston Farm in Healdsburg.

Insights from Local Breweries

Interviews with the owners of prominent breweries like Russian River Brewing and Old Caz Brewing provide insight into the unique experience of brewing beer in Sonoma County. For instance, Natalie Cilurzo from Russian River emphasizes the strong sense of community, not just in brewing but also in the regional maker culture encompassing wine, chocolate, and produce.

Tom Edwards of Old Caz highlights the importance of local tourism fostered by the nearby wineries, benefiting their brewery despite being in a wine-centric region. Both owners express deep gratitude for the support from local patrons, showcasing the collaborative spirit of Sonoma’s craft beverage scene.

Whether you’re a connoisseur or just beginning your exploration of beer and cider, Sonoma County offers a rich variety of flavors waiting to be discovered.