Brewery

Beer Events and Pliny the Younger Release

HenHouse Brewing, Santa Rosa

It’s clear that we love our boutique beer in Sonoma Wine Country, from handcrafted IPAs to Lagers, Stouts, and Sessions. Sonoma County now has more than two dozen breweries, with more opening all the time.

Here is your guide to the events, festivals, and friendly places where you can enjoy finely crafted beers produced in small, coveted amounts with Sonoma County ingredients.

A person pours a glass of beer out of a tap — Russian River Brewing Company in Sonoma County, California

Fun Beer Events in Sonoma County

Every year, the release of Pliny the Younger is such a big deal that fans line up in front of Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa and its location in Windsor, hoping to get a sample of the coveted, limited-production ale. Check out the buzz — the Pliny the Younger is always released on the first Friday in February for a very limited time.

June brings the “Beerfest — The Good One” when the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa turns into a lavish beer garden with more than 60 microbreweries and cideries.

In September, the Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival draws fans by serving more than 20 local microbreweries and delicious bites from Petaluma restaurants, all in the downtown area where you can stroll and soak up the vibes.

In November, Gear up for the IPA 10k & Beer Mile Invitational, held each spring in Sebastopol. The race begins and ends at The Barlow and includes beer, music, and food.

A person pours a beer out of a cooler at a festival — “Beerfest — The Good One,” located in Santa Rosa, California

Best Beer Tours in Sonoma County

Visit craft breweries on two wheels with the Santa Rosa or Windsor Bike ‘n’ Brew guided cycling tours from Ace It Bike Tours.

The Pint ‘n’ Pedals bike tour by Getaway Adventures & Rentals takes you to top breweries in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol.

People sit at a picnic table drinking beer on a patio — Ace It Bike Tours in Sonoma County, California

Breweries in Sonoma County

On the legendary front, Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma is a favorite. From the lively tap room to the relaxing outdoor beer sanctuary, this is the place for live music, munchies, fun events, and beers you won’t find on shelves.

Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa and Russian River Brewery in Windsor invite you to enjoy a changing selection of beers from five-ounce sips to growlers-to-go. Relax on the pet-friendly patio, and don’t miss delicious bites like burgers, fish and chips, salmon, and schnitzel.

Parliament Brewing Company in Rohnert Park offers a variety of small-batch beers with names like Whatchamacallit IPA and Friend From Vermont New England Pale Ale.

Old Caz Beer, also in Rohnert Park, keeps it fun with a rotating variety of small-batch beers on tap, like Steady State German Pilsner, Chismosa Mexican Amber Lager, and Catastrophe Rye IPA.

Two friends smile and enjoy beer at the bar — Brewsters Beer Garden, Petaluma, California

Brewsters Beer Garden is a hot spot in downtown Petaluma on the edge of the river. The space spans more than 350 seats inside and out, offering barbecue and higher-end pub grub rounded out with live music, a full cocktail list, wine, and, of course, plenty of beers.

The Bohemian chic HenHouse Brewing Company has a few popular locations. The Santa Rosa site is set in an industrial warehouse and typically hosts delicious food trucks. In Petaluma, check out the HenHouse Petaluma Palace of Barrels.

Trail House in Santa Rosa is a creative enterprise combining beers, coffee, and a hangout for the biking community. Enjoy suds while sharing stories, get help with your bike needs, and grab a hearty snack to refuel.

A person with tattoos on their arm pours a beer from a tap — Seismic Brewing Company, The Barlow in Sebastopol, California

Seismic Brewing Company at The Barlow in Sebastopol is a large, sustainable brewery with limited-release and year-round beers like Alluvium Pilsner, Megathrust IPA, and Magnetic Midnight Black Lager. You’ll find a large lounge area, pool table, and live music often on weekends.

Also at The Barlow in Sebastopol, Crooked Goat Brewing has delicious beers on tap, like double IPAs, wheat brews, or Grapefruit Ibex infused with zest. The tiny space is family- and dog-friendly and offers snacks like fresh pretzels and flavored popcorn.

Two cans of beer sit on a pile of fresh hops — Fogbelt Brewing Company, Santa Rosa, California

At Fogbelt Brewing Company in Santa Rosa, brewers Paul Hawley and Remy Martin use exclusively California-grown hops. Check out the tasty Sunday brunch at this brewery.

Visit Sonoma Springs Brewing Co. in the town of Sonoma for top-rated suds from Tim Goeppinger, who learned his craft over 17 years of brewing for respected breweries like Goose Island, Firestone Walker, and others. Discover satisfying beers like SlowNoma Belgian-Style Ale and Uncle Jack’s Kolsch-Style Ale.

Cooperage Brewery in Santa Rosa specializes in barrel-aged sour beers, plus Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, Belgian Pale Ale, and Belgian Golden Ale.

Old Possum Brewing taproom and kitchen in Santa Rosa serves stellar brews such as La Rosita Sonoma Lager and Alien Search Party IPA. Come with an appetite for mouth-watering barbeque from their full menu created with locally sourced ingredients.

Taps Restaurant & Tasting Room in the heart of vibrant Petaluma and situated on the pleasant creek, features some three dozen ever-changing and rare beers from around the world on tap.

Craving more? Find out more about Sonoma County breweries, wineries, hotels, and things to do.

Written by Sonoma Insider Carey Sweet