While red vs. white is always a topic of conversation in wine country, sometimes you just need a change of pace.
Breweries have become more popular in recent years throughout the Napa Valley, often serving as a refreshing palate cleanser. While the overall tourism industry has slowed for many, the distribution and popularity of beers seem to be increasing during an uncertain time for the wine industry.
In this article, we review four such breweries with various offerings throughout the valley.
NAPA VALLEY BREWING COMPANY
Within the historic Calistoga Inn, Napa Valley Brewing Company has been a cornerstone of Napa County’s craft beer scene since 1987. According to its website, it was the first commercial brewery in the region after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.
The brewery itself is a testament to Napa Valley’s rich history — housed in the property’s original water tower, which was transformed into a seven-barrel, gas-fired microbrewery under the guidance of Michael Lewis of UC Davis. With a recent fermentation cellar expansion, Napa Valley Brewing Company has grown its distribution, ensuring that its locally crafted brews, typically named after local landmarks or regions, such as Bale Grist named after the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, are available throughout Napa Valley.
“Overall, 2024 was a slow year, and that is true for most of the Napa Valley,” noted Michael Dunsford, the owner of Napa Valley Brewing Company Inc. and the Calistoga Inn, Restaurant & Brewery. He attributed the slowdown to “the fallout that’s been occurring in San Francisco since the end of COVID and the rise in inflation. … It’s also more expensive to travel.”
The wine industry has also experienced this, in addition to a general move for people to drink less alcohol.
“This is also true in the beer industry, which is why you’ve seen the rise of non-alcoholic beer brands, such as Athletic and Best Day Brewing,” said Dunsford. “... Beer also has less alcohol than wine or spirits, so it’s becoming more preferred as a beverage of choice. … In our case, however, we only distribute small amounts of draft beer to other restaurants and bars throughout the Napa Valley in addition to serving our restaurant.”
Napa Valley Brewing Co. beers can currently be found at various locations, including Solage resort, Auberge du Soleil, Farmstead, Brix, and private golf clubs such as Mayacamas, Napa Valley Country Club and The Brambles.
According to Dunsford, the bright spot may be coming after a down 2024: “It does appear that things may be turning around.”
At the helm of the brewery is brewmaster Nick Bartlett, whose passion for beer began in his parents’ garage before leading him to a formal brewing education at UC Davis Extension in 2017. Before joining Napa Valley Brewing Company, he spent time at Barebottle Brewing in San Francisco and as head brewer at Buck Wild Brewing in Oakland, earning over 10 medals for his craft. From crisp European lagers to aromatic West Coast IPAs, his approach ensures that each brew is refreshing and distinctive.
Next for Bartlett is a new beer named the Dunkel, a dark, malty German lager. Additionally, the brewery a couple of holiday celebrations for Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day, and will introduce a new chef.
After the rainy season ends, the Napa Valley Brewing Company’s outdoor patio and beer garden at the Calistoga Inn is the perfect setting to enjoy a meal on any day or a beer or two. The brewery typically offers live music on the patio during the spring, summer and fall.
Napa Valley Brewing Company Inc.
Calistoga Inn, Restaurant & Brewery 1250 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga
Website: calistogainn.com/brewery
TANNERY BEND BEERWORKS
Since its opening, Tannery Bend Beerworks has gone beyond just brewing beers. It has become a community gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Tannery Bend’s welcoming spaces feel like a neighborhood pub from the moment you walk in. Rooted in community and craftsmanship, it is dedicated to small-batch brewing and a culinary twist.
The business started in 2017 when founders Tyler Rodde and Matt Cromwell saw a synergy between food and beer, “in the same way food and wine have been a part of Napa Valley for a very long time,” said Rodde.
When Rodde and Cromwell started as a nanobrewery on Coombs Street, they found a need for a local community brewery that focused on flavors and creativity, using fresh local ingredients.
“He and I have very similar thoughts and ideas about the process of making beer and creating recipes for food,” said Rodde.
However, during the pandemic, they were forced to close.
“It was at that time that we decided to make a much larger investment in the community and open a small regional brewery and larger beer garden to attempt to satisfy the growing demand for community in the food and beer world of Napa,” Rodde recalled.
Their original location, The Garage, is in the heart of Napa’s Rail Arts District. Beer lovers rejoice in this industrial setting, where fresh draft beers are crafted and poured daily. Both indoor and outdoor seating and convenient to-go options are available.
In December 2023, Cromwell and Rodde opened The Garden for those seeking a beer-garden experience. Located in downtown Napa’s revitalized West End district, the venue offers a rotating selection of 20 beers on tap, an expansive cocktail menu, and a welcoming atmosphere paired with a standout food menu. The Garden is known for elevated bar food and full dinner plates.
Rodde believes the beer industry is “absolutely on the rise.” He continued: “When we started, we were producing around 400 barrels of beer, and now we are closer to 4,000.”
In the coming months, even more exciting changes are in store.
“We are very excited about some seasonal collaboration beers with our good friends (at the) Napa Palisades beer company and Barrel Brothers,” said Rodde.
The Garage and The Garden continue to evolve their hours, serving from sunrise to sunset. The Garden has an early-morning opening for the coffee crowd, offering fresh pastries. Lunch and dinner menus are available throughout the day, and The Garden has also become one of the best places to watch nighttime sporting events and listen to late-night music.
Tannery Bend Beerworks
The Garden - 1500 First St. (Suite 150), Napa
The Garage - 1721 Action Ave. (Suite C), Napa
Website: tannerybendbeerworks.com
EROSION TAP HOUSE
Everything — from the name to the beverages at Erosion Tap House — tells a story.
Erosion was initially a wine-tasting room that opened just before the pandemic forced a temporary closure. When it reopened in March 2021, it quickly expanded, doubling its size and evolving into a full-fledged destination for beer, wine and craft beverages.
In May 2023, three brothers-in-law, Eloy Garcia, Erwin Tomas and Jesus Delgado, acquired Erosion. Tomas and Delgado were employees of the original Erosion before they moved to acquire it with Garcia.
Beyond its beverages, Erosion’s original philosophy was deeply rooted in Napa Valley’s geological and cultural history. Over 180 million years, erosion shaped the region, forming the diverse soils that now give Napa wines their world-renowned character.
Just as natural forces have shaped the valley, Erosion Tap House aims to push boundaries in fermentation, crafting experimental and unexpected flavors that blend beer, wine and beyond.
Today, the tap house is split into two complementary sides. On one side is the beer hall, with TVs that show various sports. The other side is a lounge with a more family-friendly setting, including 20 flavors of ice cream. The duality of the location has garnered a loyal local following.
“We are natives to the area and very much part of the community; we take an approach of being a welcoming place that has something for everyone,” said Delgado.
One of Erosion’s popular local offerings is a trivia night, held every two weeks.
In addition to Erosion’s increasing popularity, Delgado has noticed a particular change in how beer is distributed throughout the Napa Valley.
“What has led me to believe that the beer industry is on the rise is the amount of breweries that are now distributing into the area,” he said. “In the past, the valley may have been overlooked, and now we are able to see some of the best breweries on the shelves and draft lists in a number of places.”
To capture the growing interest, Erosion’s owners launched The Guild of Abundance, a wine and beer membership offering exclusive access to small-batch creations. The membership has monthly and quarterly options, with members being granted first-access events, special limited beers, complimentary tastings, and discounts at the tap house and bottle shop. The shop has over 300 offerings including wine, mead, seltzer, cider and beer, along with gluten-free and non-alcoholic beverages.
“The majority are finely curated beers from some of the best craft breweries in California, along with an array of international beers,” said Delgado.
In addition to its growing list of beverages, Erosion will host new events, participate in San Francisco Beer Week, and host specials lined up for various holidays in the near future.
Erosion Tap House
1234 Main St. (Highway 29/128), St. Helena
Website: erosion.buzz
FIELDWORK BREWING COMPANY
Since its founding in 2014, Fieldwork Brewing Company has been dedicated to crafting honest, high-quality beer that celebrates the art of brewing. Headquartered in Berkeley, Fieldwork has expanded across Northern California, with taprooms in Corte Madera, Monterey, Sacramento, San Leandro, San Mateo, San Ramon and Napa, offering beer lovers a chance to experience fresh, innovative brews in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
“Since 2020, we’ve seen a positive trend in tourism and steady growth in Napa’s craft beer industry,” said Fieldwork regional manager Terrence Tang. “Both locals and tourists are seeking a broader range of experiences, and craft beer is carving out its own space alongside Napa’s world-class culinary and beverage scene.”
Fieldwork is unique because of its ever-changing tap list, featuring a rotating selection of small-batch releases that guests can enjoy by the glass or sampler flight. That includes beer and non-alcoholic options.
“We’ve seen a growing demand for high-quality non-alcoholic options, making this a natural extension of what we do,” Tang explained. “Beer has always been about community and shared experiences, and that shouldn’t be limited to those drinking alcohol.”
Last year, Fieldwork began offering pizza on the first Tuesday of the month, and it quickly became a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
“Our 8x8 Detroit-style pizzas are a unique addition to Napa’s food scene, offering a bold, crispy and flavorful complement to our craft beer and non-alcoholic selections,” said Tang.
With a commitment to craftsmanship and creativity, Fieldwork continues to push the boundaries of brewing, delivering bold, flavorful beers that reflect the spirit of exploration and adventure.
“While the demand for diverse beverage experiences continues to rise, we remain mindful of economic uncertainties and their potential impact on costs and consumer spending and remain focused on the customer experience,” said Tang.
Whether one visits the original Berkeley location or sips a seasonal release at a Fieldwork taproom in Napa, each pour is a testament to the brewery’s dedication to quality and innovation in California’s craft beer scene. For those looking to take the experience home, 16-ounce cans and four-packs, alongside various non-alcoholic craft beverages, are available.
Fieldwork Brewing Co.
1046 McKinstry St., Napa
Website: fieldworkbeverage.com
