There's a saying in Napa Valley that “It takes a lot of great beer to make great wine.” So it's not uncommon to find winemakers in Napa Valley sharing a cold beer with friends or colleagues after a long day of work in the vineyards and wineries. Fortunately, the growing beer scene in Napa Valley offers many opportunities to find unique, locally-brewed beers in a variety of settings – from breweries to beer gardens and microbreweries to taprooms.
Follow the Napa Valley Ale Trail map to find the best spots for craft beers.
Calistoga
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Lincoln Avenue Brewery
You’ll find more than 20 beers on tap at this modest and casual brewpub in downtown Calistoga, and all the brews are made on-site. Locals love the “LAB” for its live music, its sports bar atmosphere (there are 10 televisions), and its breakfast menu that features a “dirty” corned beef hash and a deep-fried risotto Benedict. Regular activities include trivia night, bingo night, and cornhole tournaments (in the summer).
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Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery
The oldest microbrewery (circa 1987) in Napa Valley does not disappoint. If you’re looking to relax, enjoy local brews from the large patio of this Victorian building, and listen to the trickling waters of the Napa River down below. If you’re eager to learn, sign up for the 30-minute tour of the property and facility with Brewmaster Daniel Reynolds. The brewery produces five principal beers and seasonal flavors throughout the year, with the German Kolsch a fan favorite.
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Calistoga Depot
The second-oldest train depot in California is also a beloved beer garden. Built in 1868 and reimagined in the 21st century, the "depot" offers handcrafted food, drinks, and spirits in stunning train car venues that occupy a special place in town lore. This is a place to eat and drink well with four restaurants and four bars – and crisp brews on tap, including Berryessa Brewing Co’s “Propaganda Pilsner” and classic IPA.