More than Wine: Beers and Spirits in Napa & Sonoma

By Stuart Schmidt
Napa and Sonoma may be famous for wine but did you know there are over fifteen Sonoma County breweries and a booming beer scene in Napa too? Sounds like you’ve figured out what you’re going to do this weekend. Interested in a private Napa winery tour? How about a beer and spirits tour for throwing a curveball to your day of wine and imbibing? If you don’t even know where to start, try some of these excellent craft breweries and distilleries and see where Platypus Tours can take you!
Napa
Stone Brewing-Though Stone Brewing is well known for its San Diego location, their brand new brewery in Napa is not one to miss. Downstairs is a standing taproom with several of Stone’s great craft brews while upstairs is a classy brewpub with an awesome beer selection and riverfront view. You can even take home large format bottles and cans for a good price. This would make a great lunch stop on your Napa private wine tour.
Trade Brewing-This simple yet tasteful taproom near downtown Napa has great industrial décor and outdoor seating. Try the Bricklayer or the Pile Driver-a deliciously grape-fruity double IPA. Take a break from wine and sample several beers of your choice!
Napa Valley Distillery-The only craft distillery in Napa is an absolute blast to visit at their distillery and beautiful Grand Tasting Salon only a few miles away from downtown Napa. Napa Valley Distillery makes all sorts of different spirits from Gin to Bourbon to Rum and more. They even make some great infused liqueurs as well as cocktails!
Sonoma
Hanson’s Distillery-Unlike the Napa Valley Distillery that has great variety, the brand-new Hanson’s Distillery in Sonoma specializes in grape-based vodkas-and boy do they do it well. You absolutely must try the cucumber infused vodka as well as the unique and spicy habanero vodka. They also have beautiful grounds and a newly remodeled tasting room. What more could you ask for on your private Napa winery tour?
Russian River Brewing Co.- Perhaps one of the most famous breweries in the state-Russian River is an absolute must-do for any beer lover. This lively Santa Rosa brewpub is busy and has great atmosphere along with tons of different beers to sample. If you set up a private Sonoma or Napa winery tour, try to grab a seat and taste some delicious brews!
Lagunitas-Located in the great town of Petaluma, Lagunitas (Famous for their IPA and Little Sumpin’ Ale) is another fantastic stop. Though their taproom is little ways from the main drag it is a great time. They have outdoor seating and good food with over twenty different beers to try. Definitely a great side-jaunt on your Napa winery tour or Sonoma beer tour!
There are so many options in both Napa and Sonoma counties for the non-wine lover it boggles the mind. Sound like an awesome trip? Plan a private Napa winery tour or Sonoma wine country tour with Platypus Tours and discover all the bounty these counties have to offer!