No trip to the foothills is complete without a stop at one of the many great breweries in the area. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites for you to check out on your next day trip or house hunting excursion:
Auburn Alehouse (Auburn, CA) - The Gold Country town of Auburn, CA is a destination in and of itself, but beer lovers will want to head straight to Auburn Alehouse Craft Brewery & Restaurant in the heart of town. Opened in 2007, Auburn Alehouse is known for their award-winning, small batch beers crafted from the finest malted barley and American-grown hops. Stop in for a pint and grab a bite to eat from their restaurant’s menu of small bites, burgers, and seasonal dishes. Learn more here.
Moonraker Brewing - Also located in Auburn, Moonraker Brewing has really made a name for themselves since opening in 2016. Named the Best New Brewery in California and #9 in the World by Rate Beer, they are known for their delicious hazy beers and commitment to environmental sustainability. Stop by their barrel room to enjoy a beer and a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks that frequently visit their patio...and stay tuned! They’re currently in the process of building the Moonraker Mill House, a sustainable, family/pet friendly brewery and tap room complete with farm-to-fork dining. Add it to your list of places to visit in Fall 2021!
Bullmastiff Brewing (Penn Valley, CA) - Opened in October 2020, Bullmastiff Brewing is the new kid on the block. Named after the owners’ Dave and Tina’s two Bullmastiff's, Mac & Annabelle, this brewery is another super welcoming, dog-friendly spot. They typically have about eight craft beers on tap at any given time, in addition to fun hard seltzer and hop water options for those interested in drinks outside of the beer category. Stop by and you might just catch some live music with your drinks!
Crooked Lane Brewing Co. (Auburn, CA) - Crooked Lane Brewing Company is family owned Craft Brewery in Auburn, CA. With more than a dozen beers on draft at any given time, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your beer craving. The brewery itself is located in an old movie theater with an expansive taproom and spacious outdoor biergarden where they host a series of food trucks every week. Take an afternoon hike nearby and then stop by to enjoy a pint!
Dueling Dogs Brewing Co. (Lincoln, CA) - Head to Lincoln, CA to check out Dueling Dogs Brewing Co, a family owned and operated brewery dedicated to crafting farm-fresh, small-batch beers, ciders and meads. All of Dueling Dogs’s beverages are made with hand-picked ingredients from their own orchards, vineyards, and hop fields. Located on the Stephens Ranch, a 10.1-acre farm established in 2014, they also produce two acres of Satsuma Mandarin Oranges in addition to their brews! Stop by for a true farm-to-glass experience.
Grass Valley Brewing Co. (Grass Valley, CA) - Voted the Best Brewery in Nevada County, Grass Valley Brewing Company is the perfect place to kick up your feet after a day of adventuring. GVBC is locally owned and features over a dozen beers on draft. They’re very family-friendly, so bring your kids and dogs with you when you visit! Hungry? They’ve got you covered at ROOST, their full-service kitchen. Learn more + browse their menu here.
Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co. (Nevada City, CA) - Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co. is a staple in historic Nevada City, CA. They are known for their wood-fired pizza, craft beers, artisan breads, baked goods, and other delicious bites sourced from local organic producers. Their seasonal menu changes weekly, so stop in for a pint and a fresh, delicious meal!