Yolo County is perhaps best known as California’s agricultural heart, with farm-to-table produce and stellar wines. But it’s also a hotspot for beer lovers. Craft breweries can be found throughout the county, from Woodland to Winters to Davis.
Spending a weekend exploring the many breweries in Yolo County is a great springtime getaway. Not only do breweries offer small-batch, hand-crafted beer, but many also offer food, live music, games, and much more. Plus, they are kid- and dog-friendly! Before you head out, be sure to check out the many lodging options in Yolo County, some of which are within walking distance of Yolo County’s best breweries.
Day One: Woodland
Our suggestion for a beer-centric weekend getaway in Yolo County is to begin in Woodland and work your way south. A good place to start is Blue Note Brewing Company. Located in downtown Woodland, Blue Note offers a range of beers, from light-bodied Kolsch and pilsner to hoppy IPAs and creamy stouts. Most of their brews are gluten-reduced, so you can enjoy a pint without the pesky side effects.
Hungry? You can order food from their onsite restaurant, Blue Flame Kitchen, which offers pizzas, salads, and a few appetizers. They also host live music most weekends as well as game nights and trivia.
Another option in the Woodland area is The Hive Tasting Room and Kitchen. It’s a honey-themed tasting room and eatery with an expansive pollinator garden. Although they specialize in mead (honey wine), they also offer a few beers infused with honey. One is the Yolo Trinity, a rich oatmeal stout crafted by Dunloe Brewing Company in Davis. It has notes of meadowfoam honey and oak, thanks to aging in bourbon barrels from Patio 29 distillery in Winters.
Day Two: Winters
Working your way south (southwest, actually), you’ll enjoy a scenic drive though the Yolo countryside, passing bucolic farmland, orchards, vineyards, and rolling hillsides. Just west of Downtown Winters is Berryessa Brewing Co., a 20-barrel craft brewery in a county setting. They have a large beer garden with scenic views, lawn games, and live music. Their beer lineup runs the gamut, and includes a California rice lager, double tap IIPA, and a Mexican-style lager. Although there’s no restaurant, there are usually food trucks onsite on most days.
Back in town, there are several spots to enjoy a local brew. A must-try is Hooby’s Brewing, a family-operated spot that makes blonde ale, hazy IPA, and pilsners, among others. You can order a flight to sample whatever’s on tap. They have a kitchen and turn out pub-style dishes like wings, tots, and burgers. There’s always something going on at Hooby’s, from cornhole and bingo to live music and comedy.
Another option in Winters is Green River Brewing & Taproom. Although they only brew a few of their own beers, they offer selections from across the region and beyond, all poured via their self-serve automatic beer taps. Their food menu is equally varied and features hearty fare such as burgers and sandwiches.
Day Three: Davis
The city of Davis is best known as a college town, but it also has a lively craft brew scene that attracts locals and visitors as well as students. One of the largest and longest-running breweries in Davis is Sudwerk Brewing Co., which specializes in German-style lagers. They have a large outdoor beer garden and host concerts in the summer. They also have a restaurant serving sandwiches, small bites, and a few German mainstays like brats and a beer cheese pretzel.
Another option in Davis is Dunloe Brewing, which has both a brewery and a downtown taproom. Pilsner, stout, ale, and lager are just a few of the beers you’ll find here. They also put on beer-and-cheese pairings, drawing nights, and game nights.
Three Mile Brewing is another great brewery in Davis to check out. They have a range of brews to choose from, including red ale, IPA, and hefeweizen. Karaoke, bingo, and trivia are also held on select nights.
If you’re looking for a brewery with friendly, neighborhood vibes, consider a visit to Super Owl Brewing. Blonde ale, IPA, and lagers are a few of the beers they produce, as well as cider and low ABV brews. They also host a running club and trivia nights.
Book Your Beer Lover’s Getaway to Yolo County Today
Whether you’re into pale ale or pilsner, stouts or sours, you’ll find them in Yolo County. Plus, you can enjoy live music, great food, and a bit of trivia or bingo. Most breweries are family-friendly and dog-friendly so you can bring the whole gang. Craft breweries can be found throughout the county, from Woodland to Winters to Davis. Check out the many lodging options in Yolo County and book your beer-centric escape today!
