f you’ve never been to Napa Valley, it’s easy to picture nothing but vineyards as far as the eye can see. And sure—wine is the headliner. But here’s the fun twist: Napa has a genuinely strong craft beer scene, too. So if you’re a beer drinker getting “dragged” along on a wine weekend (or you just want to mix it up between tastings), you’ve got plenty to look forward to.
Below are the best breweries and beer-forward spots to add to your Napa itinerary—plus a simple beer weekend game plan and a quick guide to tasting like you know what you’re doing (without getting pretentious about it).
What are the best breweries in Napa Valley?
Quick hit list (the “where should we go first?” edition)
- Fieldwork Brewing (Napa) – Downtown-friendly taproom with a rotating lineup and an easygoing vibe. Fieldwork Brewing Co.
- Trade Brewing (Napa) – Local favorite for fresh pours, community energy, and a low-key hangout feel.
- Tannery Bend Beerworks (Napa) – Two ways to visit: the downtown beer garden and the brewery/production spot. Tannery Bend Beerworks
- Downtown Joe’s Brewery & Restaurant (Napa) – Classic brewpub energy: food, house beer, sports, and frequent live music. Downtown Joe’s
- Mad Fritz (St. Helena) – Napa Valley’s “beer for wine people” stop: unique, thoughtful, and intentionally different. Mad Fritz Beer
- Napa Yard (Downtown Napa) – More beer garden than brewery, but fantastic for groups (beer + wine + food in one place). Napa Yard | Beer Garden in Napa, CA
- Napa Smith (nearby Vallejo) – Worth the short drive if you want a dedicated taproom outside the wine bubble. (Note: the old Napa/Vista Collina taproom is closed.)
And one important update from your original list:
- Stone Brewing (Napa location) – Stone’s downtown Napa brewpub closed in October 2021. (Stone is still a major craft name—you just won’t visit them in Napa anymore.)
The best Napa Valley breweries and taprooms (updated details)
Fieldwork Brewing (Downtown Napa)
Fieldwork is one of the easiest “yes” answers in Napa: a welcoming taproom, a constantly changing draft list, and a location that plays nicely with a downtown day (shops, Oxbow area, river walk, all that). It’s a great place to do a sampler flight, find a favorite, and settle in. Fieldwork Brewing Co
Why go: rotating selection + casual hangout energy
Best for: IPA lovers, groups with mixed tastes, “let’s try a flight” people
Trade Brewing (Downtown Napa)
Trade is the kind of place that feels local in the best way: friendly staff, a loyal crowd, and a tap list that makes you want to stay for “just one more.” It’s a great stop when you want something beer-first that still feels very Napa.
Why go: neighborhood brewery vibe + relaxed downtown stop
Best for: travelers who want a true local taproom
Tannery Bend Beerworks (two ways to visit)
This is the biggest “update” from your draft: Tannery Bend isn’t just one place—and it’s not simply “closed.”
The Garden by Tannery Bend (Downtown / West End)
This is the lively, social beer garden version: food, full bar, and frequent events—perfect if you want beer and a fun atmosphere (especially in a group). Tannery Bend Beerworks
The Garage at Action (Brewery / production facility)
If you’d rather see where the beer is actually made, head to their Action Ave location, where you can sip fresh drafts near the production side. Tannery Bend Beerworks
Why go: you can pick your vibe—downtown beer garden or brewery hang
Best for: groups, weekend afternoons, “one place everyone can agree on”
Downtown Joe’s Brewery & Restaurant (Downtown Napa)
Downtown Joe’s is a Napa staple with classic brewpub DNA: house beer, a full kitchen, and lots of reasons to linger—live music, games, sports, happy hour energy, and a friendly, upbeat crowd. Downtown Joe’s
Why go: beer + food + entertainment in one easy stop
Best for: casual nights, bigger groups, and anyone who wants dinner with their pint
Mad Fritz (St. Helena)
Mad Fritz is one of Napa Valley’s most distinctive beer experiences—often described as the kind of place that can convert wine lovers into beer fans. Expect beers that feel curated and intentional, not “run-of-the-mill taproom.” Mad Fritz Beer
Why go: truly unique beer in the heart of wine country
Best for: beer nerds, wine-country visitors who want something different, “tell me the story behind this beer” energy
Napa Yard (Downtown Napa beer garden)
Not a brewery, but a smart add to a Napa beer weekend—especially if your group is split between beer, wine, and cocktails. It’s a social, outdoor-friendly gathering spot right along the river. Napa Yard | Beer Garden in Napa, CA+1
Why go: crowd-pleaser for mixed groups
Best for: daytime hangs, meeting up, outdoor seating vibes
Napa Smith Brewery (nearby Vallejo)
Napa Smith is still pouring—just not at its former Napa/Vista Collina outpost. Their Vallejo taproom remains open with posted hours on the brewery’s official site.
Why go: easy “beer-focused detour” outside the winery core
Best for: anyone staying near the Vallejo/Fairfield corridor or wanting something different from downtown Napa
What about Stone Brewing?
Stone is still a big deal in American craft beer—but their Napa brewpub closed in October 2021. So if your plan was “Stone in Napa,” swap that stop for one of the downtown Napa options above (Trade, Fieldwork, Downtown Joe’s, or Tannery Bend). North Bay Business Journal
Go on a Napa Valley beer weekend (simple, fun itinerary)
Day 1: Downtown Napa beer crawl (easy walking/short rides)
- Start at Fieldwork for a flight Fieldwork Brewing Co.
- Cruise to Trade Brewing for a second round
- Finish at Tannery Bend (The Garden) or Downtown Joe’s for dinner + nightlife Tannery Bend Beerworks
Day 2: “Beer in wine country” day
- Head to St. Helena for Mad Fritz Mad Fritz Beer
- Back to Napa for Napa Yard if your group wants a relaxed outdoor reset Napa Yard | Beer Garden in Napa, CA
Related questions
What breweries also serve food?
If your crew needs beer and a meal (highly recommended—beer weekends are happier with carbs), these are easy wins:
- Downtown Joe’s – full restaurant + brewery experience Downtown Joe’s
- The Garden by Tannery Bend – full bar + all-day menu energy Tannery Bend Beerworks
- Trade Brewing – kitchen/menu available
- Fieldwork (Napa) – food menu available at the taproom Fieldwork Brewing Co.
- Napa Yard – restaurant/beer garden with food + drinks Napa Yard | Beer Garden in Napa, CA
What’s the proper way to sample beer?
Beer tasting can be wonderfully nerdy… or wonderfully simple. If you want to get more out of each pour without turning it into homework, do this:
Look
Check the color and clarity. Notice the head: is it thick, creamy, fizzy, or quick to fade? That’s often your first clue about body, carbonation, and style.
Agitate
A gentle swirl releases aromas and wakes up carbonation. (Pro tip: take a sip first so you don’t baptize your shirt.)
Smell
Smell is the main event. Most beers lean hop-forward, malt-forward, or yeast-forward—then layer on citrus, pine, tropical fruit, toast, caramel, spice, coffee, chocolate, or funk.
Taste
Take a small sip, then a normal sip. Notice:
- Mouthfeel (crisp, creamy, chewy, dry, silky)
- Carbonation (soft, prickly, lively)
- Flavor arc (first impression → mid-palate → finish)
- Balance (sweet vs bitter, bright vs roasty, clean vs funky)
And don’t be shy—taproom staff love helping you find “your beer.”
With years of expertise in curating memorable experiences, Vacation Napa is your trusted guide to the best breweries in Napa Valley. Our team of experts has handpicked the finest establishments, ensuring an authentic and delightful beer-tasting adventure.