Berryessa Brewing Co. sits just outside Winters in Yolo County, a 20-barrel operation that actually lets you see what craft brewing looks like up close. The taproom is right at the brewery itself, which means you’re getting beer as fresh as it gets—they fill growlers on-site with a counter pressure filler if you want to take some home. The whole setup has that genuine brewery feel rather than a polished bar vibe, with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that extends to your dog at the outdoor seating area.

Their tap setup is what makes them worth the drive. You’ll find six rotating beers on draft, but the real draw is the cask engine behind the bar. They almost always have cask-conditioned and barrel-aged beers available that you won’t find anywhere else, drawn off that cask system exclusively at the taproom. If you’re not sure what you want, you can order half pints or sample trays to work through their selection without committing to full pints.

The outdoor seating has actual views instead of just picnic tables, and they regularly bring in food trucks so you’re not drinking on an empty stomach. Live music shows up often enough that it’s worth checking their schedule. The country setting means it feels removed from town traffic while still being accessible from Winters, which is convenient if you’re exploring the area.

Bring your dog to the outdoor section and settle in for an afternoon. You can stay as long as the brewery’s open, ordering whatever appeals to you. If you find something you really like, grab a 64-ounce growler to take back home. It’s straightforward beer drinking in a working brewery environment without any pretense.