Beer lovers in Sonoma County, rejoice! Fieldwork Brewing, renowned for its exceptional craft beers and vibrant taproom experiences across California, is finally bringing its much-anticipated taproom to Santa Rosa. Slated to open in late summer 2025, this new location promises to be more than just a place for beer aficionados; it’s set to become a community hub with a focus on “Fieldwork Brewing Food” to complement their acclaimed brews.
Located in the bustling Montgomery Village, adjacent to “The Terrace” breezeway near the former Cattlemens restaurant, the 4,032-square-foot space is currently undergoing exciting construction. While specific details about the taproom’s design are still under wraps, the anticipation is building for what Fieldwork Brewing will bring to Santa Rosa.
The exterior of the location in Montgomery Village where Fieldwork Brewing will open its new Santa Rosa taproom, hinting at a future destination for “fieldwork brewing food” and craft beer.
Fieldwork Brewing, co-founded in West Berkeley in 2015 by CEO Barry Braden and Alex Tweet, has seen remarkable growth over the past decade. Starting with the success of their Berkeley taproom, they strategically expanded to Sacramento, Napa, San Mateo, Monterey, San Ramon, and Corte Madera, with a Roseville location also on the horizon for late 2025. This expansion highlights their commitment to bringing fresh, innovative beers to a wider audience, and now, Santa Rosa is next on their list.
Given Sonoma County’s established appreciation for high-quality beer, many have wondered why it has taken Fieldwork Brewing so long to establish a presence in Santa Rosa. According to Braden, Sonoma County has been on their radar for years. “We looked at a number of opportunities in Santa Rosa, but the uncertainty of the pandemic years had us press pause on expansion,” he explained. “But 2025 and 2026 will see us opening additional locations in California. We’re really excited and proud of our ability to expand into Santa Rosa.” This move signifies Fieldwork’s confidence in the Santa Rosa market and their dedication to meeting the local demand for premium craft beer and, importantly, a complete taproom experience that includes “fieldwork brewing food”.
Sonoma County’s Thriving Beer Scene Welcomes Fieldwork
The timing of Fieldwork Brewing’s arrival in Santa Rosa is perfect, as the craft beer industry continues to demonstrate resilience and growth. While overall beer production saw a slight dip nationally, craft breweries experienced a 3% increase in retail sales in 2023, reaching $28.9 million. On-site sales at craft breweries like Fieldwork have been particularly strong, accounting for a significant portion of the U.S. beer market.
In Sonoma County, Fieldwork Brewing will join a vibrant community of approximately 28 brewery taprooms, solidifying the region’s reputation as a craft beer destination. Beyond taprooms, Sonoma County also boasts numerous beer-centric businesses, further illustrating the area’s deep-rooted beer culture. The local beer industry’s economic impact remains substantial, contributing $197.3 million to Sonoma County’s gross regional product in 2023. Events like Russian River Brewing Co.’s Pliny the Younger release continue to drive significant economic activity, underscoring the passion and market for quality beer in the region.
Fieldwork Brewing co-founders Barry Braden and Alex Tweet, leaders of a brewery expanding into Santa Rosa, promising not only craft beer but also a focus on “fieldwork brewing food” at their new taproom.
With a projected 18% job growth in the local beer industry by 2028, Fieldwork Brewing’s new taproom will not only enhance the beer scene but also contribute to the local economy and employment opportunities.
Beyond Beer: Exploring “Fieldwork Brewing Food” and Nonalcoholic Options
Fieldwork Brewing has built its reputation on the quality, freshness, and variety of its beers, along with its inviting taproom environments. However, their vision extends beyond just exceptional beer. The upcoming Santa Rosa taproom is envisioned as a welcoming space for everyone, offering more than just a diverse beer selection. This includes a deliberate focus on “fieldwork brewing food” to enhance the taproom experience.
While specific menu details are still to be announced for the Santa Rosa location, Fieldwork taprooms are known for offering delicious food options that perfectly complement their beers. Patrons can likely expect a menu featuring items like gourmet pizzas, artisanal pretzels, and other savory snacks, making it an ideal spot for both beer enthusiasts and those seeking a casual dining experience. The promise of “fieldwork brewing food” signals Fieldwork’s understanding of the modern taproom experience, where food plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming and convivial atmosphere.
Furthermore, Fieldwork Brewing is also embracing the growing demand for nonalcoholic beverages. Their nonalcoholic beer and hop water lineup has seen impressive growth, with sales up 140% in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year. Braden notes the advancements in technology that now allow for the production of truly enjoyable nonalcoholic beers that closely mimic their alcoholic counterparts. This commitment to inclusivity means that the Santa Rosa taproom will cater to a broad audience, ensuring “something for everyone,” as Braden stated.
A Community Gathering Place with Great Beer and Food
While specific details about the Santa Rosa taproom are still forthcoming, Fieldwork Brewing has confirmed that the family-friendly location will feature an outdoor patio and, importantly, serve food. While “likely pizza” was mentioned, the full extent of the “fieldwork brewing food” menu is eagerly anticipated by the Santa Rosa community.
“When people visit the new Santa Rosa taproom, it won’t just be about beer,” Braden emphasized. “It will be a gathering place for beverages and community. We want to offer something for everyone.” This vision positions the new Fieldwork Brewing taproom as a significant addition to Santa Rosa, promising not just exceptional craft beer, but also a welcoming community space centered around quality beverages and delicious “fieldwork brewing food”. Santa Rosa beer fans, and foodies, have much to look forward to in late summer 2025.
