There’s more to California than Hollywood, surf-friendly beaches, and wine country. So many amazing distilleries are waiting for you to visit to taste and savor their selection of bourbons, craft beer, and other fine spirits. Plan ahead to check out some of the best distillery tours in California, and scoop up a bottle or two before you leave. After checking out this ultimate guide to the best California distilleries, you’ll want to add it to your bucket list of California things to do in the state. Discover noteworthy liquor and craft spirits to add to your at-home bar from the selection of facilities we cover.

About The Craft Distillery Scene In California

The state of California has a deep connection and history to vineyards and wineries, small batches of handcrafted liquor and spirits, and the times of Prohibition. Thanks to a unique mix of factors, the craft distillery scene in California continues to evolve and thrive. And anyone who loves a tasty alcoholic beverage can choose from more than a few award-winning drinks to complement their meal or celebrate a moment. 

Today’s descendants of yesteryear’s bootleggers have gone on to build distilleries featuring simple to complex craft spirits with a nod of respect to the past. Wineries have expanded their inventory to include small batches of vodka, gin, or whiskey to delight their fans. Scrappy startups evolve from a few friends or a passionate solo project and blossom into a full-scale operation featuring remarkable rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, and even absinthe. California is a destination for any drinker with discerning taste to visit. You won’t want to miss visiting one of the state’s many distilleries; so make it part of your bucket list.

California’s culture, climate, history, and energy infuse the alcoholic beverages each distillery offers. Of the many facilities you can visit and take the best distillery tour, the ones on our ultimate guide list stood out the most. Use this list as a guide and launching pad to explore the craft distillery scene in California.

California Distilleries Worth Your Bucket List

1. Spirit Works Distillery, Sebastopol, CA
2. Dry Diggings Distillery, El Dorado Hills, CA 
3. Gold River Distillery, Rancho Cordova, CA 
4. Savage & Cooke, Vallejo, CA 
5. Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, Santa Barbara, CA
6. Kalifornia Distilleries Inc., Murrieta, CA
7. Napa Valley Distillery, Benicia, CA
8. Los Angeles Distillery, Culver City, CA
9. Calwise Spirits, Paso Robles, CA
10. Surf City Still Works, Huntington Beach, CA
11. Malahats Spirits, San Diego, CA

Reasons To Raise A Glass

It was a refreshing challenge compiling a list of some of the best distilleries in California to visit. Unfortunately, some gems in the craft distillery scene in California are no longer in operation. However, the following crown jewels are worth pulling up a stool to the bar for a tasting or making an appointment for a distillery tour.

Gold River Distillery

Don’t miss a trip to this distillery, the first legal facility in Sacramento since the days of Prohibition. They offer small batches of craft spirits, including American dry gin, vodka, bourbon, corn and malted rice whiskey, and absinthe.

Napa Valley Distillery

Walk-in guests are welcome, and the best distillery tour of this facility takes place every hour. Check out the “Booze Yoga,” a mix of artisanal and classic cocktails, and grab some spirits to take home.

Savage & Cooke

Make reservations for a tour and tasting at this distillery located on historic Mare Island. Sample the Lip Service Rye Whiskey or The Burning Chair Bourbon before visiting the restaurant for Southern American dishes and delightful cocktails.

Malahats Spirits

In honor of The Malahat, a schooner that supplied Southern Californians with hooch during Prohibition, this distillery was started by three friends. Enjoy small batches of handcrafted spiced rum and whiskey, and make a reservation for a private tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions About California Distilleries

How long do distillery tours in California last?

It’s wise to call ahead before visiting a distillery to take a tour for more detailed information. However, most facilities offer guests a distillery tour that lasts 30 minutes to an hour.

Are all ages welcome on distillery tours in California?

Please call ahead to confirm details with the distillery you wish to visit. Some facilities may not be family-friendly and only allow guests 21 or older to take a distillery tour. 

When’s the absolute best time of year to visit California for the best distillery tour?

California is a desirable place to visit year-round. The fantastic weather conditions contribute to the craft distillery scene in California’s explosion of flavor profiles and high-quality beverages. Check if the facility offers specialty craft spirits for the fall and winter seasons, holidays, or spring and summer. After you finish your distillery tour, you typically get to sample craft spirits and house specialties.

Where To Stay When Visiting California Distilleries

Decide which distilleries you want to visit before you book a place to stay the night. The distance between various facilities may take more than an hour to get there, and traffic can be a nightmare. Make a reservation at the Hampton Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, or the Quality Inn. If you want to stay closer to Huntington Beach or San Diego, look for boutique hotels with a view of the water. Hotel prices vary, but opt for off-peak times between winter and early spring for the best deals.

California Distilleries and More: Other Places To Visit

If you’re near Santa Barbara, check out the Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, or Shoreline Park. Venture down to sunny San Diego and check out Balboa Park, grab authentic Mexican food, and see some of the best murals and street art. Grab your board and surf at Huntington Beach or swim at Corona del Mar State Beach in Orange County. There’s more than plenty to see and do off the beaten path in California.

Explore California’s Best Distilleries

We hope you schedule a trip to visit some of the best distilleries in California. Our curated list of distilleries features craft adult beverages that will tantalize your taste buds and are worth enjoying a glass or bottle before you kick the can. If you enjoyed reading this ultimate guide to distilleries in California, there’s more where that came from. Stop by Distillery Nearby to discover more distilleries you must visit and immerse yourself in the world of liquor and spirits.