Headlands Brewing
Headlands Brewing is an independent East Bay craft brewery operating four taproom-and-beer-garden locations in Lafayette, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, and UC Berkeley, distributing statewide through Breakthru Beverage Group and brewing core, rotating, and cause-marketed limited beers under a 1% for the Planet sustainability mandate.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersLafayette, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Headlands Brewing does
Headlands Brewing is an independent craft brewery founded in 2013 and headquartered in Lafayette, California, that operates a four-location taproom-and-beer-garden retail network across the East Bay (Lafayette, Berkeley Westbrae, Walnut Creek, and an On Campus location at UC Berkeley), a production brewery in Pittsburg, and statewide wholesale distribution through Breakthru Beverage Group. The company's product portfolio comprises four core year-round beers (Pt. Bonita Pilsner, Diablo Double IPA, Hawk Hill Hefeweizen, Party Wave Light Lager), rotating Hazy IPA and Solar Sour series, a Parks Series of limited West Coast IPAs, and a recurring slate of environmentally-themed collaborative releases (Earthbound Kölsch, Pacific Poppy, Otter Worldly, Common Ground) tied to nonprofit partners. Brewing operations are differentiated primarily through environmental performance rather than novel process technology: production at the Pittsburg facility runs on 100% renewable electricity, uses a water-recovery process that reduces water consumption by more than 50%, and the company transitioned from plastic paktech carriers to paper can collars in 2023, reducing plastic usage by 95%.
Revenue is generated through direct on-premise taproom sales (beer, cocktails, cider, wine, soft drinks, food), takeout 4-pack package sales, online ordering via Toasttab, branded merchandise and gift cards, private event and venue bookings for groups of 20 or more, and keg sales distributed through Breakthru Beverage Group across California retail. The go-to-market motion combines event-driven taproom programming (weekly recurring events, release parties, fundraisers), location-specific Instagram engagement, earned media in regional press (SF Chronicle, Eater SF, Berkeleyside, Diablo Magazine), and a cause-marketing layer via 1% for the Planet membership and individual nonprofit partnerships. The company serves three primary consumer segments: local East Bay residents seeking community-oriented gathering spaces, environmentally conscious consumers who value sustainability-aligned purchasing, and outdoor enthusiasts drawn to Bay Area landscape-themed branding.
The company is privately held with no disclosed institutional investors, funding rounds, or parent entity, operates with 11-50 employees, and has no public revenue disclosure. Headcount, technology investments, and strategic moves all indicate organic, founder-led growth funded through operating cash flow. Competitive positioning rests on a brand that fuses craft beer quality (multiple Great American Beer Festival, Copa Cervezas de América, and Good Food Awards recognitions for Pt. Bonita Pilsner) with a deeply institutionalized environmental mission, executed across a regional multi-taproom footprint rather than through aggressive distribution or scale advantages.
Headlands Brewing firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Headlands Brewing
- Legal name
- Headlands Brewing
- Website
- https://headlandsbrewing.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Headlands Brewing is an independent East Bay craft brewery operating four taproom-and-beer-garden locations in Lafayette, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, and UC Berkeley, distributing statewide through Breakthru Beverage Group and brewing core, rotating, and cause-marketed limited beers under a 1% for the Planet sustainability mandate.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Headlands Brewing industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Craft Brewing
- NAICS
- Breweries (31212), Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (7224), Beer and Ale Merchant Wholesalers (42481)
- SIC
- Beverages (2080), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Brewpubs & Taprooms (On-site Beer Service) (THAFALAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Craft Beer Bars & Taprooms (THAFAEAG), Beer Brewing & Brands (CRADAIAA), Regional & National Breweries (THAFALAD)
Keywords
Where Headlands Brewing is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lafayette
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
Headlands Brewing business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Taproom Sales: Direct beer sales for on-site consumption at four taproom locations (Lafayette, Berkeley Westbrae, Walnut Creek, and On Campus at UC Berkeley). Includes craft cocktails, wine, cider, and guest taps.
- Package Goods: 4-pack beer sales for takeout, sold at taprooms and through retailers. Core beers available year-round plus rotating seasonal and limited releases.
- Merchandise: Hats, t-shirts, hoodies, and other branded merchandise sold through their shop.
- Venue Reservations & Events: Private event bookings for groups of 20+ at taproom locations, with space rental fees and food & beverage minimums. Includes special event hosting.
- Keg Distribution: Keg sales to retailers and events, distributed via Breakthru Beverage Group in California.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Headlands Brewing product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Headlands Brewing is a craft brewery that manufactures and sells beer through four East Bay taproom locations (Lafayette, Berkeley Westbrae, Walnut Creek, and On Campus at UC Berkeley) and via wholesale distribution partner Breakthru Beverage Group across California. The core product line includes year-round flagship beers (Pt. Bonita Pilsner, Diablo Double IPA, Hawk Hill Hefeweizen, Party Wave Light Lager), the rotating Parks Series West Coast IPAs, and limited collaborative and seasonal releases supporting environmental nonprofit partners.
Product overview
Headlands Brewing is a craft brewery with four taproom locations in the East Bay (Lafayette, Berkeley, Walnut Creek) and UC Berkeley campus. The product portfolio includes core year-round beers (Pt. Bonita Pilsner, Diablo Double IPA, Hawk Hill Hefeweizen, Party Wave Light Lager), the Parks Series rotating West Coast IPAs supporting the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Rotating Hazy IPA Series, and Solar Sour Series. Limited releases include the annual Earthbound Kölsch (Earth Day), collaborative beers like Pacific Poppy (Save The Bay), Otter Worldly (Marine Mammal Center), and Common Ground (tri-national collaboration with Mexico and Canada). Additional revenue streams include merchandise (hats, tees, hoodies), gift cards, and venue booking for private events at all locations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Parks Series: West Coast IPA series celebrating Golden Gate National Parks, with $1 per 4-pack donated to the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
- Earthbound
- Common Ground
- Pacific Poppy
- Otter Worldly
Products and services
- Pt. Bonita Pilsner Flagship Pilsner following a recipe that respects the original Pilsen beer with a modern California take. Features aromas of fresh baked bread, lemongrass, sourdough crust, and subtle grapefruit rind balanced by a light, brightly carbonated finish. Sold year-round in 4-packs at taprooms and through retailers.
- Diablo Double IPA Year-round Double IPA inspired by Mount Diablo with huge tropical, dank, and piney hop aromas and flavors balanced on a lean malt backbone. Sold in 4-packs at taprooms and through retailers.
- Hawk Hill Hefeweizen Year-round Hefeweizen honoring the Southern German wheat beer tradition with subtle banana and clove aromatics soaring above a soft bready backbone. Sold in 4-packs at taprooms and through retailers.
- Party Wave Light Lager Year-round crisp, crushable Light Lager with top-notch pilsner malt, flaked rice, and a light hop kick, delivering California beach vibes year-round. Sold in 4-packs at taprooms and through retailers.
- Parks Series (Alcatraz, Golden Gate, Land's End, Stinson) Rotating West Coast IPA series celebrating Bay Area landscapes including Alcatraz, Golden Gate, Land's End, and Stinson. For every 4-pack sold, $1 is donated to the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy to support coastal access, historic preservation, education, and habitat restoration.
- Rotating Hazy IPA Series Rotating showcase of the finest and freshest ingredients including varieties such as Frozen Wolf, Golden Hour, Whoosh, Socked-In, Nelson, Hello Weekend, Cowboy Camp, and Ka-Pai.
- Solar Sour Series Rotating sour series with a tart fruit and refreshing minerality profile including varieties such as Black Cherry, Watermelon, and POG.
- Earthbound Kölsch Annual Earth Day Kölsch release celebrating environmental stewardship. Partners with organizations like California Trout, Salmon-Safe, and One Tree Planted. For every pint poured during Earth Week, a tree is planted.
- Pacific Poppy West Coast Pale Ale West Coast Pale Ale brewed in partnership with Save The Bay to support protection and restoration of the San Francisco Bay through wetland restoration and shoreline protection. A portion of sales is donated to Save The Bay.
- Otter Worldly Collaborative release celebrating sea otters and supporting The Marine Mammal Center's ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts along the California coast. $1 is donated per 4-pack sold.
- Common Ground West Coast Mexican Lager West Coast Mexican Lager brewed in collaboration with Rey Árbol (Zapopan, Mexico) and Cabin Brewing (Calgary, Canada). Tri-nation project celebrating shared culture and connection across borders.
- Haná Helles Lager Limited release Helles Lager brewed with Haná heritage barley floor-malted by Admiral Maltings and Crisp Maltings, showcasing a commitment to unique heritage ingredients.
- Merchandise and Gift Cards Branded merchandise including hats, tees, and hoodies, plus gift cards sold through the online shop and at taproom locations.
- Venue Booking and Private Event Reservations Private event and space reservation services at Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Berkeley, and On Campus locations for groups of 20 or more, with optional space rental fees and food and beverage minimums.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over $200,000 contributed to environmental and community organizations since 2022
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Headlands Brewing
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Headlands Brewing technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Headlands Brewing partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- 1% for the PlanetcoreHeadlands Brewing joined 1% for the Planet in 2022, committing at least 1% of all sales to environmental nonprofits. Since joining, they've contributed over $200,000 to environmental and community organizations. The partnership provides credibility for their sustainability mission and connects them with certified environmental organizations.
- Golden Gate National Parks ConservancycoreParks Series West Coast IPAs donate $1 per 4-pack sold to the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, supporting coastal access, historic preservation, education, and habitat restoration in Bay Area public lands.
- The Marine Mammal CentercoreOtter Worldly beer release donating $1 to The Marine Mammal Center for every 4-pack sold. Partnership since 2023 supporting rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of marine mammals along the California coast.
- Save The BaycorePacific Poppy West Coast Pale Ale collaboration donating a portion of sales to Save The Bay's wetland restoration and shoreline protection work. Partnership includes shoreline clean-ups and fundraising events at Berkeley beer garden.
- California Trout (CalTrout)coreEarthbound Kölsch (Earth Day release) supports CalTrout's work protecting and restoring rivers, streams, and watersheds across California. During Earth Week 2026, proceeds from pours and taproom activations supported CalTrout.
- One Tree Plantedcore1% for the Planet partner for tree planting. Helped plant 1,550+ trees through the partnership. Every pint of Earthbound during Earth Week plants a tree.
- Joybound People & Petsminor1% for the Planet partner. Pet adoption events held at Walnut Creek beer garden on select dates throughout the year.
- Berkeley Humaneminor1% for the Planet partner. Special fundraiser during Berkeley Westbrae's 2-year anniversary, donating 10% of sales to the animal shelter.
- Salmon-SafeminorEarthbound beer partnership supporting organizations that help protect waterway health and salmon habitats in California.
- Breakthru Beverage GroupcoreLeading North American beverage wholesaler distributing Headlands beer throughout California. Pride themselves on being family-owned and operated with expertise in the marketplace.
- Lindsay Wildlifeminor1% for the Planet partner visiting Berkeley beer garden for community day events with animal presentations.
- Rey Árbol (Zapopan, Mexico)coreCommon Ground tri-national collaboration beer project: three breweries from three countries (USA, Mexico, Canada) celebrating unity through craft beer during international sporting events.
- Cabin Brewing (Calgary, Canada)coreCommon Ground tri-national collaboration beer project: three breweries from three countries (USA, Mexico, Canada) celebrating unity through craft beer during international sporting events.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Headlands Brewing competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Russian River Brewing Company: Northern California craft brewery most famous for Pliny the Elder IPAs; comparable direct competitor with strong taproom/brewpub presence in California and a similar awards-based reputation strategy.
- Ale Industries: Hayward-based craft brewery with taproom presence in the East Bay; directly comparable as a small California craft brewery with on-premise and packaged distribution in the same regional market.
- Fieldwork Brewing Company: Northern California craft brewery with multiple taproom locations in the Bay Area and beyond; comparable in their taproom-anchored model and Northern California craft positioning.
- Drake's Brewing Co. San Leandro-based craft brewery with a Bay Area taproom (Drake's Dealership) and broad California distribution; directly comparable in geography, scale, and taproom-anchored business model.
- Faction Brewing Company: Alameda-based craft brewery operating a taproom and brewhouse in the East Bay; closely comparable regional competitor with similar distribution scale and local community focus.
- Trumer Pils Brewery: Berkeley-based craft brewery producing pilsner-style beers with a taproom experience; comparable as a Bay Area craft brewer with focus on a signature style and taproom-led retail.
Broad incumbents
- Lagunitas Brewing Company: Major Petaluma-based California craft brewery, now owned by Heineken; represents the broad incumbent that Headlands competes with for shelf space at the same Northern California retail and on-premise accounts.
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Iconic California craft brewery with broad distribution and a strong sustainability program; broader peer in both craft category leadership and operational sustainability positioning.
- New Belgium Brewing Company: Larger craft brewery (owned by Kirin) with a strong sustainability/environmental mission paralleling Headlands' positioning; broad incumbent that validates sustainability as a craft category differentiator at scale.
- Firestone Walker Brewing Company: California craft brewery with broad California distribution and rotating taproom presence; larger incumbent competing in the same on-premise and retail channels Headlands targets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Headlands Brewing social profiles
Digital presenceHeadlands Brewing financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Headlands Brewing leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Headlands Brewing funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Headlands Brewing M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Headlands Brewing
What does Headlands Brewing do?
Headlands Brewing is a craft brewery that manufactures and sells beer through four East Bay taproom locations (Lafayette, Berkeley Westbrae, Walnut Creek, and On Campus at UC Berkeley) and via wholesale distribution partner Breakthru Beverage Group across California. The core product line includes year-round flagship beers (Pt. Bonita Pilsner, Diablo Double IPA, Hawk Hill Hefeweizen, Party Wave Light Lager), the rotating Parks Series West Coast IPAs, and limited collaborative and seasonal releases supporting environmental nonprofit partners.
Is Headlands Brewing a public or private company?
Headlands Brewing is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Headlands Brewing founded?
Headlands Brewing was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Headlands Brewing based?
Headlands Brewing is headquartered in Lafayette, United States, in the North America region.
How does Headlands Brewing make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Taproom Sales are the primary driver. The others are package Goods, merchandise, venue Reservations & Events and keg Distribution.
Who are Headlands Brewing's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Russian River Brewing Company, Ale Industries, Fieldwork Brewing Company, Drake's Brewing Co., Faction Brewing Company and Trumer Pils Brewery. Broad incumbents are Lagunitas Brewing Company, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., New Belgium Brewing Company and Firestone Walker Brewing Company.
Does Headlands Brewing have an API?
No public API is recorded for Headlands Brewing.
What industry is Headlands Brewing in?
Headlands Brewing's product category is Craft Brewing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAFALAA, Brewpubs & Taprooms (On-site Beer Service), with a secondary code of THAFAEAG, Craft Beer Bars & Taprooms. Its NAICS code is 31212 and its SIC code is 2080.