How Four Colorado Brewers Found Their Way to Schoharie County (And Won Brewery of the Year—Twice)
Wayward Lane Brewing turned a historic Upstate NY farm into a craft beer destination, blending local ingredients, community roots, and national recognition—all just 35 minutes from Albany and three hours from NYC.
What a pretty sight. Wayward Lane Brewing is NYS’s 2x Best Brewery of The Year Awardee.
The Email That Sparked a Cross-Country Leap
It arrived with the subject line: “30 Reasons to Move to Schoharie County.” Sent by Andrew Rowles from his family’s once cherished summertime vacation destination, now empty and overgrown 65-acre farm in Upstate New York to three friends in Colorado—Adam Rosenthal, Kyle Bergen, and Abbie Hanson—it became the catalyst for a complete life shift.
They had been home-brewing in garages at the foothills of the Rockies, dreaming of something bigger: a brewery built on land, not asphalt. In 2017, the trio visited Schoharie Valley. By 2020, they’d crossed the country (over 1,800 miles) and transformed Andrew’s family’s 1800s hop house into Wayward Lane Brewing—a modern craft destination rooted in history. Three years later, they were named New York State Craft Brewery of the Year. Twice.
“The area seemed untouched. There’s unbelievable potential and we can still enjoy the same hobbies here,” Abbie said as she also referenced the easy access to the Catskill and Adirondack Park recreation and central location to major cities.
Brewing History Into the Future
Best friends and owners, Kyle Bergen and Andrew Rowles.
Wayward Lane wasn’t born from luck. It grew from Schoharie County’s heritage as both the Breadbasket of the American Revolution and the Hops Capital of the World. The team—hailing from Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Colorado—saw potential in the valley’s open land, affordable opportunity, and untapped brewing legacy.
Each founder brought a different element: Adam, a professional brewer with a geography lens; Abbie, a natural connector who runs the taproom; Kyle, a digital machinist-turned-distribution force; Andrew, the steward of family land turned mead maker.
“This is the perfect place to take things to the next level. Access to land and options to own are remarkable and business costs seem far less than Colorado,” Adam shared.
Today, their 65-acre farm hums with 80 bee hives, fruit trees heavy with aronia, elderberry, and pawpaw, and the sound of fermenters quietly doing their work. Honey from the hives sweetens every batch, infusing beers like Cultivar (Hazy Pale Ale), Xylem (English Style Wheatwine), Cloud Generator (Hazy Double IPA), and Prizm (Cold IPA)—each medal-winners at the New York State Craft Beer Competition, now the largest state-level event in the country. Another favorite, Kia Ora—a New Zealand Pilsner—was named by Abbie after her family's Jersey shore sailboat and the common New Zealand greeting.
Locals become regulars. Strangers become friends. A common sight during the winter — cards with friends at Wayward Lane Brewing.
A Taproom That Feels Like a Gathering Place
Step inside and the handmade tables, exposed beams, and hand-illustrated labels from local artists—featuring illustrations of Merlin cats, bears, gnomes, black dogs, fireplaces, and 4-wheel trucks—feel more like a communal living room than a commercial space. A large bar offers easy gazing over the brew tanks, while welcoming open garage door views of free-range chickens being coo-ed by children and Schoharie County's picturesque rolling hills. Honey sweetens the batches, valley air drifts in from the fields, and strangers regularly leave as familiar faces.
“We created the place we personally wanted to be,” says co-founder Kyle Bergen. “A super-sized home-brewer’s paradise.”
Events That Became Local Rituals
Sometimes it’s hard to decide which award-winning brew you want to try at WLB.
Wayward Lane isn’t just a brewery—it’s become a cultural hub where locals can enjoy everything they already love, now all in one place. Seasonal events include:
The 2nd annual Tree Blaze Christmas tree burning
Punkin Chunkin—complete with flying gourds
Tomato Fest—competition, tastings & tomato toss
Farmer & Holiday Markets (all events kid-friendly)
Live music festivals and outdoor shows
Yoga in the taproom, jam sessions, run clubs, trike nights & so on
Weekend gatherings that feel like porch hangouts with friends
As a destination brewery, travelers often come from afar to indulge in Wayward Lane's craft brews and honey, discovering Schoharie County's magic along the way. Community happens here—one pint, one fire pit, one laugh at a time.
Schoharie County Brews Bold
What started as a garage homebrew experiment has grown into a regional destination, just 35 minutes from Albany and three hours from New York City. Rooted in award-winning craft, agricultural innovation, and community-driven energy, Wayward Lane Brewing shows what happens when rural ingenuity meets shared passion. More than just beer, it’s about creating a lifestyle, a culture, and a home where people and place thrive together.
Wayward also received the SEEC 2023 Toast to the Town ASPIRE Award. The SEEC ASPIRE Award recognizes those that have ascended or transcended in their industry through best-practice efforts and inherent innovation.
In addition to Brewery of the Year, Wayward also received the SEEC 2023 Toast to the Town ASPIRE Award. The SEEC ASPIRE Award recognizes those that have ascended or transcended in their industry through best-practice efforts and inherent innovation.
"Seldom does a business receive the highest praise in any industry, especially a business who has been at their craft for less than three years. Impressive. We are most proud of your high achievements," praised SEEC Chairman Tom Putnam, founder of Fenimore Asset Management, at the awards ceremony.
The team has taken advantage of multiple state and locally funded grants with assistance from SEEC. "The grant process has significantly changed, it's seamless and easier-to-do now," Andrew remarked.
"This is our flagship location. Our roots are here now. It's the original. It will always be, the original Wayward Lane Brewing," the team affirmed. "No matter what the future holds, we have a home here, the farm is here."
Rooted Future: Your Invitation
Wayward Lane Brewing is now a staple of Schoharie County.
Ready to see why they’ve been crowned the best in New York—twice?
Drive the winding road behind the Schoharie courthouse.
Catch the next Tree Blaze, music fest, or market weekend.
Order a pint brewed with honey from the bees just outside.
Devour The Dumpling Wagon’s handmade dumplings—no regrets.
Find your table. Let the valley introduce itself.
Visit: Wayward Lane Brewing | Schoharie County brews bold — check out other local spots.
Cheers to Wayward Lane Brewing and the crew for hosting the first-ever Root Access focus group! Your willingness to open your space and share insights has been invaluable in building a platform that truly reflects our community.
P.S. Congrats to Abbie becoming a mommy!
Root Access is your guide to life, work, and community in Schoharie County. Favorite places for vibes? Comment below!
