Waconia Brewing Co. to Close Jan. 31, Owners Seek Buyers

Waconia Brewing Co. owners announced Jan. 3 that the 11-year-old Main Street brewery will close its doors permanently on Jan. 31, 2026. Founded and operated by Dee DeLange and family, the taproom has been a neighborhood gathering place and a source of nationally award-winning beers. The owners said they are actively seeking new buyers and that there is ongoing interest in the business. Dee DeLange said she and the family "are ready for a change."

The brewery will mark its final weeks with a promotional push under the banner “Drink Us Dry January,” offering specials designed to move remaining draft and packaged beer through the end of the month. The owners first indicated plans to sell in August, and the Jan. 3 announcement followed months of transition that now culminate in the scheduled closure. Local patrons responded with messages of mourning and gratitude after the news, reflecting the taproom’s role as a community hub for events, meetups, and regular social nights.

The loss of Waconia Brewing Co. comes amid a string of recent Minnesota brewery shutdowns and underscores ongoing economic and operational challenges faced by some small breweries. For people who make and drink beer locally, the closure removes a tasting room, a source of award-winning recipes, and a gathering space that supported local events and foot traffic on Main Street.

Practical actions for the community include stopping by during January to sample remaining beers and support staff in their final weeks, purchasing packaged beer to take home while supplies last, and watching the brewery’s social channels for final-hours details and event listings. Potential buyers or investors interested in acquiring a functioning taproom with an established brand and community presence should contact the owners through the brewery’s public channels to express interest.

Waconia Brewing Co.’s scheduled final day, Jan. 31, gives the community a narrow window to celebrate the brewery’s 11-year run and to consider how to preserve local beer spaces in the face of wider market pressures. Verify hours and inventory before visiting, and plan visits early in the month to catch the “Drink Us Dry January” specials.