Two Tracks Beer & Wine: A Journey from the Colombian Navy to Craft Perfection in Lancaster

LANCASTER, CA – When you step into Two Tracks Beer & Wine, you’re immediately met with warmth — not just from the rustic decor or the aroma of hops and oak barrels, but from the owners themselves, Renato and Rosa Balestas, whose passion and perseverance are woven into every bottle and pour.

Renato and Rosa Balestas

From the Navy to the Vine

Born and raised in Colombia, Renato Balestas’ journey to the Antelope Valley began oceans away. After serving eight years in the Colombian Navy, Renato moved to the United States in 1995, bringing with him a discipline for craft and a lifelong curiosity for wine and beer.

“Even as a kid, I always had an admiration for the vine — how grateful it is if you treat it well. That respect never left me.”

What began as a fascination grew into a calling. After years working as an HVAC mechanic, Renato reconnected with his passion through a friendship with Robert Reyes of Reyes Winery, who reignited that creative spark. “He taught me how to make wine the right way,” Renato recalled. “Not five-gallon batches — real aging, real barrels, real craft.”

The Birth of Two Tracks

The idea for Two Tracks was born out of a simple observation. Living near the railroad in Acton, Renato saw two sets of tracks running parallel — separate paths leading to the same destination. “That’s how I saw it,” he said. “Wine and beer — different crafts, but both bringing people happiness. Two tracks going to the same place.”

After years of hobby brewing and small-batch winemaking, Renato and Rosa officially launched Two Tracks Beer & Wine in 2021, opening their Lancaster taproom in December 2023.

“It took a lot,” Renato said. “Permits, equipment, everything — but we believed in it. Now, almost two years later, we’re doing what we love: making wine and beer and sharing that passion with others.”

Handcrafted and Heartfelt

Everything at Two Tracks is done by hand — literally. Renato still uses much of the equipment gifted by his late friend Chavez, a local grower from Lake L.A. whose family owned vineyards that supplied grapes to nearly every winery in the region.

“The press, the destemmer — they all came from him,” Renato said, looking over his shoulder at the equipment that continues Chavez’s legacy. “Those bottles over there? They’re from his last harvest.”

Even labeling remains a hands-on process. “I bought a labeling machine once,” Renato laughed. “It never worked. So now, my wife Rosa is my labeling machine. She’s my partner in everything.”

Crafting Tradition

The Two Tracks taproom features 12 rotating taps — from crisp lagers and rich stouts to Renato’s standout “Bacana” blonde ale, a South American slang word meaning “cool.”

“It’s our most popular,” he said proudly. “We also have a juicy IPA that started as a homebrew experiment and has been a hit ever since.”

Renato is intentional about keeping his recipes true to their roots. “I experiment sometimes,” he said, “but never so much that it takes away from the traditional flavor. That’s what separates craft beer — the care, the effort, the flavor.”

Collaboration and Community

Two Tracks: Lancaster, CA

That same spirit of collaboration led to Two Tracks’ partnership with Rio Restaurant on The BLVD in Lancaster. “The owner, Andres, is also Colombian,” Renato explained. “We talked one day and decided to make something special for his restaurant — and it’s been a hit ever since. Every time I take it to a festival, we run out.”

Two Tracks has since participated in several major beer festivals across Los Angeles, including the Downtown LA Oktoberfest. “It’s incredible to see people’s reactions,” he said. “They can taste the love we put into every batch.”

Expanding Horizons

Looking ahead, Renato and Rosa are preparing to expand their space with an on-site kitchen — another step in transforming Two Tracks into a full experience. “The plans are approved,” Renato shared. “We’re opening this wall soon and adding a kitchen. We can’t wait to share that next chapter.”

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Lancaster

Though still a relatively new name to some, Renato says that’s changing fast. “About 85% of our visitors say it’s their first time here,” he noted. “It takes time for awareness to grow, but once people come, they stay.”

And it’s easy to see why. Between the handcrafted wines, expertly brewed beers, and the genuine hospitality from Renato and Rosa, Two Tracks Beer & Wine stands as a testament to hard work, heart, and heritage — two paths that, together, lead to something truly special.

Two Tracks Beer & Wine

 44850 Valley Central Way, Suite 108, Lancaster, CA

Visit and experience where passion meets craft — on both tracks.

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