As France’s third-largest city, Lyon holds a prominent place in the country's history, having witnessed milestones such as the invention of the riverboat in 1862, the creation of the cinematograph in 1895, and the founding of Ninkasi in 1997. To add another layer to the city's rich heritage, founder Christophe Fargier named his brewery Ninkasi after the Sumerian goddess of beer. Over two decades of growth, travel, and brewing, Ninkasi has become a cornerstone of the French craft beer scene — though its success didn’t happen overnight.
The Ninkasi project
In the mid-1990s, Christophe Fargier embarked on a journey to the United States to explore the emerging world of microbreweries. There, he met Kurt, and together they toured the country to absorb the best practices of American craft brewing. Returning home inspired, Christophe brought his vision to life in 1997 with the creation of Ninkasi — a venue combining a brewery, bar, restaurant, café, and concert hall. A true multipurpose space, it quickly became a meeting point for locals seeking quality beer and a vibrant atmosphere.
The early days were tough. After a challenging first year that nearly led to closure, an unexpected stroke of luck arrived: the 1998 FIFA World Cup. With the Gerland stadium just across the street, the influx of fans revived the business. Since then, Ninkasi has continued to flourish, opening numerous locations throughout the Rhône-Alpes region.
Ninkasi — more than just beer
Since 2015, Ninkasi has expanded beyond brewing, serving over 500,000 burgers annually — enough to satisfy a whole lot of appetites. It’s also become a cultural hotspot, hosting concerts, performances, and community events. The welcoming environment invites visitors to unwind and share good times with friends.
Some impressive figures from Ninkasi Gerland highlight the brand's impact: during the 2016–2017 season alone, it hosted 110,000 spectators across more than 300 events, featuring 607 bands and DJs, all supported by 11 Ninkasi venues. To meet growing demand, the beer selection has evolved significantly, with over 15 varieties now available. And the innovation continues: the recently launched Ninkasi Découvertes range introduces new, original styles never before brewed by the brand.
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