Michele and Mike Willaford are moving to San Jose from Minnesota to open Uproar Brewing in the SoFA District.

The move from Minneapolis to San Jose can’t come soon enough for husband-and-wife brewers Mike and Michele Willaford, who arrive this week with plans to open Uproar Brewing Company in the SoFA District by this winter.

Construction of the new brewery will begin this month at the 10,200-square-foot space formerly occupied by Zero1 Garage. It will be home to a spacious taproom featuring 12 taps for house beers, a full kitchen and room for a barrel-aging program and special events.

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Silicon Valley’s beer scene is on an upward trajectory, with several new and established breweries that cater to a growing base of beer enthusiasts, “but there is plenty of room for more,” says Mike Willaford, who will serve as brewmaster with his wife, Michele, head brewer.

“Michele and I visited in April and checked out a few of the breweries and bars,” he says. “We are more than excited to join and help grow the San Jose craft beer scene.” Plus, the Willafords can escape Minnesota’s winter chill after years of discussing ideas for their own brewery.

Mike Willaford’s previous brewing experience includes time at venerable Surly Brewing Company in Minneapolis, Lift Bridge Brewery in Stillwater, Minn., and most recently Sociable Cider Werks, also in Minneapolis. Michele has brewed at Northbound Smokehouse and Brewpub in Minneapolis.

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In addition to the Willafords, the management team at Uproar includes partners Steve and Christina Vandewater, long-time members of the tech industry; San Jose native and catering veteran Dietrich Wahlstrand; and home brewing specialist Grant Kjos.

“We plan to have four flagship beers, and rotate different beers in and out,” Mike Willaford says. “My wife and I will have his-and-hers tap lines, which will showcase our individual brewing styles. I lean toward the side of creativity with my brewing while giving a balance of classic styles.”

The team aims for a late winter opening. Meanwhile, Zero1, the arts organization that was based in the same space since 2012, is leaving its SoFA District headquarters as it continues to plan the 2016 Zero1 Biennial in San Jose and other global initiatives.

Follow Uproar Brewing’s progress on Twitter @uproarbrewingco.