The most tired cliche in writing about Sonoma County is that Sonoma is “the next Napa” or “unlike it’s more well-known neighbor Napa, Sonoma is…” and therein follow a line of usually complimentary and true adjectives.
The second most common cliche about Sonoma County is the title to this post.
But cliches become that way largely because they are true. Sonoma is better. And we make awesome beer.
Hop Kiln Winery is named because of the, uh, hop kilns that were not only on the property, but which dotted Sonoma County when that delicious beer ingredient was grown widely.
Most of the breweries up here are smaller and regional, but like the wines made up here, the people who craft them are friendly, approachable and apt to enjoy some of their creations with you.
Some cool ones to check out:
Lagunitas Brewery in Petaluma. Offers tours, and the beers are available all over the area. Inside Sonoma digs the IPA, and the Imperial Stout.
Russian River Brewing Company – Santa Rosa. No need to take the tour- you drink the beer in the brew-pub, and can smell the yeast and malt. Ahhh… heaven.
Ruth McGowan’s Brewpub- Up in Cloverdale, and that makes it cool enough. Cloverdale is the end of the county, go any further north and the earth goes flat and there be dragons beyond… (Ok- not true. You actually go into Mendocino County, which is also a nice place to go.) Long story short, go for the Cloverdale Ale.
Ace in the Hole – Sebastopol. The town of Sepastopol was named after an epic bar fight that was said to mimic the Crimean battle, so you know this place is going to be cool. Great BBQ, live music, and they make their beer out of local apples and call it hard cider. Enjoy a sampler out on the patio.
Other breweries around – HopMonk, Dempsey’s, Stumptown, and Third Street Aleworks.
More reviews to come! A list of breweries is here.