Often known as “Wine Country,” Sonoma County can also lay claim to “Beer Country.” As your day of wine tasting ends, your evening of beer tasting should be heating up. But what about forgoing the familiar swirl and spit mentality and head out on a full weekend of beer sampling?
Beers on Tap at Lagunitas Brewing Company
Head north, my friends, to Ruth McGowan’s Pub in Cloverdale. This rustic brewpub serves up quite a collection of home brews paired nicely with greasy fried food. I give the taquitos with homemade guacamole a thumbs up at this place. Make sure to try their flagship beer – Cloverdale Ale.
After a night in Cloverdale, head south to Bear Republic, or “The Bear” as locals refer it to. This rustic brewery tucked back from the town square in Healdsburg, offers the best atmosphere for relaxing after a day of wine tasting. Personal favorites are Racer 5 and XP Pale Ale. And with their popularity increasing, you might be able to find a custom brew in a grocery store near you soon. Oh and you can’t leave without ordering the garlic fries.
Haven’t had enough hoppy goodness? Then Santa Rosa where Russian River Brewing and Third St. Aleworks compete for microbrewery domination is your next stop. Russian River Brewing brews a variety from barrel-aged brews to Belgian-style ales. They also throw in some limited releases on occasion. Make sure to try one of their pizzas, which pair perfectly with their beers. Or order the Pub Grub with a side of ranch dressing. Mmmm ranch dressing …! Russian River (as it is known to locals) also offers lots of free music on the weekends. Make sure to check out their schedule as they offer everything from flamenco to reggae.
Third St. Aleworks offers a more food-friendly atmosphere. They have an extensive menu with everything from Cajun food to Mexican, with some Italian thrown in. If you’re into pool head upstairs, but beware the pool sharks in slinky tanks. They will take your beer and your money. My favorite beer on tap is the Bodega Head IPA. Light enough to go with dinner, but complex enough to not taste mass-produced. During the summer, Third St. has a great patio to sit and enjoy a pitcher or two.
While Gordon Biersch has locations around the area and doesn’t actually brew any beer here, Hopmonk - owned by Dean Biersch – in Sebastopol is totally worth a visit. They have a huge collection of beers on tap along with having a great music scene. Nothing pairs better with beer than electric guitar or guys in dreds. They have a huge food menu with everything from a cheese plate to homemade mac n’ cheese. And with their second location in the town of Sonoma, that means more live music, great beer and what same say is the best damn fish n’ chips around.
If you head further west to Guerneville, stop in at Stumptown Brewery. They have three house brews and a collection of other regional beers on tap. I can’t mention my favorite as I love my job and don’t want to lose it, but it begins with Rat. Stop in and figure out the rest. They also have great pub food along with a rocking patio overlooking the Russian River during the summer months. As a side note, Stumptown only takes cash so hit the ATM and load your pockets before heading west, young one.
The final stop on the hop-filled beer country weekend is Petaluma. Home to both Dempsey’s and the larger behemoth Lagunitas, Petaluma showcases big and small breweries. Dempsey’s offers a full menu with seasonal fare featuring flavors from Mexico, Spain and Thailand, a patio and varied beer selection. My fave is the Dempsey’s pilsner.
Lagunitas offers a real brewery experience at their TapRoom and Beer Sanctuary. This local brew house offers tours of their production area and rewards those who expend the effort with samples of their brews. The tour gives an in-depth look into the style of Lagunitas Beer and ensures that you are a fan of this IPA long after you leave Sonoma County. If you are visiting in the summer, try the Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’. Slightly sweet, yet great balance of hops, on a hot California summer day you will wonder where this beer disappeared too. Until of course you try to stand up.
Map the entire weekend here and find a list of breweries here.
View the Beer Tour of Wine Country in a larger map.
Updated 5/15/11
You guys forgot to stop off at Bear Republic in Healdsburg on your way South from Cloverdale! They are one of the shining beer stars of Sonoma County.
You Guys are number # 1