The weather is warming up and the brew pubs are beckoning.  Sonoma County serves up amazing wines, we know, but as the old saying goes…”it takes a lot of beer to make great wine.” Winemakers, and just plain old folks alike know that sometimes there’s nothing better than a cold one.

Petaluma features two breweries, Dempsey’s in the Golden Eagle Shopping Center and Lagunitas Brewery on N. McDowell in a most unlikely spot, a business park.  Neither will disappoint.

Dempsey’s award-winning selection of beers are produced on site and best enjoyed with some of their fine pub fare. Find yourself a nice spot outside overlooking the Petaluma River and watch the action while you sip a pint or two. The atmosphere is casual so don’t rush your stay, grab a burger, enjoy their amazing salads or decide on a delicious dessert. The beer is cold and the living is easy.

Lagunitas Brewing Company has been around for some time, but recently opened their Tap Room and Beer Sanctuary. Aptly named, you need to experience the Beer Sanctuary yourself to understand why it feels like such a great getaway. The Tap Room and Beer Sanctuary opens at 3pm Wednesday through Friday; Saturday and Sunday it opens at 1:00pm. When the taps are open, the music is playing so check out who’s up next on the Sanctuary stage. You just never know the extent of the talent. We do know that the beer, as well as the food menu, is seasonally inspired. Lagunitas keeps adding to their brews—one of the latest is the Wilco Tango Foxtrot. Check out the virtual tasting here.

So if Petaluma is the gateway to Sonoma County and wine country, maybe soon we will be known as the gateway to beer country. Santa Rosa has the 3rd Street Aleworks, which does all brewing on site and features much outdoor seating, a diverse menu, a pool table, and sporting events on the many screens.  Also in downtown Santa Rosa is The Russian River Brewing Company with its wide selection of award winners.

Occidental has Barley and Hops Tavern. Healdsburg features the Bear Republic Brewing Company.  HopMonk Tavern in Sebastopol has been transformed into an unpretentious venue where you will enjoy American Craft Beer as well as the European Classics served by fun folks with a passion for all things beer. Music can be found at all of these establishments on varying schedules. So kick back and enjoy a cold one, listen to some music and savor a truly Sonoma-style hand-crafted beauty!

Do you have a favorite local brewery?

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer