Beer Tasting in Wine Country
Craft beer is everywhere these days—even in wine country. Sonoma County certainly prides itself on being a world-class wine destination, but for those looking for a palate refresher or even just a cold, tall one in lieu of wine, Sonoma County has got you covered … there are plenty of refreshing options for craft beer lovers.
Like wine, beer has unique styles and flavor profiles. Drawing on a variety of ingredients sourced from places around the world, every beer is unique in its final composition. With that being said, the vast majority of beer has the same foundation of ingredients: water, malted grain (barley, wheat, oats, rye, etc.), brewer’s yeast and hops. So, what makes each beer unique?
Common styles of beer include, but are certainly not limited to, different kinds of ale (such as brown, amber, red, blonde, white, wheat, pale and India pale), stout and lager (such as pale, golden and amber)—just to name a few. Of course, beer styles are just as complex and intricate as wine, and should one care to dig a little deeper, you will find an immense offering of beer styles around the world that you never even knew existed.
FIRESTONE WALKER BREWING COMPANY
Founded in 1996 by Adam Firestone (aka the Bear) and David Walker (aka the Lion), Firestone Walker Brewing Company began as a small brewery with roots in wine country on California’s Central Coast. Now a regional brewery, Firestone’s singular purpose remains—to craft ever better beer. Passionately in pursuit of the perfect beer . . . and never satisfied.
Offering tours and tastings daily, right in the heart of Paso Robles.
1400 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles
Open Daily 10am-5pm
(805) 225-5911
www.firestonebeer.com
HOP ON BEER TOURS
With Hop On Beer Tours, a beer connoisseur will teach guests all about local breweries and what they're brewing, while traveling in a pub-styled limo bus to the best destinations in the county. Hop on Beer Tours has Private Tours for your group, as well as Social Tours for fun gatherings.
Join Hop on Beer Tours for your next party!
3430 Peachy Canyon Road, Paso Robles
Open Daily 11am-5pm
(855) 55-HOPON
info@hoponbeertours.com
www.hoponbeertours.com
WANDERING DOG WINE BAR
In addition to Wandering Dog Wine Bar’s excellent wine list, they also feature a tasty seletion of international beer. Located in quaint Solvang, Wandering Dog Wine Bar offers visitors the unique experience of tasting several high quality, international beers from premier beer producers around the world, such as Germany, Belguim and England. Ranging from light-bodied to full-bodied, and styles in sour and saison, they have a fantastic selection of beers from which to choose. Pair the beer with some cheese and you’ve got yourself a delicious experience.
1539 Mission Drive, Solvang | (805) 686-9126
Mon-Thu 1-8pm | Fri-Sat 11am-10pm | Sun 11am-8pm
www.wanderingdogwinebar.com