Help with California Breweries

[drewski459]

I'm planning a trip to the Napa/San Fran area in October and was wondering if some of you out there, or those of you who have been there before, could give me some suggestions on which breweries to hit. The woman gets to visit her wineries in Napa, I figure I should get to see a few breweries too! Thanks!

 

[carnevoodoo]

I'm planning a trip to the Napa/San Fran area in October and was wondering if some of you out there, or those of you who have been there before, could give me some suggestions on which breweries to hit. The woman gets to visit her wineries in Napa, I figure I should get to see a few breweries too! Thanks!

I would look to see where you are in relation to Russian River, Firestone Walker, Sierra Nevada, and Bear Republic. All fantastic Northern California breweries. I think FW might be a bit more South, but worth it. Also, there's the Anchor brewery in San Francisco that is supposed to be an awesome tour.

 

[Lando]

Not sure about breweries, but the Benziger winery in sonoma county was very cool and has, imo, great wine. Especially their estate wines!
Worth a stop if you are in the area.

 

[NorCalAngler]

See this thread

 

[Shooter]

See this thread

All great suggestions in that thread. If you do get down into San Francisco you should definitely check out the Anchor tour. A great tour with plentiful sampling at the end, but you do have to sign up weeks/months in advance. If you're in the city, you could also hit up 21st Amendment.

 

[drewski459]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I'll check all of them out and see which make the most sense.

 

[Palefire]

If you make it down to SF, I'd highly recommend both the Toronado on Lower Haight and Magnolia Brewpub on Upper Haight. Toronado's a real beer-lovers' bar - they always have great, interesting beers on draft (and usually 3-4 on hand pump) that you can't get anywhere else, and the people there really know what they're talking about. Magnolia's just a great brewpub, with good food, too. They always have a bunch of cask-conditioned ales going. One of the few places where you can get a Mild on draft!

 

[rosevillain]

Absolutely do Downtown Joe's in Napa. Try the 'Tail Waggin' Ale'. Great brewpub, great appetizers, friendly. Sometimes they have live music. The band to look for is called 'Grass Child' now.

To be back in hometown now, knocking back some pitchers with the boys, then across the street to the old Henry's for booze...

Also, if your in San Francisco (the city), maybe check out the 4th st pub (4th and Mission). Pliney on tap, big daddy on tap, and a black bean burger that's awesome with bacon.

 

[StMarcos]

Second Magnolia. I was just there yesterday. There is a character in their house milds/bitters that I would love to emulate. Ain't there yet.

 

[tmweber]

I second carnevoodoo's brewery picks. I was up there on my honeymoon and hit Russian River, Bear Republic and Anchor. One of my favorite memories from that trip was having four beers in two hours at Russian River Brewery and then passing out at the park across the street...at 3:00 in the afternoon.

I would also recommend the Russian Hill Winery, it's up near Russian River Brewery. Free tastings, great wine, nice views. I'm starting to think I need to get back up there. Have a great trip!