Top Beer Destinations in Northern California

Don’t call craft beer a fad in California; they’ve been building this scene for more than 30 years. With more than 600 breweries in the state, and more every day, craft beer is both a major industry and a deep-rooted piece of history for Californians. With breweries that date all the way to the Gold Rush, as well as several major breweries that began in the late 1970’s, this is a scene that isn’t new to the craft beer craze. Pull up a stool at any Northern California craft beer pub, listen to the history, as well the experimental present of craft beer, and you’ll be able to see a hop-soaked future that knows that this craft beer thing isn’t going away.

Selecting just one beer can be the biggest challenge.

Anderson Valley Beer Company. In an isolated and remote valley, where the Redwood Forest and the oak trees collide, sits a charming little town, so removed from the rest of California, they have their own language. Maybe it’s the setting, or maybe it’s the water, but Anderson Valley Brewing is a space that’s unlike any other. Stop in for a pint, or to hear a local speak to you in “Boontling”, the language invented by their great-grandparents, or maybe to tour the facility and witness their beers being brewed in their gorgeous copper brewing system. Anderson Valley has a great selection of stouts, try to sample a Huge Arker Imperial Stout, or Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout .
Russian River Brewing Company. Russian River is one of the true Meccas for beer people. The beer, due in part to limited distribution, has reached a legendary status. Beer so frantically sought after, the day it’s released on tap causes a panicked flood of beer drinkers, shuts down streets, and even inspired a beer-holiday of sorts. Visit this small Santa Rosa brewery on a more average day, and the beer will still be world class. If you happen to get lucky and visit on a day they are pouring Pliny the Younger, don’t hesitate, that is your order. If not, Blind Pig and Pliny the Elder are both world class (if not slightly more highly distributed). Russian River’s beer is worth the drive to this small town, If only to brag to your beer-geek friends that you’ve sampled them at the source.
North Coast Brewing. A pioneer in the craft beer movement, this well-respected brewery in Fort Bragg, California has managed to nearly perfect a wide variety of beer styles, avoiding the designation of a brewery known for just one style. Multi-award winning beers in styles from stouts, Belgian ales, pilsners, wheat beers and red ales, there really is a beer for every palate. And don’t forget to hit their pub after the brewery tour, it’s also award winning, just named “”Mendocino County Restaurant of the Year.”
Sierra Nevada. This may be the brewery tour of all brewery tours. With an impressive and expansive facility, that will have you walking a catwalk over the equipment, an impressive sustainability and recycling plan, as well as a hop field, this destination doesn’t disappoint. Even if the drive out to Chico, California seems a bit far, they have enough to keep you entertained all day. After the brewery tour, visit the tap room to sample the beer that’s often credited with paving the way for the current craft beer scene, and the restaurant to sample the well crafted menu of locally sourced ingredients, there are always the events and concerts to partake in. Sierra Nevada boasts a 350-seat amphitheater, well known for hosting Americana and West Coast Roots style bands. You may never leave.
21^st Amendment. With a name that references the amendment to the constitution that ended prohibition, you know this is a group that likes to party. It should be no surprise that both their brewery in San Leandro and their tap-room in the heart of San Francisco are both fun places to spend the day. With beers like Hell or High Watermelon, and their new Pop-Tart beer called Toaster Pastry, this is a brewery that likes to play around with flavors and ingredients. With a constant rotation of new, experimental and season beers, just pull up a stool at the bar and ask the beer-tender what’s new. Be prepared to stay a while, that won’t be a short conversation.

Craft brewing is a labor of love for skilled brewmasters.

Jackie Dodd’s beer infused recipes earned her a spot as a finalist for Saveur Magazines Best Original Recipes, 2014 as well as the top honors for Best Beer Coverage in 2015. The Beeroness was also a finalist for Better Homes and Gardens Best Food Blogs, 2015. She has been seen on The Today Show, Lifetime Network, CBS News, as well as interviewed in print publications such as Imbibe, Bite and The San Francisco Chronicle. She also writes for Parade Magazine, Draft Magazine and Whisk Magazine. She is also the author of The Craft Beer Cookbook and the newly released Craft Beer Bites Cookbook.