Could Santa Rosa really be the microbrew capital of the United States?

Portland has more breweries, and the highest-rated beer made in the United States currently comes from a small town in Iowa.

But there is no better place in America for craft beer than Santa Rosa, according to a new interactive database that ranks local beer scenes by measuring the quality of beer produced in a community and the number of craft brewers it supports.

The conclusion, published this week by an online journal of data visualizations named The Pudding, of all things, is sure to set off arguments in pubs across the land.

“I guarantee you there are a whole lot of other cities that would argue that point,” said Natalie Cilurzo, co-owner and president of Russian River Brewing Co., which produces two of the top 20 beers in the world, according to RateBeer. “We’re not that big, we don’t have a lot of breweries, but I think it’s cool.”

The Pudding database ranked cities across the country that had at least five microbreweries and brewpubs with three beers or more reviewed by RateBeer, an online hub for craft beer enthusiasts. To calculate its total score, the interactive website based 80 percent of each city’s ranking on the quality of its beer and 20 percent of its ranking on the number of establishments, but users can adjust the quality/quantity ratio.

San Diego, Denver, Anchorage, Alaska, and Portland, Oregon, rounded out the top five beer cities in the online database, which gained widespread attention Thursday when the New York Times highlighted the website in its California Report.

“When you boil it down to a weighted blend of quality (beer ratings) and quantity (breweries in proximity), Santa Rosa tops the list,” database author Russell Goldenberg wrote.

When quality and quantity are weighted equally, San Diego is the top microbrew city in the nation and Santa Rosa drops to fourth place, behind Denver and Portland.

If quality is excluded, Santa Rosa still ranks 12th in the nation, based solely on the number of craft brew establishments clustered within a 20-mile radius.

The top five local breweries listed in the database were Russian River, Bear Republic Brewing Co., Shady Oak Barrel House, Moonlight Brewing Company — now part of Lagunitas Brewing Co. — and Cooperage Brewing Company. All are located in Santa Rosa except Bear Republic, which operates a production facility in Cloverdale and a brewpub in Healdsburg.

“It’s pretty amazing isn’t it?” Ben Stone, executive director of the Sonoma County Economic Development Board, said of the designation. “It’s gratifying to be recognized as a center for excellence in craft beer.”

Stone pointed to the economic impact that craft beer brings to Sonoma County. The two-week 2016 release of Russian River Brewing’s coveted triple IPA, Pliny the Younger, brought nearly 10,000 tourists to the county and generated $4.88 million in economic activity, according to a study by the Economic Development Board.

In 2013, the craft beer industry in the county generated $169 million in economic impact, according to the most recent study by the Economic Development Board. With the industry continuing to grow, that number is now around $225 million, Stone said.

The designation of microbrew capital of the U.S. was welcomed, yet not entirely supported by local brewers.

“I’m very excited about it,” said Steve Doty, brewer and owner of Shady Oak Barrel House, which specializes in sour ale. “At the same time I’ve seen a lot of better beer scenes, with more varieties and styles.”

For Doty, Oakland and Portland are the best beer destinations in the nation. Cilurzo’s favorite city for microbrews is Philadelphia, with Seattle and Portland also on her list.
But neither Cilurzo nor Doty reject the praise bestowed on the city where they brew their beer.

“I’m hoping it keeps momentum going,” said Doty who plans to open a taproom at 420 First St. in Santa Rosa in the coming months. “Fingers crossed.”

To view the Pudding craft beer database click here.

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With so many high-quality breweries, taprooms and beer venues to choose from in Sonoma County, a beer lover can easily get overwhelmed. To help our fellow beer geeks out, we’ve decided to pick out a few of our favorite local spots – town by town. First out is Petaluma – click through the gallery for all the sudsy details.

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North Bay residents have spent the days since Monday morning, October 9, experiencing terror, loss, and heartbreak. They’ve been fighting fires with garden hoses, preparing their homes against the onslaught of raging flames, and waiting in evacuation centers for news of loved ones and updates regarding the survival of their homes. In the past few days, firefighters battling blazes in Napa and Sonoma counties have continued to make gains, with containment numbers increasing. When the fires are quenched begins the road toward recovery.

In an effort to help rebuild their local community, Natalie and Vinnie Cilurzo, owners of Santa Rosa’s Russian River Brewing Company, have partnered with former professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer’s King Ridge Foundation to launch the charitable endeavor Sonoma Pride. The campaign will raise funds through direct donations to the King Ridge Foundation, sales of Sonoma Pride beer (to be released on October 31) and $25 donations for a chance to win Pliny the Younger line-cutting privileges in 2018.

The Sonoma Pride donation site, which has already realized over $162,959 in charitable contributions, will continue to collect and distribute funds through December; 100 percent of proceeds will be donated to victims of the Sonoma County wildfires.

Commenting on the Sonoma Pride campaign, Natalie Cilurzo says, “It was important to Vinnie and me to partner with a local non-profit that would ensure the money raised stays in Sonoma County…one with no overhead or administrative fees so all of the money goes directly to the wildfire victims.”

As part of this fundraising effort, Russian River Brewing Company has invited breweries from across Sonoma County and around the world to create beers under the Sonoma Pride label. Bear Republic Brewing Company in Healdsburg was the first to sign on for the collaboration.

“Being a retired firefighter myself” says Richard Norgrove Jr., Bear Republic owner and master brewer, “it was important for us to be a part of this.”

As part of the Sonoma Pride campaign, Bear Republic has partnered with St. Florian’s Brewery in Windsor to make a collaborative beer called “Mutual Aid.” Firetrucks from Healdsburg and Windsor will be pictured on the label. Aron Levin, owner and master brewer at St. Florian’s Brewery (St. Florian is patron saint of firefighters), is a fire captain and has been fighting on the front line since the North Bay wildfires broke out.

Bear Republic is planning a similar collaboration with Petaluma’s 101 North Brewing with a label representing Richard Norgrove’s and 101 North master brewer Joel Johnson’s alma mater Cardinal Newman. The proceeds from this collaborative brew will go directly toward rebuilding Cardinal Newman High School, which was damaged in the Tubbs Fire. Bear Republic Brewing is also donating 50 cents on ever case sold to help fire victims; the brewery estimates this will net $70,000 for the charitable endeavor.

Meanwhile, Sonoma Springs Brewing in Sonoma Valley plan to brew a juicy-style IPA under the Sonoma Pride label, which will be released on draft in November. On November 11th, the brewery will honor the Sonoma Valley Volunteer Fire Department at their annual Sottile Red Party fundraiser.

In addition to Russian River Brewing, Bear Republic, St. Florian’s, 101 North and Sonoma Springs, Santa Rosa breweries HenHouse and Cooperage are brewing a collaborative beer under the Sonoma Pride label and local breweries Plow, Third Street Aleworks, Seismic, Moonlight, Crooked Goat, Fogbelt, Barrel Brothers and 3 Disciples are also joining the fundraising effort.

All Sonoma Pride beers will be available on draft from October 31. Russian River Brewery and Bear Republic will be producing 10,000 barrels; they will bottle some Sonoma Pride for national distribution. Russian River Brewing Company’s Sonoma Pride release party is scheduled on October 31st, more details can be found on the brewery’s Facebook page.

Locals and families affected by the fires can apply for funds online through the King Ridge Foundation; families with children are given preference. The Sonoma Pride campaign has also secured donations from Trek and Specialized of 1,000 new bicycles; families with children who lost bikes in the fires or children who don’t own a bike may apply for one here. North Bay residents who are in need of basic necessities like toiletries, shoes, and clothing may apply for assistance in obtaining those items here.

More information about Sonoma Pride, and how to make a donation, here.

National breweries planning to brew beers under the Sonoma Pride label include: 
Alvarado Street (Monterey, CA), New Bohemian (Santa Cruz, CA), Eight Bridges (Livermore, CA), Morgan Territory (Tracy, CA), The Bell Marker (San Diego, CA), Crux Fermentation Project (Bend, OR), Boneyard (Bend, OR), Creature Comforts (Athens, GA), Scarlet Lane (McCordsville, IN), Cigar City (Tampa, FL), Ballast Point (San Diego, CA), and Sierra Nevada (Chico, CA), Sante Adairius Rustic Ales (Capitola, CA), Bagby Beer Company (Oceanside, CA), Three Weavers (Inglewood, CA), St. Archer (San Diego, CA), J Dubs Brewing (Sarasota, FL), Allegory Brewing (McMinnville, OR), and Revision Brewing (Sparks, NV) — more are expected to join.

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Harvest time in Wine Country has traditionally meant grape picking and winemaking but with the growing popularity of craft beers, hops are becoming our region’s “other” hot crop. As hop varieties and flavor profiles proliferate in beers, brewers have begun to follow the lead of grape vintners and wine bottlers before them by planting their own hop farms to gain more control of their ingredients and finished products. And it’s no surprise that some of the brewers who are taking hop harvesting the most seriously are those who started with grapes. Here are nine Sonoma brewers who swapped wine for beer.

Barrel Brothers Brewing Company, Windsor: Wesley Deal and Daniel Weber
Brothers-in-law Wesley Deal and Daniel Weber both previously worked in wine. Deal worked as assistant winemaker for two years at a winery in Healdsburg before becoming inspired by his father-in-law’s love for home-brewing. He then decided to study brewing science at U.C Davis. Weber worked in sales and marketing in the wine industry and took an equal liking to the beer world when likewise inspired by the same father-in-law, Tom Sather.

Deal’s and Weber’s love for the brewing craft led them to take their hobby to the next level when they opened Barrel Brothers Brewing Company in Windsor. Recently they have begun working with fellow brewer Steve Doty of Shady Oak Barrel House to bring the characteristics of the Sonoma terroir to beer. On their two acre hop farm north of Windsor, the partners plan to create a spontaneously fermented lambic series to share with local beer lovers and travelers alike.

Barrel Brother’s Brewing, 399 Business Park Ct, #506, Windsor 95492, 707-696-9487, barrelbrothersbrewing.com, @BarrelBrothersBrewing

Carneros Brewing Company, Sonoma: Armando, Jesus and Pedro Ceja
Brothers Armando, Pedro and Jesus Ceja grew up in Napa Valley working for their father in the vineyards and learning the wine trade. After paying homage to their father by building a successful winery, the brothers are now tapping into beer at their Sonoma Valley microbrewery Carneros Brewing Company, located near the Ceja Family Vineyards. Head-brewmaster Jesus Ceja graduated from the brewery science program at U.C Davis, and previously worked at Coors in Golden, Colorado, AB-inBev, and Red Star Yeast Company.

The brothers have planted their own hops on the brewery property so that they can obtain nothing but the best ingredients for their beers. Guests of the brewery can enjoy views of Carneros Valley, picnic in the beer garden by the pond and sip on handcrafted ice cold beers.

Carneros Brewing, 22985 Burndale Road, Sonoma, CA 95476, 707-938-1880, carnerosbrewing.com @CarnerosBrewing

Fogbelt Brewing Company, Santa Rosa: Paul Hawley and Remy Martin
Co-owners and co-brewers Remy Martin and Paul Hawley grew up working in the wine business – Martin worked grape harvests in California and abroad; Hawley worked at his family’s winery, Hawley Wines in Dry Creek Valley. The two began brewing together during a trip to New Zealand’s wine country, where they were working the harvest. Martin then studied brewing at U.C Davis while Hawley continued to work at his family’s winery.

Four years ago, just before opening Fogbelt Brewing, Hawley planted a quarter acre of hops on his family vineyard in Healdsburg. With farming in his blood, he knew this was the best way to both understand and control the quality and variety of hops for the brewery. Fogbelt Brewing now hosts the “Wet Hop Fest,” an event that features beers brewed with locally harvested hops.

Hawley continues to help out at the family winery. He is constantly reminded that the two industries, wine and beer, have different challenges, “With wine, the main production period is once a year during harvest. With beer, we are always in production-mode, allowing for more experimentation and perfecting of the process and beers, but a lot more scrubbing tanks. After a while, brewing twice a day, you wish you could just have a couple months of heavy production and make enough to last a year. Beer has a shelf life though and wine just gets better with age. I love making barrel-aged sour beers because it feels more like wine-making than brewing…”

Fogbelt Brewing, 1305 Cleveland Ave, Santa Rosa 95401, (707) 978-3400, fogbeltbrewing.com, @FogbeltBrewing

Russian River Brewing Company, Santa Rosa: Vinnie Cilurzo
Russian River Brewing Company co-owner, brewmaster and Pliny creator Vinnie Cilurzo grew up in Temecula, CA, working in the barrel room at his family’s winery, Cilurzo Family Cellars. After realizing he had more passion for hops than grapes, Cilurzo made the leap to beer and, after acquiring investors, opened Blind Pig Brewing in Temecula, in 1994. It was at this time that he perfected the original recipe for what was to become the famous Blind Pig IPA.

Cilurzo then moved to Northern California where he became head brewer at Korbel Cellars’s Russian River Brewing Company. When Korbel bowed out of the brewing business, Cilurzo accepted rights to the Russian River Brewing Company (RRBC) name and all of the recipes in lieu of a severance package. In 2004, Vinnie and his wife Natalie opened the RRBC brewpub on 4th Street in downtown Santa Rosa. Natalie, who left a job in the wine industry after the pub’s opening, now oversees the business side of the brewery and brewpub while Vinnie oversees brewing and distribution. A new brewery in Windsor is slated to open in the fall of 2018.

Russian River Brewing Co., 725 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, (707) 545-2337, russianriverbrewing.com, @RussianRiverOfficial

Seismic Brewing Company, Santa Rosa: Christopher Jackson
Christopher Jackson, son of philanthropist Barbara Banke and the late Jess Jackson (founder of Kendall Jackson), has adopted his parents’s love for a grape-to-glass approach in wine and applied the concept to his grain-to-glass philosophy at Seismic Brewing.

In partnership with friends Patrick Delves and Andy Hooper, Jackson’s dream to build a sustainable brewery, operating on a clean and green scale to produce the highest quality beers, has come to fruition. Jackson’s custom-brew house is built with energy efficiency and a “clean to can” approach. The brewery emphasizes the three “P’s” of sustainability: “people” (by paying and treating employees fairly while providing a healthy work environment), “planet” (by maximizing energy and water efficiency), and “prosperity” (by adopting a policy to partner with the community and local businesses). While the brewery does not currently have a taproom, Seismic beers can be found on draft at Confluence Taproom in Santa Rosa, Brewsters Beer Garden in Petaluma, and other establishments throughout the Bay Area.

Seismic Brewing, 2870 Duke Court, Santa Rosa, California, CA 95407, 707-230-5014, seismicbrewingco.com, @SeismicBrewingCo

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As the long hot Sonoma summer begins, have a cold one in the shade. Click through the gallery for nine of the best brewery patios around.

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For as long as people have been drinking beer and wine, beer has been regarded the inferior beverage. Wine is “classy,” it takes time to craft and age, a refined palate to appreciate, and is often paired with fine food. Beer is less expensive, often comes in a can, and you can find it anywhere. But, with craft beer now taking the center stage – even in Wine Country – many connoisseurs are heading out to explore hoppy drinks. However, there are still a few wine lovers who aren’t quite ready to make the leap to beer – it’s not fruity or oaky enough, it’s too bitter. If you happen to be one of those people, we’re here to change your mind. Click through the gallery above for five Sonoma breweries that will leave wine lovers begging for more. 

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Father’s Day can be a tough gift-buying holiday. What do you get for the dad who has everything – from all the power tools he’ll ever need to the perfect “man’s” grill? A fine leather wallet or gift card might suffice, but nothing says “I love you Dad” like a day spent with family – beer in hand. Click through the gallery above for Sonoma beer venues to take your Dad for some barbecue, live music and – of course – great beer this Sunday.

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Beerfest: The Good One has been serving up Bay Area brews and festivities to beer lovers for 25 years. This Saturday, June 10, it is time for this year’s Santa Rosa event. Click through the gallery above for highlights from previous years’ events. 

As the beer flows freely and and the bubbles rise, Beerfest guests will be treated to live music entertainment and tasty bites. And all of it for a very good cause: the event benefits Face to Face, a non-profit that works to end HIV in Sonoma County while supporting locals living with HIV/AIDS.

The Beerfest event organizers have gone to great lengths to ensure that attendees will have the opportunity to sample some of the best beers in Northern California, all in one place. The large and diverse array of craft breweries and cideries represented at the festival will be pouring a variety of beer styles: sours, wilds, IPAs, Sessionables, Pale Ales, Barrel-Aged beers… the list goes on. Here’s what you need to know:

THE BREWERIES

Participating Sonoma County breweries will include: Russian River Brewing Company, Seismic Brewing, St. Florian’s Brewery, Fogbelt, 3 Disciples, HenHouse Brewing, Barrel Brothers, Third Street Aleworks, Moonlight Brewing, Bear Republic, Cooperage, 101 North, Stumptown, Crooked Goat, and Lagunitas.

Beer enthusiasts will also be able to sample the wares of a host of North Coast and Bay Area breweries including: Anderson Valley, Lost Coast, North Coast, Mendocino Brewing, Redwood Curtain, Napa Smith, Drakes, Pacific Brewing, Hermitage, Dust Bowl, Oak Park Brewing.

Out of state breweries making the trek to the event will include: Georgetown Brewing (of Manny’s Pale Ale fame) from Seattle and Deschutes from Bend.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

Three Bay Area bands will take the stage: San Francisco psychedelic soul rock band Down Dirty Shake, a “time traveling band from the lost universe of soul”, Loco Tranquilo – a psychedelic band that floats latin on a “hypnotic sea” of percussion, spacey and jazzy in its transcendence, and The New Moldy Figs – named for a fermented fig derived jazz pejorative which they’ve turned on its head into a badge of honor and some terrific music – featuring Bobby Black.

THE FOOD

Local food vendors will showcase their specialties with complimentary treats (while supplies last): Andy’s Market will bring fresh local produce, homemade dips, and veggie pizza, Molsberry’s Market will serve grilled tri-tip sandwiches, BREW will serve their nitro tea and nitro cold brew and Trader Joe’s will provide a variety of snacks.

Additionally, food for purchase will be available from: The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen, Pilón Kitchen, Fat Boys Hot Dog Co, Roundtable Pizza, and Tibbs Beef Jerky.

WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 1-5pm

WHERE: Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa 95403

TICKETS: Purchase VIP tickets for $60 to enjoy early access to the event, or purchase general admission tickets for $50 for a l:00 pm entry. Commemorative beer glass and unlimited samples included. To purchase tickets, visit the website here.

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There’s a lot of fun on tap in June in Sonoma County. Click through the gallery above for nine beer events not to miss.

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Those lazy summer days are almost here and with them the long, soft and delicious twilight evenings that call out for a cold beer with friends, to the tunes of live music. Kickstart the summer music season with this list of brew pubs and beer venues where you can rewind while taking in the sounds of the wide variety of bands available in Sonoma County.

THE LOCAL BARREL, Santa Rosa
Local Barrel presents live music every weekend on Saturdays starting between 8-9pm, and Sundays starting at 5pm. Below is a list of the latest lineup:

June 4, 5pm: Matt Bradford – Blistering dobro and gritty lyrics – a blend of folk, Americana, pop, and blues.

June 11, 5pm: Emily Hamilton – Soft vocals, acoustic guitarist, singer-songwriter.

June 17, 8pm: Robert Herrera and Ian Sherer – Local duo dishes out jazz, acoustic guitar, and rock and roll covers.

June 18, 5pm: Joe Clopton – Influenced by Nirvana, Sublime, Jack Johnson, Elliott Smith and Bob Marley, this Santa Rosa native is prepared to rock your Father’s Day.

June 24, 9pm: The Aces Reunion Show – This popular Sonoma County blues band are itching to squeeze out some sparks after ten years apart.

Local Barrel Taproom, 490 Mendocino Ave #104, Santa Rosa, facebook.com/TheLocalBarrel @TheLocalBarrel

BREWSTERS BEER GARDEN, Petaluma
Brewsters embraces the local music scene with its large outdoor space. This summer’s shows include:

Every Thursday, 5-8pm: “Bourbon & Bluegrass” – Enjoy a different bluegrass band every Thursday while Brewsters highlight a special bourbon in either a flight or special cocktail.

June 2, 5pm: The Hucklebucks – Picture a generous helping of West Coast jump blues, fold in an ample sampling of New Orleans rock n’ roll.

June 3, 3pm: Arizona and the Volunteers – Shake in a variety of blues, rock, soul, jazz, metal, then stir a lullaby or two into the mix.

June 4, 3pm: Todos Santos – the band blends Harmony driven roots, intermingles a little jazz, country, latin, blues, and then weaves in an original tune or two.

Brewsters has live music Fridays at 5pm, and every Saturday and Sunday starting at 3pm. Check their website under the calendar section for specific band dates.

Brewsters Beer Garden + Restaurant, 229 Water Street North, Petaluma, 707-981-8330, brewstersbeergarden.com @BrewstersBeerGarden

SONOMA SPEAKEASY, Sonoma
Enjoy some of the best blues-, Americana-, and country musicians Sonoma has to offer while partaking of a wide and varied selection of beer and wine. Upcoming acts include:

June 2, 7:30pm: Dan Martin and Noma Rocksteady Band – A San Francisco reggae, ska, and rocksteady band.

June 2, 6:30pm: Bruce Gordon – A jump, swing, and blues band to keep you movin’!

June 3, 6:30pm: Full Circle – A popular local cover band featuring keyboard, electric guitar and electric mandolin.

June 4, 5pm: Brandon Eardley – A mix of reggae, rock, folk, and blues.

Every Sunday, 8:30pm: Sonoma Acoustic Blues Jam, where anyone who wishes can have their turn in a jam session with other local artists and talents.

Doors open an hour before the show starts, unless otherwise noted. For a full list of musical acts, visit their website.

Sonoma Speakeasy, 452 1st Street East, Suite G, Sonoma, sonomaspeakeasymusic.com

HOPMONK TAVERN, Sebastopol
Live music every Friday and Saturday nights and some shows mid-week. Check calendar for upcoming events. Admission is $10 per person and most events are friendly for all ages.

June 2, 9pm: Train Wreck Junction – This band steams full speed ahead while flirting with a variety of country music eras.

June 4, 8pm: Parcivillian – An ample blend of rippling folk, punchy rock, stinging blues, and hard groove funk music.

HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol, hopmonk.com

BREW COFFEE AND BEER, Santa Rosa
There’s more to brew than coffee and beer, like live music in the quaint little cafe just outside of downtown Santa Rosa. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events.

June 5, 7pm: Eileen and the In-Betweens – A five piece social justice indie folk band blown into the Bay Area on a southwest wind. Based out of New Mexico, this is a band of enchantment.

Brew, 555 Healdsburg Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-303-7372, brewcoffeeandbeer.com, @BrewCoffeeAndBeer

ST. FLORIAN’S BREWERY, Windsor
St. Florian’s offers fun for the whole family in the parking lot beside their brewery. Check their Facebook page for more events.

June 17: The Renovators – A Sonoma County rock n’ roll band playing  great covers for you to rock you.

St. Florian’s Brewery, 7704 Bell Rd, Windsor, 707-838-2739, stflroiansbrewery.com, @StFloriansBrewery

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