5 Great Brewery Towns in California
It wasn't that long ago when wine that originated in the United States was viewed as universally inferior to that which came from Europe. But Californians have long known that the grapes grown on American soil were capable of incredible things and have since helped educate the public about how much America and especially California have to offer the world of wine.
But these days, it's not just lovers of fine wine that are having all the fun. Choosing a beer used to mean deciding which brand name was stamped on the can, the contents tasting remarkably the same. But since the craft brewing revolution, beer is experiencing a renaissance. And with 570 breweries, the Golden State is once again at the forefront of the American craft brewing movement. Whether you love to debate the merits of relative amounts of hoppiness, are excited to sample a wide range of saisons and lambics, or simply enjoy sitting down to enjoy a beer, there's a California town that's perfect for you.
1. San Diego
There isn't a town in America with a larger number of highly respected breweries than San Diego. With close to 100 breweries, including revered names in the beer world such as Ballast Point, AleSmith, Green Flash Brewing Company and, of course, Stone Brewing Company, there are long-time residents who still haven't had a chance to try them all. San Diego breweries tend to be the ones to beat at contests and the city was instrumental in making IPAs the unofficial style of American craft beers.
2. San Francisco
With over twenty members in the San Francisco Brewers Guild (in addition to the other members in Oakland and Berkeley), there's no shortage of great beer in San Francisco, nor great spots to drink it. Bigger names include 21st Amendment Brewery, Speakeasy Ales and Lagers, and Anchor Brewing Company, which was originally founded in the 1800s. San Francisco isn't just one of the best place in the country to enjoy today's beers, it's also where you want to go to experience the full history of craft brewing in America.
3. Chico
While not having the same number of breweries as the previously mentioned cities, Chico is home to what very well might be California's biggest name beer. Sierra Nevada was, for many, the introduction to the wonderful world of craft beer. The large brewery has a tasting room that is a lot of fun. If you're looking for a quieter experience in Chico, try Waganupa Brewing, which calls itself a nanobrewery, which means it's even smaller than a microbrewery.
4. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz doesn't have the big name, nationally known breweries of larger cities. But what it does have is a thriving beer culture. It can feel as though there's a microbrewery on every corner, meaning there's something for everyone. Some local favorites include Seabright Brewery, Uncommon Brewers, and Discretion Brewers.
5. San Luis Obispo
This beautiful town on the central coast has a particularly high ratio of breweries to people. With over a dozen microbreweries, there's no shortage of award winners or new creations to sample. SLO Brew was one of the first to set up shop in town and continues to be popular. Just 30 miles north in Paso Robles, Firestone Walker Brewing Company makes some of the most highly respected beer in the country.
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