'NorCal Brew Fest' Added To Sonoma Co. Fair Line-Up

SONOMA COUNTY, CA – The Sonoma County Fair is launching its inaugural NorCal Brew Fest Aug. 5 in the midst of the 2017 Sonoma County Fair at the fairgrounds in Santa Rosa.

The first-ever NorCal Brew Fest will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is a combo competition-tasting festival providing beer makers from across the North Bay and the country the chance to shine.

“For decades Sonoma County has been known as a premier wine destination,” says Sheila Quince, Exhibits Coordinator for the Sonoma County Fair. “However, we love beer too. So, we’re inviting all breweries and cideries in the United States to celebrate our love of beer with us.”

On May 6, the inaugural NorCal Brew Competition kicked off with the judging of more than 160 entries. Best of Show went to Heretic Brewing Company of Fairfield for its Heretic IPA #6.

Gold medal winners in each division were:

• HenHouse Brewing of Santa Rosa, CA – HenHouse STOKED! – Pale American Ale
• Station 26 Brewing Co. of Denver, CO – American Copper – Amber & Brown American Beer
• South Gate Brewing Company of Oakhurst, CA – Brooklyn Imperial Stout – American Porter & Stout
• Heretic Brewing Company of Fairfield, CA – Heretic IPA #6 – IPA
• South Gate Brewing Company of Oakhurst, CA – Bob Barley – Strong American Ale
• Garage Brewing Co. of Murrieta, CA – The Tow Truck – Trappist Ale
• Crystal Springs Brewing Company of Louisville, CO – Cherry Saison – Fruit Beer
• California Cider Company of Sebastopol, CA – Ace Perry Hard Cider – Standard Cider and Perry
• Heretic Brewing Company of Fairfield, CA – Strawberry Agony – American Wild Ale
• South Gate Brewing Company of Oakhurst, CA – Oaktown Pecan Brown – Spiced Beer
• Island Brewing Company of Carpinteria, CA – Bourbon Barrel Aged Rigamarole Double Brown Ale – Wood Beer
• South Park Brewing LLC of Fairplay, CO – Milk Stout – Dark British Beer
• Wormtown Brewery of Worchester, MA – Irish Red – Irish Beer
• Benoit Casper Brewing Co. of Richmond, CA – Al Ten Amber – Amber Bitter European Beer
• Garage Brewing Co. of Murrieta, CA – Golden Helles Lager – Pale Malty European Lager
• Island Brewing Company of Carpinteria, CA – Tropical Lager – Standard American Beer

Many of the winners will feature tastings at the NorCal Brew Fest at the Sonoma County Fair. Visit NorCalBrewFest.com for information.

Tickets priced now at $45, or $55 after Aug. 2, are available at SonomaCountyFair.com for the NorCal Brew Fest. You may also purchase tickets at the Box Office, at 1350 Bennett Valley Road in Santa Rosa. Pre-Fair Box Office hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 6p.m. Tickets are not available by phone.

Themed “Holidaze at the Sonoma County Fair,” the fair runs Aug. 3 to Aug. 13 with free Community Concert Series, live horse racing, a new carnival, “Holidays in Bloom” flower show, live entertainment, food, contests and new games.

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--Image via Morguefile