It’s beginning to look a lot like Beer Festival Season! Everywhere you turn, every weekend seems to bring about another sud-soaked celebration. I love this time of year…

If you’re a microbrew in the Bay Area these days, it’s kind of tough to make a name for yourself. After all, the region is home to some of the world’s premiere small batch beers. But down in the South Bay, just up the hills from the sprawling city of San Jose, a contract brewery named Strike has attracted a good deal of attention in a short period of time.

There is still space available for this evening’s Beer Dinner at The Federal Bar (5303 Lankershim Blvd) in North Hollywood, California. The event is being hosted by Stone Brewing Company and will feature 5 of their beers, paired alongside specially-designed food courses. Dr. Bill, Stone Brewing’s Craft Beer Ambassador will also be on hand hosting the festivities.

The Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Chico, CA will always hold a special place in my heart. As one of the preeminent players in the craft industry over the past several decades, they’ve been there from the start. But on a personal note, their Pale Ale was the first I encountered, in my early 20s, to demonstrate that beer could indeed have fantastic flavor. Unfortunately for most college-aged consumers, beer is more about getting drunk as quickly and efficiently as possible. Enjoyment and appreciation have little to do with the process. But then you drink your first Sierra Nevada and you grow up. It is the true gateway to craft. So the idea of visiting their Taproom and Restaurant (1075 East 20th St.) was somewhat of a dream come true for me. I was not disappointed.

You gotta hand it to Shafer Vineyards (6154 Silverado Trail) out of Napa Valley. For several years now they have consistently been producing some of the highest rated red wines in the world.

It’s time to talk tequila. And not the crappy kind with the harsh finish and ambiguous taglines. I want the smooth, delectable nectar of 100% pure blue agave. Partida ultra premium brand fits the bill. The botanical, Earthy aroma that gently wafts from an open bottle of their Blanco is spellbinding.

The newest incarnation of a Sonoma county favorite, Hopmonk (230 Petaluma Avenue), debuted in northern Marin this past week, opening its doors along a busy, commercial stretch of Novato, California.

Looking for the perfect seasonal release for Christmas? Bison Brewing Company (2030 5th Street) out of Berkeley, California has something just for you–and it’s 100% organic.