Raise a Pint to the Golden State

• Review
• Saturday, October 04, 2008

Yes, the State of California is definitely synonymous with fine wine and all its accoutrements--world-famous wine trails, tours, and trains as well as tasting cellars, tasting rooms, wine-pairing menus, souvenir glasses, etcetera, etcetera. But, guess what? We have BEER here, also. And, not just that lightweight fizzy stuff that comes in six-packs from the convenience store. You've probably heard of San Francisco's Anchor Steam brand, but the Southern part of the state (often considered a separate country) also boasts a good share of microbrews. So, put your wine-tasting bib away for now, we're hitting the no-longer-macho world of impressive brews. Nearby Long Beach is home to Belmont Brewing Company (www.belmontbrewing.com), which not only offers award-winning handcrafted beers such as Top Sail and Marathon, but also features a waterside setting and "beer dinners" that match five beers to a select menu. The Inland Empire's Temecula Valley, a region known primarily for its wineries, is home to the delightful "Olde World Family Tavern" Barley & Hops (www.barleyandhopheads.com) that features over 150 international beers with 20 draughts and six rotating taps. Gourmet pub fare is also served. And, 1-26 October the tavern features its version of Oktoberfest with German specialties and over 30 German draft and bottled beers (make that "biers") including Schneider Hopfen Weisse and Paulaner Doppelbock. Should you find yourself in Fresno's historic Chinatown (Chinatown??) in the Central Valley, skip the jasmine tea and head over to the Full Circle Brewing Company (www.fullcirclebrewing.com). This lively microbrew crafts seven premium beers including the acclaimed Cluster Fuggle Cream Ale to savor while enjoying musical and other performances.