Russian River Brewing Company

The citizens of Santa Rosa have reason to be in a continually celebratory mood as their microbrewery of choice takes top honors nearly every year at Denver's Great American Beer Festival. Since its inception in 1997, it has won such accolades as “Small Brewing Company of the Year,” “Innovation in Craft Brewing” and "Large Brewpub Champion Brewmaster." Indeed, gold medal winners include such eloquently named brews as Damnation, Blind Pig and Pliny the Elder. Many of them can be found in pubs throughout the Bay Area, but the headquarters is a must-see destination. Russian River Brewing Company is also credited with inventing the Double India Pale Ale. The entire list of ales is fascinating, each of them unique in blend, texture and flavor. At the tap room, live music entertains crowds as they savor pizzas made thin, crisp and fresh.