Regularly ranked as one of the best vacation spots in America, Santa Rosa, California, is a picturesque destination that’s great for any getaway. Santa Rosa’s history dates back to the early 19th century, when it was established as the first permanent European settlement in the area. When California became a state in 1850, Santa Rosa saw a large increase in population. This lead to the establishment of a post office, town square, and the beginnings of infrastructure. The city was incorporated in 1868, and by 1870 it was the 8th largest city in California. The city, like many in the region, suffered during the 1906 earthquake, but residents were resilient and the city came back stronger than before. Post-WWII, the city continued to grow by an average of 1,000 people a year well into the 1970’s. Now Santa Rosa has a population of over 167,000 and is a can't-miss destination in the heart of Sonoma County.
While many locations say they have something for everyone, Santa Rosa delivers with a variety of things to do that you won't find in many other cities. First and foremost, the weather here is spectacular in April, with high temperatures in the 70’s and the majority of days with brilliant sunshine. It’s California Wine Country location gives Santa Rosa stunning natural surroundings great for tours, sightseeing, hiking and biking. The wineries in the area are numerous and regularly host events and tastings for tour groups. Santa Rosa is also well known for its golf courses. You’ll find multiple championship level layouts that are great for golfers of all skill levels. The opportunities for shopping are numerous and you’ll encounter many highly rated, unique dining options as well.
To get the full Santa Rosa experience you need to get to know some of the people in the community and a great way to do that is by participating in one of the local events, such as the annual Battle of the Brews. The event has been running for two decades and is showing no signs of slowing. This 21+ event is the perfect opportunity to sample delicious local foods, try tasty brews, and enjoy the great company of Santa Rosa’s friendly residents. Live entertainment and raffles will be taking place during the event, as well as the VIP Craft Cup Competition. Gather your friends and get ready for a beer event you won't forget at the Battle of the Brews, held at the Grace Pavilion on the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. We got the chance to interview Nate Friar, Co-Chair of the Battle of the Brews, to talk about this fun and unique event.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
NF: We are celebrating our 20th anniversary of Battle of the Brews this year. We draw 800 fans to our VIP Craft Cup Competition, from 1:00-4:00 pm, and a sellout crowd of 2,200 attendees for the People’s Choice Main Event from 4:00-8:00 pm.
This event is only for those 21 and older, but we draw a broad cross-section of individuals, including couples, seniors, families, 20-somethings and friends getting together for an afternoon filled with fun and excitement. Our VIP Craft Cup attracts more of the beer connoisseur, or those looking for a more intimate setting to be able to talk directly to the Brewmasters and have an opportunity to taste a wider and more unique palette of craft beer. The Main Event draws beer lovers of all ages and walks of life who are looking for an enjoyable afternoon of craft beer tastings at a more affordable price point.
RAL: What makes the event unique?
NF: Our event is BJCP certified and offers attendees an afternoon of all-inclusive tastings and food samples from local restaurants with live entertainment, unique raffle items and, for the past couple of years, premiers of new brews at our event. It is more than just a beer tasting event; it is an all-encompassing experience, which is why we’ve built the event up over the past 20 years to become Sonoma County’s premier craft beer event.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What will people find for activities, guest appearances, dining and overall environment?
NF: Live entertainment, free food samplings from local restaurants, 70+ beer and cider tastings and one-of-a-kind raffle prizes. VIP Craft Cup holders also get to sample sandwich creations as part of the Sonoma County Sandwich Showdown, and have an opportunity to meet directly with Brewmasters in a more intimate setting, and with minimal or no wait times to sample food, beer and cider.
We’re excited to welcome a rising star in the country music scene, McKenna Faith, to this year’s Battle of the Brews, who will be headlining this year’s People’s Choice Main Event. McKenna was recently named one of the “Top 30 Women You Should Know in Sonoma County” by The Press Democrat, coming in at number four on the list. There were also be guest appearances by several brewmasters, and we are excited to have food personality Laurie Figone return as a judge of the Sonoma County Sandwich Showdown, along with other food judges with a background in food judging and cooking.
Tickets are all-inclusive, so guests will get to enjoy food from local restaurants, and VIP Craft Cup attendees will also get to enjoy incredible sandwich creations as part of the Sonoma County Sandwich Showdown.
We always try to provide our guests with a relaxing, casual and fun-filled environment. The Grace Pavilion will comfortably fit 800 attendees for the VIP Craft Cup Competition, and the People’s Choice Main Event will get a bit more crowded (but still comfortable) for our 2,200 attendees. There will also be an opportunity for guests to go outside behind the Grace Pavilion to get some fresh air and catch some sun in between beer tastings.
RAL: Are there any lodging specials set up specifically for the event?
NF: Yes, we are pleased to be partnering with Flamingo Resort and Spa, Hotel La Rose, and Hilton Sonoma Wine Country to provide special accommodation offers for our guests in partnership with Visit Santa Rosa. Please visit the accommodations section of our website for additional details.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
NF: All of our event proceeds benefit underprivileged youth in the community, so our local non-profits, elected officials, and those less fortunate are all appreciative of the opportunities our well-attended event provides to those in need. Furthermore, for the attendees themselves, it also provides something for them to look forward to each year, particularly those with a passion for craft beer (a booming industry in Sonoma County) and foodies who come out to taste a variety of food options from local restaurants.
While it’s difficult to quantify the economic impact, we’ve had an increasing number of out-of-town guests in recent years staying at local hotels (providing transient occupancy, or TOT taxes, to local municipalities and helping support our local hotels), and many guests, local or out-of-town, dine and drink at local restaurants and breweries preceding and following the event, helping support our local businesses and the local economy.
RAL: Does the event support any special causes it the community.
NF: All of our event proceeds help those less fortunate in the community. Battle of the Brews was started by, and has been continually operated by, the Active 20-30 Club of Santa Rosa #50, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps underprivileged youth. This year’s primary beneficiary is the North Bay Challenger Little League, a youth baseball program for disabled youth in the region. Event proceeds also help numerous other youth-focused charitable groups including the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, Chop’s Teen Center, the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, family homeless shelters, local schools and others who share the Club’s vision of improving the quality of life for children in our community.
RAL: Why should people come?
NF: Battle of the Brews is Sonoma County’s premier craft beer event. With over 70 craft beers and ciders on tap from brewers around Northern California and across the country, we combine an exceptional lineup of beers, food tastings and live entertainment for a rewarding and fun-filled afternoon. We have had sellout crowds the last few years, a testament of the all-in-one opportunity this provides to guests and travelers. Time and again, we’ve had new attendees to our event that leave ready to come back next year. We’ve had guests that have come for several years running, all because they had such a positive and memorable experience. Our guests come from all age groups and walks of life: groups of friends, couples, families, 20-somethings and Baby Boomers, men and women, beer drinkers and non-beer drinkers. We are incredibly excited at what’s to come at our 20th Annual Battle of the Brews, and hope you’ll join us to share in the fun and activities!
For more information about the Battle of the Brews, please visit their website.