With one of California’s newest brew trails, the East Bay’s Tri-Valley region is earning a reputation as a craft beer destination. The Tri-Valley Beer Trail set out to “Spread Cheer with Beer” by donating $20 to Sunflower Hill, a sustainable special needs community in Pleasanton, for every beer passport with five stamps. With a growing collection of 20 participating stops in Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin and Danville, a passport stamp is a pour away.
To start spreading cheer with beer, participants downloaded the Tri-Valley Beer Trail Passport at VisitTriValley.com, and started sipping suds. They got a stamp from their choice of any five participating breweries, taprooms or restaurants and redeemed their passport via email or in person to ensure the $20 donation.
“The formation of the Tri-Valley Beer Trail has helped to unify the region’s craft beer scene and build momentum,” says Pleasanton-resident Julie Nickels, founding co-publisher of California Celebrator (the country’s first magazine dedicated to beer culture, now a national publication called Celebrator). “’Spread Cheer with Beer’ is a fun way to support local businesses while raising money for charity. It’s win-win.”
For those who wanted to support the cause without the hangover, a limited edition “ugly” sweater featuring the “Spread Cheer with Beer” message is still available online at VisitTriValley.com. Sunflower Hill received a $20 donation for every sweater sold. Priced at $60 (includes tax and shipping), the colorful sweaters are available in large and extra large sizes while supplies last.
Stops on the Tri-Valley Beer Trail currently include: Altamont Beer Works, Livermore; Eight Bridges Brewing Company, Livermore; Working Man Brewing Company, Livermore; First Street Ale House, Livermore; Tap 25, Livermore; Beer Baron, Livermore; Sauced BBQ & Spirits, Livermore; The Growler Pub, Danville; Caps & Taps Bottle Shop and Tap Room, Dublin; Dublin Vine at Whole Foods Market, Dublin; Three Sheets Craft Beer Bar, Dublin; Main St. Brewery, Pleasanton; Handles Gastropub, Pleasanton; The Hop Yard Ale House, Pleasanton; McKay’s Taphouse and Beer Garden; Beer Baron, Livermore; Shadow Puppet Brewing Company, Livermore; Hop Devine, Livermore; Danville Brewing Company, Danville; and, Norm’s Place, Danville.