Harvest fest features local breweries
The 14th annual Mountain Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Plumas County Fairgrounds boasts one of the best assemblages of craft, micro and nano breweries in the area. The event offers brews to taste from almost 20 breweries from around the Western U.S.
Along with being one of the most anticipated events of the fall season, the Mountain Harvest Festival is one of the most important fundraisers for Plumas Arts.
“This year we are very pleased to have our four local breweries back again to the event,” said Kara Rockett-Arsenault and Dale Ready, event organizers. Eureka Peak and The Brewing Lair comes from eastern Plumas County. Waganupa is located in Chester and Lassen Ale Works crosses the border from Susanville.
The Brewing Lair, a 15-barrel brewery, is dedicated to the production of high profile ales and opened in Blairsden in 2011. Founders Susan Duniphin and Rich DeLano are the thirsty, great-craft-beer-seeking couple that founded The Brewing Lair.
DeLano was a carpenter who needed a new hobby, Duniphin a brewer and former restaurateur who needed a new project. Duniphin taught DeLano how to brew beer and he took it to a whole new, professional level. Now DeLano brews (real tasty) beer and Duniphin sells it.
The Brewing Lair is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a beer. They are adding new and fun things all the time, like ping-pong tables and a stage for music. Check out their Facebook page for all the details at Facebook.com/TheBrewingLair.
Eureka Peak Brewing Co. opened its tasting room/beer lounge on Dec. 12, 2014 — 12-13-14 — at the Chalet View Lodge. The tasting room boasts a variety of beers on tap and monthly live music. Chalet View Lodge’s Chef Tony Schafer pairs beer with dishes made with local, seasonal, sustainable ingredients. They are excited to come back to the Mountain Harvest Beer Festival again this year after missing a few years.
Lassen Ale Works is located in uptown Susanville at the 150-year-old Pioneer Saloon. Its on-site brewery, run by Brewmaster Erik Jefferts, produces eight house ales that run the gamut from light and refreshing Bizz Johnson Blonde to their hopped up Volcanic Double IPA to the rip-snortin’ barrel-aged Devil’s Corral Imperial Stout. They also brew seasonal specialties like HefWit, Oktoberfest and Tripel XXX Belgian.
Lassen Ale Works beers are available in bottles in local stores and on draft. At the pub, ales are served cold, on draft, at the longest bar in Northeastern California along with a good selection of wine, craft cocktails, single malt scotch, premium liquors and upscale pub fare prepared in house, from scratch.
Quintopia Brewing Co. is a highly anticipated addition coming to downtown Quincy, with preparations well underway for opening in early 2018. The name reflects the good way of life and the vibrant community to be found in and around our area — the “Quincy Utopia.” Its specialty will be easy-drinking beer styles that appeal to a range of tastes, for both the seasoned and the novice craft beer drinker.
“Craft beer should be accessible to anyone wanting to give it a go — not too over the top” says Quintopia’s founder and head brewer, Tom Hepner. Originally from Australia and famously the father of identical triplet toddler girls, Tom’s 12-year history with Quincy and brewing has culminated in Quintopia Brewing Co. becoming a reality.
The brewery’s family-friendly taproom and kitchen will be located in the West End Theatre building and open regular hours including weekends. The community will be able to down the freshest craft beer and food in town while enjoying a show.
Quintopia’s five-barrel brewhouse will be located right across the street, with special releases poured there during limited hours each week. The public can also visit to chat and learn about the brewing process.
Tasting pass tickets are on sale now: $35 for non-members or $30 for Plumas Arts members, available at the Plumas Arts Gallery, Quincy Natural Foods and online in the Plumas Arts Shop on plumasarts.org where more information about the event is available.
Tasting passes are $40 at the gate; non-tasting general admission is $5.
