Autumn beers are much anticipated across the planet, and California Wine Country is no exception.

As outdoor temperatures cool, that’s our cue to look for the bigger richer tastes of autumn in brewery taprooms, brewpubs and bars of the region. October is a great month for exploring wine country beers in order to max out your fall seasonal opportunities.

October is also the month of increased beer festival activity as Oktoberfests seem to be happening everywhere. In Wine Country, this can mean so much more than the typical easy-drinking festbiers of Bavaria. You never know what real gem the local microbrewery might bring to the celebration.

A good example: Oktoberfest Petaluma is an exciting celebration of the legendary German event. Oktoberfest visitors can partake in awesome Lagunitas beer, live music, dancing, delicious food, costumes, and fun. It’s a fundraiser for programs of Petaluma Valey Rotary.  Since space is limited it’s smart to buy your tickets now.  21 and over: $10 in advance/$12 at the door.

Date:  October 16, 2010, 4pm-10pm

Place:  Petaluma Community Center at Lucchesi Park

320 N. McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954

Buy Advanced Tickets Online

www.petalumavalleyrotary.org/ok

Click here for special coupon for Wine Country Beer Readers

Finding autumn beers

Some of the more interesting fall-release beers found around the region’s brewery taprooms include:

Lagunitas Brewing, Petaluma – Check out his year’s version of wet hop ale, made with loads of just-picked fresh aromatic hops; limited release; only around for a short time.  Also look for Little Sumpin Wild Ale, a sumptuous Belgian-style ale with a whole lot going on (September release), and the new release of Brown Sugga, their popular dark, mysterious brew which actually has brown sugar among its ingredients (October release).

Silverado Brewing, St. Helena – The Oktoberfest Lager will wet your whistle and have your shouting PROST from table to table. Check out Chef Bernardo’s food menu for fall specialties too.

Bear Republic Brewing, Healdsburg – New releases every Thursday at the Healdsburg brewpub. Recently found Stickball Alt Beer, brown and malty; and Late Harvest Lager, an Oktoberfest style beer.

Firestone Walker Brewing, Paso Robles – Black Xantus is back with a vengeance, actually it’s a new and improved recipe. We’re sure this Russian Imperial Stout will deliver plenty of taste power following its October 1 release party at the brewery.

Calistoga Inn and Brewery, Calistoga – You can count on this brewery to have something real interesting on tap. Look for the RIPA (Rye India Pale Ale) or Red Ale for some compatible fall flavors and colors.

Anderson Valley Brewing, Boonville – Some fall releases available only at the brewery taproom include their highly regarded sipper Bahl Hornin’ Imperial Boont Amber Ale and also a Dark IPA.

Russian River Valley Brewing, Santa Rosa – The Hop Time Harvest Ale promises to be a treat. Made with their own 100% locally-grown fresh hops. And always look for the latest release of one of their highly anticipated barrel-aged beauties.

Mendocino Brewing, Hopland – Stop by the taproom for some freshly brewed Eye of the Hawk Ale and Oatmeal Stout.

Moonlight Brewing – Homegrown, a generously fresh-hopped ale. Flavored with hops the brewer grows himself on the brewery property that really spice up this beer. No brewery tap room, so look for it at the better beer bars in Sonoma County.