Being partial to wine does not mean that I don't stray once in a while and indulge in a beer or two (I stop at that) especially once the weather heats up. When I do, I like to pick a micro-brew I have not sampled yet.
Monday May 16 is opening day for American Craft Beer Week (May 16-May 22, 2011).
You might not think of wine growing regions like Sonoma County as the first place to celebrate. Inside Sonoma wants to prove us wrong with Weekend brewery tour of Sonoma County. Since guide was published in April 2009, you might want to check that all pubs and breweries are still active.
They suggest you start at Ruth McGowan's Brewpub in Cloverdale.
As is the case with other nationwide events in the U.S, some locations stage their events outside the official dates.
You can catch Chicago Craft Beer Week from May 19 to May 27 while Seattle Beer Week runs from May 19 to May 29.
On a closing note, Decompression (American Strong Ale) by Maritime's Beer was chosen as the commemorative beer for Seattle Beer Week 2011.
(* Label for Decompression from Dean Westling review on Life by the Pint )