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News of the Food Liquid Power By Gretchen Giles They say that it takes a lot of good beer to make any amount of good wine, and in California, the beer industry contributes some $22 billion to the state economy. According to a new economic study commissioned by the National Beer Wholesalers Association, in North Bay congressional districts one and six alone, the suds flow in at almost $28 million in local wages for more than 7,000 workers in Sonoma, Marin and Napa counties who toil away turning hops into something far more hepped. Almost $1 billion in total revenue is generated by the beer industry in the tri-county area, a staggering number when one considers that the closest megabrewery is the Budweiser factory near Fairfield. All of which good fiscal news makes us strangely thirsty. With summer allegedly just around the corner, and breweries releasing special recipes in its honor, now may be the perfect time to visit your revenue-generating neighborhood pub of industry. Below we offer a select group of choices: Sonoma County Bear Republic Brewing Co. Home to the Racer 5, the Red Rocket Ale and the winner of the Best Of readers' pick for bartender, Ryan Lindecker. 345 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707.431.7258. Dempsey's Restaurant and Brewery The Red Rooster Ale inspires devotion in thousands of Petalumans--daily. 50 E. Washington St., Petaluma. 707.765.9694. Lagunitas Brewing Co. Its slate of popular "420" parties have been temporarily suspended due to nasty licensing foibles, but the website offers an e-mail sign up for their eventual return to fabulous Thursday afternoon form. www.lagunitas.com. Russian River Brewing Co. Beware Pliny the Elder! Fortunately, Temptation makes its way into bottles this month. 725 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.707.545.BEER. Stumptown Brewery On the river, over the river, of the river--worth a drive to the river. 15045 River Road, Guerneville. 707.869.0705 Third Street Aleworks Brewmistress Denise Jones specializes in winning awards and in German-style brews. 610 Third St., Santa Rosa. 707.523.3060. Napa County Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery Grab a seat outside and listen to the creek and the gossip. 250 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. 707.942.4101. Downtown Joe's American Grill and Brewhouse The Tail Waggin' Amber Ale is May's beer of the month in honor of women who like dancin' and drinkin'; features a feminine floral nose. 902 Main St., Napa. 707.258.2337. Marin County Iron Springs Pub and Brewery Wake up with the Fairfax Porter, made from coffee roasted fresh, just down the street. Beer and caffeine--the perfect combination. 765 Center Blvd., Fairfax. 415.485.1005. Marin Brewing Co. Owner Brendan Moylan, the genius brewmaster behind the eponymous San Rafael brewery, continues the fine tradition started when MB Co. first began. 1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. 415.461.HOPS. Moylan's Brewery and Restaurant Get the Kilt-Lifter Scotch ale just because. 15 Rowland Way, Novato. 415.898.4677. [ North Bay | Metroactive Central | Archives ]