4 Breweries collaborate to highlight McMinnville, Oregon craft beer scene
McMinnville, Oregon is best known for it’s wineries, but within a 5-block radius in the historic downtown area is a tight-knit and supportive network of craft beer brewers. Four of McMinnville’s seven breweries (2 others are gluten-free, and the other a nano is not selling commercially) have partnered up on a new beer to show that the Willamette Valley doesn’t just produce world-class wine, but top-tier craft beers as well. Their Four Rows Saison-Style Farmhouse Ale will be available for purchase and served on draft in all locations starting in late July.
Oregon is recognized worldwide for the excellent beers produced all over the state, and McMinnville is not an exception but a standard-bearer for small towns that have are destination worthy for both beer and wine. For the first time ever, four McMinnville-based breweries (Golden Valley Brewery, Heater Allen Brewing, Grain Station Brew Works, and ForeLand Beer) have come together to celebrate McMinnville’s beer scene by releasing their first collaboration beer, the Four Rows Saison Farmhouse Ale.
This crisp and dry brew features aromas of citrus and black pepper phenols, and was made with a carefully balanced mix of Pilsner, Vienna and Rye and hopped with Saaz and Hallertau Blanc. Ringing in at a 4.5-5% ABV, this is a perfect summer sipper.
The Four Rows Saison Farmhouse Ale will be offered on tap in all of the four participating breweries' taprooms starting in late July. It will also be available to purchase in 750ml glass bottles locally, and in select specialty bottle shops in and around Portland.
Alex Kircher, General Manager of Golden Valley Brewery and Restaurant, says: “We’re excited to release this Saison made in collaboration with our community of breweries here in McMinnville, Oregon. It’s easy to get inspired by our neighbors’ creativity and passion, and we plan to see this collaboration lead to an ongoing series of beers made through these partnerships.”
This release showcases how the creativity and collaboration of Oregon’s wine country transcends the wine industry. McMinnville has long been an ideal place to start, grow or expand breweries. Over 6 breweries now call Downtown McMinnville home, and the number continues to grow. “There’s so much happening here in McMinnville when it comes to breweries!” shares Kircher, “This Saison is a love letter to the brewers that make our town great—we want everyone to know that McMinnville doesn’t just make great wine!”
Heater Allen Brewing is a small lager brewery that specializes in producing distinctive all-malt German and Czech-style beers. They use the best possible ingredients: German malt, German, Czech, and Oregon hops, combined with McMinnville's naturally soft water mean traditionally made beers-of-place. Visitors can find their newly-renovated taproom in McMinnville, where they can snack on hot dogs or bring their own picnic feasts.
Grain Station Brew Works calls home a renovated timber barn in the heart of McMinnville’s Historic Granary District. There, they brew their craft beers, sourced from the outskirts of McMinnville, served alongside delicious, classic northwest casual dining. Beer-lovers can also find them in Monmouth.
ForeLand Beer is dedicated to the art and craft of brewing, with a focus on traditional lagers, hop forward ales, and classic English pub beers. They draw inspiration from the diverse natural world of the Pacific Northwest and translate that into the beer they brew. ForeLand Beer's brewery and taproom is located in downtown McMinnville along with a satellite taproom in SE Portland.
Golden Valley Brewery has been making hand-crafted beers since 1993, at which time it was just the 12th post-prohibition micro-brewery in the State of Oregon. They make complex, balanced beers that pair beautifully with their farm-to-table menu which features a variety of fresh dishes, sourced from their Organic Practice garden and the greater Willamette Valley. You can find Golden Valley Brewery in both McMinnville and Beaverton.
About McMinnville, Oregon
McMinnville is centered in the heart of Oregon’s wine country. The town is a warm, inviting, friendly destination. Whether it’s the nostalgic feeling of walking below the twinkle-light filled trees lining the historic downtown or enjoying some of the world’s best Pinot noir, visitors are sure to experience the warmth of the people of McMinnville. Farm-to-table restaurants, shopping, wine tasting, arts and culture, and lodging experiences as welcoming as the town itself all make up a part of the fabric of McMinnville’s culture. For more information, head to visitmcminnville.com.