In 2001, Rod started Grapes & Grains, a small "part-time" concern dedicated to wine and beer appreciation without pretense. One of his early venues for educational tastings was our Lafayette shop's cellar, a tradition now celebrating it's twelfth anniversary.  Occasionally, he hosts them in our Berkeley store after hours, a delightful venue for tasting and learning...

our SF beer week experience ~ EXTREME Ale & Cheese! 

Bring your Valentine to a Berkeley-style Mardi Gras! Strong beers deserve strong flavor partners... and what's better with your favorite "wee-heavy" than a nice ripe wedge of complex cheese? EXTREME will pair numerous chewy, pungent ales with a handful of rich & fragrant cheeses specially selected by our in-house monger. Discover how this decadent duo makes the perfect companion to a cold winter's night. All you need now is a nice warm fire - or a cab to Rockridge BART! 

MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YRS OF AGE TO ATTEND. 7pm Tues, Feb 12th in our Ashby/Claremont store. $30 gets you a bottomless tasting glass!