Sierra Nevada... the tap room and beyond

I hadn't really planned on doing a blog posting, but I thought this was interesting and new to me, even though I have been to the Sierra Nevada tap room several times.

A rather last minute change in plans gave us the opportunity to take our house guest to the tap room for dinner last night. Even if you don't have time or couldn't manage to book a brewery tour, the Sierra Nevada "campus" is a great place to take visitors. 

The winding driveway leading to the brewery, landscaped with native plants, decorated with brewery "art" and boulder retaining walls, is much shorter, but still reminiscent of the anticipation-building road into the Biltmore Estate. And then when you see the expanse of the brewery, it's pretty architectural details and the gleaming copper tanks inside the window-paned building, it's obvious that no expense was spared in constructing this brewery. It's like the Taj Mahal of breweries!

The entrance to the restaurant is also impressive.

We were escorted to a table in the furthest back room of the restaurant, which actually has the exterior walls open to the outside during good weather. So it was sort of the best place to be eating and enjoying a pint on a warm spring evening... indoors, but then also sort of outdoors.

As usual we enjoyed a selection of interesting and delicious tapas along with our choice from the 29 or so taps available. There are wine options as well as non-alcoholic options, too, so you don't really have to be a beer lover to go here and enjoy yourself.

As we were dining, I had a view of the outdoors and I could see several people leave the dining room after eating and wander outside with their half full glasses to enjoy the rest of their beer. So when we were done eating, I suggested we explore the "back yard."

 First of all, there is an extensive organic garden which couldn't have looked more perfect. I took some photos of the strawberries which were in blossom to give you a sample of how perfect the gardens looked.

Here is the outdoor stage.

My back was facing the tap room as I took this photo and there is a fair amount of lawn space and other seating available. We were told that if you go to the sierranevada.com website you can see the line up of performers who will be on stage Sundays from 2-5 PM throughout the rest of the spring and summer seasons. The concerts are free, and if you wish you can purchase beverages and food. 

There were play areas for all ages... corn hole... a gated young children's play space... courts where you could play something like bocce ball (they called it something else and had the easy rules posted)... and just room to run around... and spaces to relax.

This SN truck was on display.

I wished I had taken a few more shots of the hops plants, at least I think they are hops. I believe my camera was trying to focus on the people in the background and so the hops flower got a little out of focus.

And this nice dogwood tree caught my eye.

The grounds are really beautiful and designed to be enjoyed. I'm so glad we got to explore a little, as we are now eager to return and enjoy one of those outdoor concerts!