Do The Hop, The Berkeley Drinks District Hop!

"It was such a beautiful day in the neighborhood that even Mr. Rogers would have skipped the sweater-vest and grabbed a wine glass," according to Bill B., who joined 150 of his East Bay Elite neighbors on Sunday to discover a hidden corner of Berkeley that's becoming known, fondly, as the "Drinks District." Three drinkeries are responsible for this spirited revival: Donkey & Goat Winery, Broc Cellars, and Trumer Pils Brauerei, and Yelp Elites spent an entire afternoon hopping between the three for what Troy M likened to a "mini, refined pub crawl." The smell of spicy chorizo and sizzlin' shrimp lured Lorissa W to Donkey & Goat's back patio where Venga Paella "had three giant stoves working overtime, making sure every little plate of paella had shrimp, fish, and calamari in it." Stephanie M was sufficiently charmed by her "plateful of moist, seafood-y goodness," confessing "if I wasn't so caught up in the Grenache Blanc, I most certainly would have" stood in line for seconds. Four Donkey & Goat wines were being poured by the "humorous and affable" tasting room team, while Amber Gougis enchanted the crowd with her sultry jazz vocals. "The sweet sound" of her voice "made it hard to move on," but Noel M perservered to Hop Stop #2… Down an ivy-covered alleyway, Broc Cellars welcomed guests into their urban home where "the wine flowed plentifully from their uniquely labeled bottles," giving Robin L "a new perspective on where to hang out on a sunny Sunday afternoon." Roussanne and the Vine Starr White blend were poured in the cool shade of their garage-style barrel room, while two Broc reds, 100% Mourvedre and "Its Complicated" Valdiguie, were a unique treat for wine-wearing palates. Jensyn H could hardly believe her eyes, stumbling upon three of her favorite things, "the Cypress Grove cheese plates, the amazing mourvedre, and a banjo!? Now, that's my style!" Just around the corner, and prime hopping distance from the wine tasting action, world-famous Trumer Pils Brauerei opening their doors for tours & tallboys of their signature brew, which tastes extra "clean and refreshing" straight from the tap, Kenneth R notes. Since there's no better pairing for a cold beer than a spicy fish taco, Rubio's was the perfect addition to the summery scene, grilling up fresh mango habanero tacos with a kick, while banjo sensation Isaac Cantor strummed up some seriously good vibes, making the whole experience "feel like hanging out at your friend's BBQ, getting a bit tipsy on a Sunday afternoon," for Troy M. After all the luscious sips and savory bites, Ben K had an ah-ha moment: "Honestly, I'm not sure why I don't spend every Sunday afternoon feeling the sun pour down with a glass of wine in my hand." Funny,  we were just thinking the same thing…

Find inspiration for next weekend's itinerary on the event review page, explore the Drinks District photos on Flickr, and share your favorite hoppin' spots on our Facebook page.

Until next time,

East Bay Community Manager, Nique F & drinking buddies, Jessica T, Jocelyn B and Jessie B