By Shyla Batliwalla
The sun is shining and the evenings aren't below freezing, and in our wacky city, that means fall is officially here. Celebrate the new season with in the best way we San Franciscans know how to -- with alcohol. These five local beer, wine and booze makers are putting our metropolis on the map.
21st Amendment: SOMA's brew haven, 21st Amendment is known for their in-house crafted seasonal ales. Two of their most famous brews, Brew Free or Die and Hell or High Watermelon Wheat Beer garnered so much fame that they've been distributed in shops around the Bay. They keep about seven to eight types of beer varying from light to dark on tap at all time, a light one, a hoppy one and a lighter one, perfect for all your brewskie needs.21st Amendment, 563 2nd St.; 415-369-0900 or 21st-amendment.com
Old World Spirits: Old World Spirits is a family owned, artisanal distillery and winery just 20 minutes south of the city in Belmont. Their carefully crafted -- and multiple award winning -- spirits include Absinthe, Gin and multiple intricate liqueurs. Check out where you can grab a taste of their creations here. (P.S. They're also the architects behind Dosa's original Dosa Blade Gin.)Old World Spirits,121 Industrial Road #3 and #4, Belmont, (650-622-9222 or oldworldspirits.com)
Magnolia: A Haight Street institution, Magnolia brews their beer in a seven-barrel brewery beneath the pub. Their signature small size allows them to get creative and honor traditional brewing traditions. They love being a part of the imaginative spirit of the neighborhood. If you're overwhelmed by their extensive selection, go for the Kalifornia Kolsch or their Proving Ground IPA -- you'll fall in love.Magnolia, 1398 Haight Street at Masonic (415-864-7468 or magnoliapub.com)
Treasure Island Wines: Just four years old, Treasure Island Wines is the first fully fitted urban winery on Treasure Island. Their expert staff of winemakers is known for crafting intricate and delicious batch wines. Instead of hightailing it to Napa the next time you crave a wine-o afternoon, visit Treasure Island and try their five artisanal wines and a carefully selected collection of local varietals.Treasure Island Wines, 995 9th Street Building 201, Corner of 9th Street and Avenue I, Treasure Island (415-394-9463 or tiwines.com)
Windsor Vineyards: Started in Tiburon-based Victorian cottage of wine legend Rodney Strong, Windsor Vineyards has been operating since 1959. Their current tasting room on the Healdsburg Plaza is the perfect place to taste Windsor's award-winning wines and escape the concrete jungle. Don't miss their 2007 Windsor Blancde Noirs, Carneros given 87 Points by Wine and Spirits.Windsor Vineyards, 72 Main Street, Belvedere Tiburon, (415-435-3113 or windsorvineyards.com)