On May 18, San Diego’s largest craft brewer, Stone Brewing Co., announced plans to expand their current operations, making San Diego even more of a craft beer destination. Members of the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau joined the press for a special behind-the-scenes tour of Stone Brewing Co.’s current and future sites.
Co-founder and CEO Greg Koch brimmed with excitement as he announced the details of the $20 million expansion. In addition to adding 55,000 sq. ft. of brewing production space to their current Escondido location which comprises a brewery and bistro, Stone will open a second brewery and bistro at Liberty Station in the waterfront Point Loma neighborhood.
Scheduled to open in early 2012, the new Stone World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station will include a full-service bistro offering their innovative fare highlighting local, organic and sustainably produced food; 40 rotating taps of local, domestic and international microbrews and more than 100 bottle selections; daily brewery tours, special tasting and pairing dinners on-site, a Bocce ball court, and a space for al fresco movie screenings.
Stone Brewing Co. also announced the lease of the property formerly known as La Milpa Organic Farms, a beloved small farm in San Diego’s North County. The new Stone Farms will be an organic and sustainable farm used to grow produce for the brewery’s two bistro locations as well as for hosting special events.
Perhaps the most unexpected announcement of the day was Stone Brewing Co.’s plans to incorporate a boutique hotel into their Escondido facilities. Slated to open in 2013, the 40-50 room property will be located directly across the street from Stone World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido, so beer lovers won’t have to travel far after their tastings to rest their heads.
–Candice Eley
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