What wine can teach us
How a five hour drive to wine country is helping us expose the critical role of education in craft beverage making. We recently traveled to Walla Walla, Wash., for a chance to meet with representatives from Walla Walla Community College’s Enology & Viticulture program. A staple in the explosion of the region’s wine industry since 2001, Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) offers degree programs for wine enthusiasts and future vintners and viticulturists, and has become an inspiration for the craft brewing, distilling, and cider making programs in the works at South Puget… Read More
Brewing an industry through innovation and partnership
How does a community create a dynamic and vibrant economic sector that enables local businesses to thrive, provide jobs and opportunities, and puts itself on the map as center of excellence, attracting visitors and customers from around the region and world? Create a unique business ecosystem to foster growth and innovation in a focused industry. The Thurston Craft Brewing and Distilling Innovation Partnership Zone (Craft Brewing IPZ) was created in 2015 to help this community do just that. A designation through the Washington State Department of Commerce, the IPZ helps the region… Read More
Grains conference focuses on local agriculture, west of the Cascades
Great grains are the key to premium craft products. The Cascadia Grains Conference brings together farmers, processors and end‐users, as well as investors, researchers, brokers and local government officials to support rebuilding a grain economy west of the Cascade Mountains in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. The two-day conference will explore value-added enterprises, including brewing and distilling, baking, and other food uses, as well as animal feed. The 2017 Conference is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, January 6 and 7. Day 1: Friday, January 6, 2017 The afternoon field trips feature three tracks: brewing & distilling… Read More
Together, we tell the stories of CRAFT!
Amazing things are happening in our community and across the State to advance the craft beer, cider, and spirits movement. Washington is poised to use this CRAFT movement to create a ripple effect that grows jobs, return on investments, and thriving communities. Together, we’re doing our part to support that growth by creating a Craft Brewing & Distilling Center. This hub builds on Tumwater’s legacy of brewing to benefit our Thurston County community and CRAFT. We’ve created a BLOG (and website)—that you can follow—to keep up with the exciting activities, investments, programs, and… Read More
Distill, My Brewing Heart
In 2015, South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) and numerous community partners recognized a huge opportunity for regional growth—we have the potential to become a nationwide leader in the craft brewing, cider, and distilling industries. With more than 250 craft breweries and 100 micro distilleries in the state, we’re already right at the top for concentration of breweries and distilleries nationwide.
Master Distiller sees value in Craft Brewing and Distilling Center education program
“…educational opportunities that rival or even exceed the caliber of the existing global program.”
Brewers Guild supports the Craft Brewing and Distilling Center
What’s happening in the craft brewing industry? Who’s helping to lead the way? Washington Craft Brewers Guild president Sara Nelson, co-founder of Fremont Brewing assured our team that the “craft” movement is growing. The entrepreneurial climate of “craft” creates jobs, strengthens local economies, and makes neighborhood gathering places. “Craft has revitalized communities around the country,” she said. The Washington Craft Brewers Guild supports the Craft Brewing and Distilling Center in Tumwater. Here’s what they had to say: “The Washington Brewers Guild is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the interests of Washington… Read More
Top Rung Brewing bottles up success
As full-time firefighters in Thurston County, Casey and Jason Stoltz, co-owners of Top Rung Brewing know the importance of safety and excellence. When it comes to brewing beer, fortunately, these self-taught brewers and business owners made some good decisions and recently celebrated their second year with a market share that warrants bottling for distribution. Casey and Jason have been active participants in the resources available to new businesses in Thurston County. They have worked closely with the Center for Business and Innovation in Lacey, a collaboration between South Puget Sound Community… Read More
Get close to history with a Brewery Tour on May 21
Have you ever wondered about the history of the Old Brewhouse in Tumwater, or wished you could see inside this iconic building? Come join us for a unique opportunity to visit this local treasure that has remained a central part of Thurston County and its rich tradition of brewing. On a walking tour of the building and surrounding landscape, you’ll hear about the story of the Schmidt family, where they came from and why they settled in Tumwater, and learn about the City of Tumwater’s efforts to partner with entities to spur… Read More
Tumwater Craft 
You must be logged in to post a comment.