The Good Brewer, Livermore

Twice a month, the outside of The Good Brewer transforms into a laboratory of tanks, kegs, tubes, and various brewing supplies. At this workstation, the store's experts lead classes that teach home brewers everything they need to know about making and bottling their own beer to choosing the right hops.

Back inside, the staff supplies the equipment and ingredients needed to put these skills into practical use. Hops, CO2 tanks, and more than 30 recipes help beer-makers brew varieties such as a Livermore IPA. Aside from beer ingredients, they also sell grapes so customers can craft merlots that pair well with the finished products from the Mad Millie cheese-making kits.