Once I started getting into the beer scene after moving to Seattle in 2005, one of the first things I did was join WABL for a bus trip out to Yakima to tour a hop farm and processing plant. To this day, that trip is one of the highlights of all the great things I’ve experienced in the Washington beer world. Yakima Valley contains about 75% of the total United States hop acreage. Being this close to the source is something that many of us take for granted, but visiting is definitely something that should be on any beer geek’s radar.

If you are interested in visiting a hop farm, Schooner Exact is embarking on their 3rd annual Hop Field Trip on Saturday, August 29. The cost is $200 per person, but you get more than just transportation to the farm. In addition to the trip to the hop fields, you’ll get a gourmet dinner, you’ll help brew a fresh hop IPA and much more. The event will sell out, so get in touch today if you are interested.

More details from Schooner Exact:

Our 3rd Annual Hop Field Trip is set for Saturday, August 29th! Tour a working hop farm in Yakima Valley, harvest this year’s Amarillo crop straight off the vine, help brew a fresh hop IPA, AND eat a scrumptious meal prepared by our chef. You’ll probably drink a few beers, too. Space is extremely limited and selling fast!

Stop by the brewery or call (206) 432-9734 to get on the waiting list today.

What’s included:

– Virgil Gamache Hop Farm: Exclusive Tour

– Harvest fresh hops from the vine

– Participate in brewing a Fresh Hop IPA

– Farm Fresh Hop IPA commemorative bottle*

– Schooner EXACT’s Fresh Hop IPA bottle

– Continental breakfast prior to departure

– Round-trip transportation on a luxury coach

– Light sack lunch

– Gourmet dinner, crafted by Chef Joshua Beckham

– $50 gift card
Tickets: $200/person (alcohol not included**)
*to be picked up at brewery after bottling
**DUE to licensing restrictions, event is BYOB. Taproom open to accommodate same day purchases.

2015 Hop Field Trip Dinner Menu

Pork Ribs
blackberry-ancho barbecue sauce

Glazed Beef
porter teriyaki

Hop-Cured Salmon
capers, dill cream cheese

Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon Salad

IPA Caesar Salad
pork belly croutons, shaved parmesan

Farro with Sweet Corn
preserved lemon, parsley

Spicy Chili and Cheddar Cornbread

Drunken Pinto Beans
brown ale, onions, cilantro

Vanilla Pana Cotta
caramelized stone fruit