Twelve ounces to freedom: BarrelHouse Brewing Co. is set to release its first 12-ounce bottle six packs of their top brands, BarrelHouse IPA and Sunny Daze! The best-selling beers are a yin and yang of craft beer geekery, if you will: The IPA is hoppy and dank with a twist of mango, while Sunny Daze is smooth and citrusy with layers of bright honey flavor. You can get both of these bodacious beers at BarrelHouse’s two locations, in Paso and SLO (for more details, go to barrelhousebrewing.com) … Summer’s not nearly over, but you’ve still got to think about what fun you’ll be having this fall (it’s the most responsible thing to do, right?) Case in point: Tickets have just gone on sale for Madonna Inn’s annual Oktoberfest this Oct. 1, a celebration of lederhosen, German grub, and ice cold Firestone Walker Brewing Co. magic. Plan your sick day now and head over to madonnainn.com for all the dirty details.

Doing good while eating meat

The best part of the fair? The fair animals, of course! This year, the California Women for Agriculture (CWA) San Luis Obispo County chapter is supporting 21 youth 4-H and FFA projects at the California Mid-State Fair. The nonprofit has already purchased a market lamb from the annual fair auction and a portion of the animal will be served up during the group’s Burgers & Brews Festival and Competition coming up Sept. 4 at the Loading Chute in Creston (you can try the lamb, too; tickets can be found at burgersandbrews2016.brownpapertickets.com) … The first ever Central Coast Beef and Wine Festival will sizzle up a hefty portion of red meat this Aug. 6 at Halter Ranch Vineyard in Paso, so you might want to do your juice cleanse now. Presented by FARMstead ED, the event will feature beef from Harris Ranch, Ancient Peaks Winery, and Hearst Ranch Winery, wine from six Paso wineries (including Bridlewood Estate Winery and Jack Creek Cellars), and barbecue from Cowboy Flavor. Proceeds benefit must! Charities and the SLO CattleWomen, so you know you’re chewing for good (tickets on sale at farmsteaded.com).

Fruit forward fun

More barbecue? Yes please! The Rhone Rangers are gearing up for its Rhones on the Range Summer Barbecue and Wine Tasting this Aug. 16, at Cass Winery in Paso Robles. The barbecue dinner includes tri-tip, chicken, and homemade salsa served alongside wine from 29 participating wineries, live music, and cheese tasting (tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2581352) … The Central Coast Wine Classic will uncork this Aug. 10 through 14, with vineyard tours of Edna Valley and Paso Robles wineries, and symposiums that range from the nitty gritty on Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to Australian wines to “vintage Champagne and Caviar” (oh my!). Plus, this year, there’s also events happening at the one and only Hearst Castle (for tickets and a lineup of offerings, go to centralcoastwineclassic.org). 

Hayley Thomas could go for some champagne and caviar. She can be reached at [email protected].