Grand Opening in Point Loma / Midway

In April, California Wild Ales’ owners revealed some big news. After a solid eight years at their Sorrento Valley headquarters, they decided to pack up and move over to Point Loma. There, they’d be sharing a space with Five Star Fish Processing.

This move was more than just changing addresses; it involved some serious renovations. They installed an oak foeder and got themselves all-new wine and spirit barrels to age their array of matured, often fruity sour, wild, and mixed-culture beers. Not to mention, they also built a tasting room so that beer enthusiasts could get their fix right at the source. And after four months of hard work, that tasting room is finally nearing completion and will be ready for a soft opening on Friday, September 8.

Co-owner Bill DeWitt explained, “The soft opening will allow us to fine-tune our operations while also building connections within the community before the grand opening. We’re enthusiastic about sharing our innovative brews and creating lasting memories for our patrons.”

Now, let’s talk about the aesthetics. This new 1,200-square-foot public venue is all about unique and creative interior design. You’ll find three-dimensional Lego sculptures by Mortarless Bricks, mirrors, and reclaimed wood from their Sorrento Valley location, giving a nod to the original tasting room.

But it’s not all about the beer. They’ve got some entertainment lined up for you too. There’s a small arcade with a four-player retro-style cabinet loaded with a whole bunch of games. They’ve also got three more video-game cabinets on order. If old-school gaming is your thing, they’ve got a collection of board and bar-top games too, from ring-toss to washers. And for the ultimate spectator experience, check out their massive 18-foot-by-10.5-foot movie screen.

Bill DeWitt couldn’t be more thrilled, saying, “This has got to be one of the largest screens outside of Petco Park. It’s downright massive, and I think once people see it, it will become a major draw for this location. We will be showing live sporting events—the Gulls, the Padres, NFL games, et cetera—as well as live-streaming concerts. Our new spot is going to be a fantastic place to catch live games, enjoy a craft beer, and soak up the atmosphere.”

Now, let’s get to the good stuff—the beer. With 20 taps at your service, here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect to sip on:

• Warzone West Coast IPA
• The Point West Coast IPA
• Up the Hill Hazy IPA
• Rainbow Weather Double Hazy IPA
• Pesky Parrot Pale Ale
• Bike Lane Lager
• Dragon Fruit, Blueberry, Blackberry, and Raspberry Sour Ale
• German Chocolate Cake Dark Sour
• Oak Barrel-aged Saison (collaboration with OB Brewery)
• Mead Barrel-aged Flanders-style Red Ale (collaboration with 13 Point Brewing)
• Super Cuvée Brewer’s Blend
• Buzzed Bee Sur Ale (collaboration with HBHL and Lost Cause Meadery)
• Sour Quadrupel with Kakawa Cold-brew Coffee
• Sour Meyer Lemon Radler
• Peach Hard Seltzer

Unlike their Sorrento Valley location, this tasting room will also serve up some everyday grub thanks to their neighbors at The Last Typewriter. You can dig into gourmet burgers, fusion-style fried chicken, toasted sandwiches, and more, all ordered conveniently from a wall-mounted tablet.

General Manager Monica DeWitt sums it up, saying, “We’ve created an inviting and exciting space that’s designed for both beer enthusiasts and those looking for a unique, community-oriented experience.”

Co-owner Zack Brager adds, “There will be a bigger focus on events at this location. The space will allow us to be really creative; it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Get ready for a flurry of events, starting with the soft opening on September 8, followed by an industry-night launch on September 9, and the grand opening on September 15, complete with a golden sour ale aged on Cabernet Franc grapes and live music from Tecolote Canyon from 4 to 6 p.m.

After that, Mortarless Bricks will hold Bricks and Brews events twice a month, where you can design, build, and race your own creations. And for the entire month of October, California Wild Ales is turning into a horror movie haven and hosting live podcast recordings with industry colleague Kelly Cashman for her show, B Movie and a Beer.

As for their hours of operation, they’re taking it slow at first to get acquainted with their new neighborhood. Initially, you can swing by Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m., with adjustments for concerts and sporting events at nearby Pechanga Arena.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to experience California Wild Ales in Point Loma, located at 3826 Sherman Street. It’s going to be a memorable journey, that’s for sure!