The former Southwick Feed Warehouse at 707 College Highway could soon be the new home of the Westfield River Brewing Company. The move from their present location on Mainline Drive in Westfield would allow more production space. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
Westfield River Brewing Company on Mainline Drive in Westfield could soon be moving their operations to 707 College Highway in Southwick. The move would allow for increased production and room for expansion. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – The Westfield River Brewing Company is getting closer to moving into the former Southwick Feed Warehouse and longtime Chuck’s Steak House property.
The topic came before the Board of Selectmen this week and Chairman Russell Fox said he had some questions in regard to the license.
“It would be a Farmer/Brewers license,” said Fox, “and would allow them to have samples to sell. I have some questions.”
Selectmen Joseph Deedy said he attended last week’s planning board meeting on a permit request for the brewing business and the question he was concerned about was with the size of the samples.
“The license comes from the state but we are in charge of whether it’s an eight ounce or a 16 ounce sample is my understanding.” said Deedy. “They can charge for samples but he can only pour what he produces there. It’s not a bar.”
Board members were confused because they thought samples typically were free and smaller in size than the eight or 16 ounce options outlined by the state.
“So it’s the size that is in question not whether or not they can charge for the samples,” said Selectwoman Tracy Cesan. “Wineries charge for samples all the time.”
Fox suggested that the board involve Police Sgt. Robert Landis and have him compare what other communities do in similar situations.
“Once we have this information we can set up a hearing.” said Fox, adding that he would “like to see him come to town.”
Cesan agreed.
“I would love to see that property used,” she said.
Local brewers – including Westfield River Brewing – are being supported by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) with the Massachusetts Craft Brewers Passport. The passport, developed in partnership with the Massachusetts Brewers Guild (MBG), promotes more than 60 craft breweries across the state and the local ingredients they use.
“Massachusetts has some of the best craft breweries in the country, with brewers who take pride in the quality ingredients found in the Commonwealth,” said DAR Commissioner Greg Watson. “Developing new customers for our growers and building consumer awareness of our breweries is critical for the success of these ventures and the Buy Local movement.”
The Massachusetts Craft Brewers Passport features a map of the Commonwealth, with the locations of local breweries split into five regions. Breweries that use Massachusetts-grown ingredients are indicated with a small tractor icon. At each brewery, visitors can get their passport stamped and when a region in completed, they can receive a free T-shirt. Downloadable passports and information for both brewers and growers is available at www.mass.gov/massgrown and http://www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/culinary_tourism/brewery_tours.htm.
“Identifying new markets for our growers is always a priority, and we are pleased to support this farm to glass project for Massachusetts farmers and craft breweries in the Commonwealth,” said Jay Healy, State Director of Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“The Massachusetts Brewers Guild is extremely excited to be partnering with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and USDA Rural Development to create the ‘Massachusetts Beer Trail,'” said MBG President Rob Martin. “The beer trail is an outstanding opportunity for brewers to connect with their local consumer and vice-versa. With such vibrant brewing and farming communities in Massachusetts it seemed only natural to promote these two time-honored professions through this program.”
Many of these breweries feature locally-grown ingredients from Massachusetts, such as locally-grown and malted grains, fresh hops and indigenous yeast strains. Valley Malt, the region’s first micro-maltster in Hadley, works with local farmers who supply organic grains. Hops grown at Four Star Farm in Northfield and Clover Hill Farm in Hardwick are also used in many local brews. Breweries also use Massachusetts apples, herbs, honey, maple syrup, cranberries, peaches, oysters, pumpkins and blueberries.
Westfield River Brewing currently grows some of its own ingredients.
“We have been growing a half-acre of hops for two years now,” said owner Sergio Bonavita. “Now we’re ready to start two acres this year.”
Bonavita said that within five years they hope to have 20 acres of hops planted on land behind the former Chuck’s at 707 College Highway that he will lease from John Whalley.
“There is a shortage of hops and this way we can control our hops supply and costs,” said Bonavita.
If the Westfield River Brewing Company does not need the entire crop, Bonavita said they will be able to sell it to local microbreweries and home brewers.
