Bill Wood, Brewer

Bill Wood is our brewer here at the Elk Grove Brewery and Restaurant. He is the heart and soul that makes the brewery what it is. Fine microbrews to his taste and liking and the numerous national and international awards and recognition. But what Bill does is makes a great beer consistantly. And that is a key. Bill is a great person, fun, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to be around. He really knows his craft. He works hard at what has made the brewery world famous. Bill is our ambassador to the world of brewing and for the awards that have come in, he is a true master of his craft. Bill is supported by a wonderful wife and two children. We are glad Bill has made the brewery his home as it is for many of our loyal patrons. In my own words, Bill is truly a great guy and good friend.

-Chris Correa, owner

Bill's own words:

I asked Bill to give us a little history about his start and career in brewing. So in Bill's own words, here is what he had to share.

"My brewing career started with home brewing in my brothers garage in the late '80s. We brewed many styles of beer, but our favorites were our Alt Bier ("Alt! Who goes there!"), Porter ("Goat Scrotum Porter") and Vienna Lager (it was too good to name). At the time I was working as a field technician for a local Geo-technical Engineering firm (Raney Geo-technical). Having had a great success home brewing and after completely digesting Charlie Papazian's "Joy of Home brewing" (a book I still use today), I realized that brewing professionally was something I really wanted to do. My goal was to attend the Brew Master program through U.C.Davis Extension program. In order to apply I had to fulfill some prerequisites at community college (Sacramento City College). During this time my brother, who was living in Elk Grove, heard that a brewery was going in at the General Store Building. I went in, filled out an application and met Dave and Kathy Ogden, the original owners. Dave was also interested in brewing and hired me as a bartender/ server with the idea that I would help with the brewing as needed. Soon Dave realized that running the restaurant was a big enough job and that I seemed to actually know what I was doing. In the beginning we did not brew that often so I caught hours bartending, serving and cooking. Within a year I was getting most of my hours brewing and had stopped going to school. Working as a brewer was education enough! In the Summer of 1996 we won our first award, a 3rd place for the Big, But Blond at the CA state fair. And the rest , as they say is history!"

-Bill Wood, Brewer

If you would like to write to Bill about anything relating to beer or just a friendly few words, please do so by clicking here

Do not ask for any collectables or other items through this address. Please write for all other information and questions to info@elkgrovebrewery.com. Thank you.