USA, CA: Woodfour Brewing Company unexpectedly closes down in Sebastopol

Woodfour Brewing Company, one of the original tenants of The Barlow in Sebastopol, has closed. The brewery and restaurant, which opened in 2013, unexpectedly shuttered in October according to The Barlow founder and real estate developer Barney Aldridge, The Press Democrat reported on November 5.

The 4,000-square-foot space, which includes brewing tanks, restaurant kitchen, patio and dining room, has been closed for several weeks. The Sonoma County Environmental Health and Safety Department posted a sign at the restaurant on Oct. 24 stating that the restaurant was closed due to violations.

A spokesperson from the department said the owners had not renewed their annual permit, leading to an automatic closure after 90 days.

Founded by brewers Seth Wood and Olav Vier, the craft brewery was best known for its sour and barrel-aged beers as well as being the incubator for Ramen Gaijin. The Michelin-noted Japanese ramen and izakaya restaurant, now relocated in the heart of downtown Sebastopol, began as a pop-up at the brewery under chefs Matthew Williams and Moishe Hahn-Schuman.

Aldridge could not provide any further information about the former owners or reason for the closure, but said there was already interest in the location.

There are still many places to hoist a pint at The Barlow. The complex also is home to Crooked Goat Brewing, Golden State Cider and Seismic Brewing Co. (inside the Golden State Cider taproom), along with restaurants, winery tasting rooms and artisan shops.