A week highlighting local brews

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - After a nationwide vote last, May, Grand Rapids officially became known as Beer City USA. With 15 breweries in the Grand Rapids area, it's easy to see why Grand Rapids has received this title.

According to ratebeer.com , Founder's Brewing Co. has been named the 3rd best brewery in the world and it serves one of the planet's top 10 beers.  The website  has also highlighted Hopcat as the number one brewpub in the nation and for the last several years the number three beer bar on earth. Another Grand Rapids brewery that was recently in the news, is Vivant Brewery, rated one of the top 25 new places in Midwest Living's 2012 poll.

A great way to sample many of the brews that these  breweries offer is by participating in "Cool Brews Hot Eats" February 18 -March 2, 2013. Mark your calendars for a fun week of sipping craft beer and warming up with delicious food from area restaurants. Participating restaurants will offer specials that will included beer pairing options or dining choices created with beer. For a list of restaurants participating in "Cool Brews Hot Eats" click here.

Amy Sherman, is a home brewer, chef and local host of the show, "The Great American Brew Trail." This weekly show follows Amy across the USA and she captures the excitement and growth of the microbrewery industry. You can watch the "Great American Brew Trail" on Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. on WOTV 4 Women.

If you're interested in hitting the brew trail with Amy Sherman, she is offering a field trip to Asheville, North Carolina May 2-5, 2013. The trip includes behind the scenes tour and tastings at several breweries,distilleries and vineyards, as well as lodging and special activities. For more information contact Hungry Village Tours at 269-857-1700 or email info@hungryvillagetours.com.