Vinoy Taps Popular Local Microbrews

ST. PETERSBURG – Beer is the new wine for well-heeled consumers seeking out and savoring the best in local and global brews.

In an effort to showcase the best food and drink the region has to offer offer, the Renaissance Vinoy Resort will begin serving microbrews from Tampa Bay Brewing Company in Tampa.

The Tampa Bay Brewing Company microbrews will be available at  Marchand's Bar and Grille and the Promenade Lounge, located inside the spacious 1920s-era hotel.

The Vinoy already offers some local brews, including Florida Avenue Ale from the Cold Storage Craft Brewery in Tampa, but in the coming weeks, it will pour the Tampa Bay Brewing Company beers on tap.

"Currently our hotel group, the Renaissance group, highly encourages us to make sure we offer indigenous offerings whether it be food, beer or wines native to the area," Vinoy general manager Russ Bond said.

"When people travel, with the demographics and the target customers we have, they like to explore and experience local flavor and culture."

So in addition to Cuban-influenced foods, Gulf grouper and Florida Key Lime pie, visitors can sample the best from locally owned breweries.

But it's not just visitors the Vinoy is catering, too. Bond also hopes to lure in more clients locally, whether they are Rays fans or a walkup crowd from Beach Drive.

"There's no question we value the local clientele," Bond said.

The beers will be available in a few weeks, about the same time the hotel finishes a renovation of its lobby.

"People like to sit on our front porch and watch the world go by," Bond said. "We have a growing local following."