Meet ERIN HINES | Owner of Bitter Girl Bitters

We had the good fortune of connecting with ERIN HINES and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started my bitters business about 11 years ago. It was a combination of my love for cocktails as well as gardening. I was able to find a way to take things from my garden and use them in the cocktails that I was creating. I still run every aspect of the business by myself. I grow the ingredients in my backyard and then process them by hand to make bitters. It has been anything but easy. Especially carrying the weight of a business by yourself. Every moment of success and failure belong to you alone. On top of the challenges of being a business owner there are all of the regular life struggles that take part in your journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Petaluma is a small town with big vibes. I would take them to Barber Lee Distillery for cocktails. They use Bitter Girl Bitters exclusively. Dinner and drinks at Easy Rider across the street. This is owned by two of closest friends and soon to be business partners. They feature Southern Style Food with a California Influence. We would head over the Hanson Distillery in Sonoma for some more cocktails and vodka tasting with their organic grape made vodka. They also use and carry Bitter Girl Bitters in their tasting room. While in Sonoma we could stop by Gundlach Bundschu. They are the oldest family owned and operated winery in Sonoma and also big supporters of Bitter Girl Bitters. They have a beautiful outdoor set up where you can catch an amazing sunset. Head to downtown Sonoma on a Tuesday night for the Farmer’s Market in the Square featuring different local food vendors. Thursday night over at Henhouse Brewery Palace of Beer to have a cold one and a fried chicken sandwich by Belfare. Then cross the street to Lagunitas Brewery. They really put Petaluma on the map. Swing by my house for a cocktail or two. Check out the garden and go home with some farm fresh eggs from the chickens and ducks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom is my biggest supporter. She is always there for me when I need reassurance to continue forward.

Website: www.bittergirlbitters.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bittergirlbitters/

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