Female run brewery

Co-Owners Talia Nachshon and Meredith Maier own and operate the 2nd all woman-run brewery in California.

Young Hearts, Big Dreams
Many people ask how two women came to run a brewery. In January of 2003, Meredith was complacent in her job selling office equipment and began day dreaming of having a business she could call her own. Meanwhile, Talia Nachshon had graduated from HSU with a degree in recreation administration but opted to follow her mom's advice to "live her 20s" traveling the country and abroad to tend bar in Squaw Valley, South Beach and even Club Med. But she couldn't stay away from Humboldt for long. Talia began working at Six Rivers Brewery under the former owner, she trained up bartenders and taught them that tending bar is all about a good show. One night back in 1998, she told a regular that one day maybe she would run the place. Little did she know five years later it would come true. When Meredith saw the brewery listed for sale in late 2003, she decided to jump in and write a business plan. Meredith had a degree in communications from University of Massachusetts Amherst but had never worked in the restaurant industry. She needed experienced partners. A mutual friend introduced her to Kurt Povirk. Kurt introduced her to Talia. Talia read Meredith's plan and she was in!  The trio purchased the failing brewery in March 2004 and after an intense two-week face lift, was reopened as Six Rivers Brewery.

Women at the Helm
In 2008, Talia and Meredith bought out Kurt to become the second all woman-owned brewery in California. Keeping existing Brewmaster Carlos Sanchez who began his career home brewing in 1990s before going on to work for Mad River Brewery, and Humboldt Brewery. Having been with Six Rivers Brewery since day one, Carlos and his four-member crew are limited only by imagination in the crafting of their award-winning brews. Carlos's son, Darius, is also a part of the family helping with marketing, social media, and design.

Big League Brews
After sponsoring L.A. Fashion Weekend in 2010 they quickly developed a following and were requested by Hollywood event producers for iconic events such as the gift suites for the Oscars and Emmys, celebrity parties and special events at the famous LA Supper Club. They have also been featured in Every Day with Rachel Ray, on the reality dating show EXCUSED and written about in many publications, including Industry Magazine, Celebrator Beer News, and Northwest Brewing News. In 2011 brewery operations took an upward turn. With consistent demand,  production room was added in the brewhouse and 22 oz. bottles were added to their lineup. After a steady increase in distribution the coinciding demand in the following years lead to the need for another larger expansion to alongside the initial production room.  

Meredith Maier

Meredith is the marketing guru behind the brewery's distribution growth and increased brand awareness. She is also very involved with the brewery's giving back to the community. She has overseen donations to hundreds of organizations and attends countless festivals donating beer to help a good cause. She has worked with local non-profit organizations such as the McKinleyville Skatepark and Families Advocating for Autism Now (FA.A.N) to help create specialty brews that raise thousands of dollars for these groups. She also worked closely with Carlos to create Tin Pants Ale, to commemorate Humboldt State University's Centennial Anniversary. The brewery has been a long-time supporter of HSU athletics. 

Along with her role as Brewhouse Coordinator,
she oversees marketing and public relations for the brewhouse and restaurant. She is also an active board member of Humboldt Made, Humboldt County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Sequoia Humane Society. Meredith received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her business experience is something she loves sharing with the next generation of aspiring entrepreneurs; so she is very excited to serve as a judge for the Humboldt Business Challenge 2014-2015 competition. She also recently appeared on Women's Radio Network sharing her and Talia's story of how they came to success. Meredith started a Northern California Chapter of the Pink Boots Society with her co-chair, Kerry, head brewer of Lost Coast Brewery. The group currently has 26 local members.

Talia Nachshon

Talia is famous for her creative party themes; if you want a memorable event Talia is the one to call. She has helped plan rehearsal dinners, weddings, baby showers, first birthdays, sweet 16's and retirement parties for families that have grown up coming to the brewery. She is also active in the Mad River Rotary Club and a busy parent helping serve in Morris School Elementary's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and as the organizer for Mad River Montessori's annual fundraiser.

Talia is the Catering and Restaurant Manager, it is under her direction that the restaurant maintains the highest standards of quality while maintaining its fun vibe. Talia works closely with local food producers to ensure the menu is filled with Humboldt's best, including organic ingredients whenever possible.Talia earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration from HSU.

Talia believes service is about creating a great experience for everyone, putting on a fun show, and lending an ear. This specialized training she gives the staff has led to people dubbing the brewery the "Cheers" of McKinleyville. An "extended living room" as Talia likes to call it. It's no surprise she was voted Best Bartender in Northern California in the 10th Annual North West Brewing News Reader's Choice Award.