Cilurzo is regarded as one of the most innovative microbrewers in the country[4] and credited with inventing the beer style Double India Pale Ale, known alternately as Imperial IPA, when he was the head brewer at Blind Pig Brewing Company in Temecula, California.

In 2016, the Cilurzos partnered with Comerica to finance the project,[5] and the Windsor Planning Commission approved the new brewery, pub, and restaurant the following year.

[8] The Windsor facility is differentiated from the Santa Rosa location by its larger size, free parking, expanded menu, and guided brewery tour.

The Cilurzos hoped that the two locations would give tourists and local customers the opportunity "to come and spread out and enjoy the experience on their own terms," especially during the annual Pliny the Younger release, which sometimes resulted in lines around the block.

[13] In late 2014, the production facility is being updated with a four vessel, 50 barrel brewhouse made by AAA Metal Fabrication in Beaverton, Ore.[14] Russian River has distributors in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.