Craft beer & microbreweries in Wānaka
When you first think about Wānaka, what usually springs to mind? Is it the spectacular rugged mountain scenery and the cool blue colours of the lake? Or maybe that it’s renowned as a popular destination for both Summer and Winter adventures?
What you may not know is what’s been brewing in the background for a number of years – craft beer.
Dating back to 2016, the New Zealand Food Technology recognised that Wānaka was fast becoming a mecca for craft breweries. An article published on their website stated “Wānaka must be up there in terms of breweries per capita records.”
Fast forward 8 years to 2024 and Wānaka is still holding its own, producing some top quality ales. Here’s a list of Wānaka’s four well established microbreweries.
Wānaka Beerworks – Started in 1998 by American Dave Gillies who was sick of drinking ‘run of the mill’ beers, it wasn’t long before the well known “Brewski” was born. Now they produce many styles ranging from lighter pilsners to the darker black coffee stout.
Ground Up Brewery – In 2015 Ground Up was inspired by the founders biggest obsession of climbing and mountaineering (after the beer). The tap room opened in 2018 and now offers a staggering 22 taps of their own brews.
Rhyme X Reason Brewery – In 2017 Rhyme X Reason was created by brewer Jess Wolfgang and engineer Simon Ross. Frustrated by the canning system which was then available on the market – Simon designed his own. They have impressive 14 beers available on tap, which can be enjoyed in the Tap Room, Malt Room or their beer garden.
b.effect Brewery – Started back in 2015 by James Hay. By 2019 the brewery and tasting rooms were created by converting an old car mechanic workshop into the brewery and taproom of their dreams. They now produce a range of beverages: beers, cider, ginger beer and Kombuchas all onsite.
As well as the taproom themselves, there are many places to enjoy these locally produced beers if you’re not here for the festival. Wet your whistle at any of the following establishments in Wānaka town centre:
Cork Bar
Kai Whakapai Eatery & Craft Beer Bar
Wānaka Brew Bar
Lake Bar
Trout
Speights Ale House
If beer is not for you, then there’s always the local Wānaka wines & wine tasting on offer too!
Wānaka is not shy to hosting awesome festivals, with the likes of Rhythm and Alps, Ripe The Wānaka Food and Wine Festival happening every year. The Wānaka Beerfest is no different. It’s come along way since the first one was held in Post Office Lane in 2016. Expect some fantastic live music and DJ’s, games, food trucks, cocktail bars, wine stalls and a of course, plenty of beer to sample to celebrate all things hoppy and hazy. Save the date 7th December 2024, at the A&P Showgrounds.