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The Margaret River Region, famous for its fine wine production, award-winning food experiences and iconic beaches is now rising in the craft beer industry ranks as one of the fastest growing micro-brewery regions in Australia. And why wouldn’t it be, as winemakers enjoy good wine they equally love to drink and produce locally brewed craft beer and spirit labels, whether flavoured with their own Australian South West characteristics, or their mates' down the road. Much to thirsty beer enthusiast’s excitement, two new
craft breweries have just turned on their taps in time for summer. The Beer Farm and Black Brewing Co. are now open to the public offering unique venues and personalised stories. On the edge of Margaret River town are two new forest set venues, the Margaret River Distilling Company and the Brewhouse (launching January 2016). These unique experiences are within walking distance of each other and the town’s main street. They offer bushland garden views and a variety of premium quality, locally produced spirits and craft beers. These new taster destinations have created a unique in-town precinct as you enter Margaret River with walking and cycling access ready for summer. Common threads link these venues on a unique Margaret River Region ale trail; stories that tell of brewer collaborations, passion for great craft flavours and a commitment to regionally sourced ingredients. The Beer Farm Micro-BreweryIan Atkins, Director of the WA-owned brewery, lives on-site of what was an original working dairy farm in Metricup. His
trusty team members are Young Henry east coast micro-brewery converts and together they have launched a beer-centric destination. Offering a rustic and historic experience The Beer Farm uses the converted dairy farm as a visitor venue. The main entrance was the old creamery; the Roundhouse (where the cows were milked) is now the Brewhouse and the tavern tasting bar is the old hay shed overlooking 30 head of grain fed cattle grazing its picturesque property. Brewing and pouring their own quality speciality beers the bar serves an Australian Bitter made from 94% WA sourced ingredients and a Cider made from locally sourced Manjimup apples. A lager and brown lager are in the works and small
batch wine and spirit maker collaborations add to the bar menu. And as you would expect in Australia’s South West's world class gourmet food destination, the grazing stock in view will soon be a part of the paddock to plate food truck offering. Family friendly, this venue is a perfect start to an ale trail adventure with plenty of space for kids to stretch their legs. More on The Beer Farm Black Brewing Co.Black Brewing Co. is the distilling arm of Sampson & Bowen and is located in what was the former Duckstein Brewery at Saracen Estate. Purpose built it has a cellar door, restaurant and craft brewery along Caves Road, Wilyabrup. It is a great ‘next ale trail stop’ that enjoys estate water views plus has a kids playground. Black Brewing Co.’s production capability is 160,000 litres of beer per year in the German built brewery. A significant step up from its humble suburban beginnings in Stewart Sampson’s back shed. Robert Bowen, an international awarded local wine maker and Stewart Sampson will produce a range of beer in collaboration with brewers around the country. Lovers of great wine they equally love drinking beer and spirits so the goal is to produce beers that reflect their interpretation of the south west
palette. Boutique craft beer labels are available on tap and Robert Bowen and Pemberley wines are at cellar door. The restaurant deck is perfect for afternoon sun and a cleansing taster ale along the Caves Rd trail. More on Sampson & Bowen Brewhouse Margaret RiverThe mastermind of three best mates local to the region, the Brewhouse has delivered on the belief that Margaret River needed a brewery you could walk to. Come January 2016 that is exactly how locals and craft brewery lovers can find their way to the bar. There will be no better way to finish an ale trail adventure than an early evening amble home. Family friendly the brewery and restaurant is set behind an iconic shack in a bush setting. Ready to launch into summer with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere there is promise that the craft beer will be cold, clear and true; the menu will be from local fields and sea; and, that everyone is welcome. The Margaret River Distilling CompanySet in a serene location minutes from bushland walking trails and Margaret River’s main street the Margaret River Distilling Company is the second distillery of the international award-winning Great Southern Distilling Company. It features a cellar door tasting and sales, distillery and 200 seat tavern. The company’s flagship brand, Limeburners Single Malt Whisky, winner of the 2015 Australian Champion Whisky is available along with a range of premium quality brandy, grappe, gin, vodka and fruit liqueurs with local craft beers on tap. The Tiger Snake sour mash whisky and Gin will be distilled on-site in Margaret River. The site was specifically chosen for walking or cycling access and key ingredients from locally farmed produce, WA grains and Margaret River grapes. Open for summer the outdoor seating is a quintessential setting to enjoy whiskies and gins before meandering across the road to Margaret River’s newest craft brewery. More on the Margaret River Distilling Company For more information on Your Margaret River Region, visit
margaretriver.com. ENDS IMAGES: MORE MARGARET RIVER REGION CRAFT BREWERIES:
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