Brew Day back with more to tempt

BREW'S UP: The Greater Wellington Brew Day is on again this March in Martinborough.

Boutique beer and local cuisine will feature again in Wairarapa's second annual craft beer, cider and cocktail festival in March.

The Greater Wellington Brew Day in Martinborough will bring together over 14 breweries and two distilleries from the greater Wellington region and see their beers matched with a range of food.

Event organiser Karen Aitken says new breweries Panhead Custom Ales and Baylands Brewery have come on board this year and join well known breweries such as Tuatara, Garage Project, Parrot Dog and Yeastie Boys.

"We're really excited to see Panhead Custom Ales and Baylands Brewery enjoy their first outing at Brew Day and pleased so many from last year are coming back, cementing Greater Wellington region's growing reputation as the craft beer capital of New Zealand," said Ms Aitken.

"Beers being produced locally are really starting to gain a strong reputation nationally and internationally and locals seem keen to embrace these flavours and styles of craft beer.

"Without a doubt Brew Day is an extension of that, allowing people to experience these beers on the one site and in a beautiful, relaxing setting in Martinborough."

Panhead Custom Ales and Baylands Brewery will be joined by brewers and distillers including Martinborough Brewery, Regent 58 and Peak Brewery (Wairarapa); ParrotDog, Fork and Brewer, Blackdog Brewery, Yeastie Boys, Funk Estate, Kereru Brewery and Garage Project, (Wellington) and Tuatara, Northend (Kapiti). In addition, Wild Fern liqueurs, a new distiller Aotearoa Intelligence, and sodas from Hardie Boys, Six Barrel Sodas and Bees Blessing will also be at Brew Day.

Wakelin House, Fork and Brewer, House of Dumplings, Hop Garden, Scotty's meats and Le Canard will provide food, while those wanting to learn more about brewing can attend seminars throughout the day. As well, live music will be played.

"People love to come to the Wairarapa for the great weather in the autumn and to ensure they get there safely, we've teamed up with Tranzit Tours to meet the train from Wellington and to offer a bus service from select locations," said Ms Aitken.

Brew Day tickets are available via www.ticketdirect.co.nz

More information on the event can be found on the www.brewday.co.nz site.

The Greater Wellington Brew Day, March 8, 11.30am to 6.30pm, 61 Kitchener St, Martinborough. $45 adults, under 14 free, gate sales available.