Martinborough beer pulls in crowds

ON TAP: Janalle Frew (left), Rownena Reay, Glen Schofer and Hayden Frew. PHOTOS/LYNDA FERINGA

Despite Martinborough being famous for its wine, craft beer lovers are flooding the new Martinborough Brewery, which opened its doors last week.

Co-owner and brewer Hayden Frew said there had been plenty of people through to have a pint and they were anticipating a busy long weekend.

"The first weekend we opened, it was crazy."

Mr Frew and co-owner and brewer Stephen Fox began construction of the brewery and tasting room on Ohio St in mid-2014.

They had been running a small operation out of Mr Frew's Martinborough home but because of demand decided to expand.

Since opening in their new premises, flagons were flying out the door, he said.

"We are doing a lot of that, people do a tasting and get a flagon and take it away.

"We also do a sampler that's been really popular, that's four of our beers plus a cider."

He said the new drink-driving rules also made flagons a popular option with many people picking them up during the day to enjoy later at home.

Mr Frew said it was also an environmentally friendly choice with reusable plastic riggers and glass flagons available.

"It's come back into favour."

Mr Frew said their newest drop on tap, Vintage Gold, was by far the biggest seller on hot days.

The beer on tap comes directly from tanks and kegs in the brewery's cool room rather than having kegs under the bar.

They offer a light food menu and serve other craft beers, also on tap, from Parrot Dog, North End, Panhead and Behemoth breweries.

Mr Frew said they still had a few more things to set up such as a bottling system as they now bottle the beer by hand.

Next weekend they will be brewing another two batches and getting ready for Greater Wellington's Brewday beer festival on February 28.

"We'll also be doing kegs to distribute around bars in Wellington."