Nelson craft beer trail on map - Stuff
Although the drive from Blenheim to Nelson takes less than two hours, it's a trip I haven't made anywhere near often enough. In fact, in the 15 years I've lived in Marlborough, I've probably averaged only about three visits to Nelson a year. That's way too few.
In recent months I've been travelling over the hills more frequently, thanks to a beer-loving friend who goes every month. He and his partner are convinced that the savings they make by doing their monthly grocery shop at a large Richmond supermarket more than offset the cost of the fuel to get there.
I'm not sure that's true but, given I get a free lift and the opportunity to visit some of the country's finest pubs, I'm not arguing. When it comes to craft beer, the Nelson region has much to offer. With a host of craft breweries and pubs of the calibre of the Free House and the Moutere Inn, it's a major draw for the beer lover. In fact, according to a recently formed group, the Nelson region is New Zealand's number one destination for craft beer.
At a recent party at McCashin's Brewery in Stoke, a society called "The Craft Brewing Capital of New Zealand Incorporated", launched a new craft beer trail, map and website promoting the region. Announcing the trail, which includes breweries and craft beer outlets from Golden Bay in the west to Nelson city in the east, the society claims, "With 10 breweries, 12 brands of beer, and the only region in New Zealand where hops are grown commercially, Nelson is quite deserving of the title of New Zealand's craft beer capital."
The map, which is also available online at craftbrewingcapital.co.nz, emphasises the region's historical significance in New Zealand brewing: "Beer has been central to the local culture of the Nelson-Tasman region, dating back to the first New Zealand settlements in the 1840s. Early German settlers in Sarau found the Moutere to be an ideal location and climate to cultivate hops, and an extensive brewing tradition followed."
Emphasising the close proximity of many of the attractions, the map suggests, "They make a perfect excuse for a half-day or full-day tour exploring all the gorgeous corners of the region. Climbing from the waterfront up into the foothills, watch for historic hop kilns along the way."
But is Nelson's claim to be the nation's beer capital realistic? Given the sheer number of breweries and the fact that the region is also home to New Zealand's 17 commercial hop growers, there's no doubt it is uniquely blessed. However, with a much larger population base and ever-growing number of specialist craft beer bars, I'm guessing Wellington easily trumps Nelson in terms of the litres of craft brewed Kiwi beer that are being enjoyed there.
But, as far as I'm concerned, that's not really the main issue. By claiming itself New Zealand's craft brewing capital, producing a map and website and listing beer tour operators, Nelson is recognising that craft beer is a tourist attraction and is promoting itself to beer-minded tourists. I think that's great.
Last summer I hosted a steady stream of visitors whose primary reason for coming to Marlborough was to visit our breweries and sample their beers.
Hailing from England, Scotland, the United States, Spain and Australia, these people contacted me after reading about Marlborough's beers on specialist websites such ratebeer.com, beeradvocate.com and realbeer.co.nz.
After visiting the province's breweries and finest watering holes and sampling our sensational brews they departed, eager to return and vowing to tell their friends.
Sadly, when it comes to promoting itself to beer-minded tourists, Marlborough, along with most other parts of the country, seems to be stuck in the dark ages. Although the Love Marlborough website brims with recommendations for the wine-minded visitor, our award-winning breweries barely rate a mention. In Blenheim the local council has erected brown signs to guide visitors to the wineries, but not to the breweries.
Over the last couple of months I've flown several times with Air New Zealand and each time, nestling in the seatback pocket with the inflight magazine, there's been a glossy visitor guide to Marlborough produced by Destination Marlborough. Local artists, craftspeople and (umpteen) wineries all featured prominently, but not one of Marlborough's multi award-winning brewers including the newly crowned Champion Brewery of New Zealand, 8 Wired rated a mention. I think that's a missed opportunity.
Come on New Zealand, we've got some extremely talented craft brewers out there, making some wonderful beers. Let's start promoting them just like Nelson is.
Cheers!
- The Marlborough Express
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