Summer drops in Blenheim

Mike Yardley explores Blenheim’s craft drink scene, featuring Boom Town Brewing, Elemental Distillers, Moa Brewery, Dodson Street Beer Garden, and the Scenic Hotel Marlborough.

Despite Blenheim’s blockbuster reputation in the grape stakes, it’s not just wine that this plucky region produces with such verve and finesse. Blenheim’s thriving craft beer scene is growing from strength to strength. One of the popular boys on the block is Boom Town Brewing Company, turning out crisp, smooth, easy drinking craft beers. There’s the Alabama APA, Whites Bay IPA, Marlborough Lager, Baby Boom Pale Ale — and the big-selling Pelorus Pilsener. Released just before winter, Ship Cove Stout is well worth a try, too. The Boom Town Beer Garden is a favourite go-to for fresh tap beers, sun and relaxed vibes in the warmer months.

Further down the road, another new headliner to add to the craft parade is DNA Brewery, which operates alongside a glamourous new bar and restaurant venue, the Fancy Cow, with radiant views across the landscape. (Be sure to say Hi to the friendly Highland cow, Fanta.) DNA Brewery (Dave and Ant) was established by legendary brewer Dave Nicholls and creative oenologist, Ant Moore.  Dave is one of the New Zealand craft scene’s pioneers. He told me that he first started brewing as a 14 year old! As a stickler for high standards, his classic beer styles are divine. I particularly enjoyed DNA’s Azacca Hazy Pale - bursting with passionfruit, while his Irish Red Ale is very malt forward with sweet toffee characters. I gleaned a top tip off Dave: Never leave your beer in the sunshine. Within minutes you can smell it emitting a slightly sulphuric aroma.

I enjoyed a great gin tasting at the Vines Village, sampling the delights of Elemental Distillers in the Gin Room. Sonja breezed me through the tasting, sparkling with charm and commanding knowledge. (They also have a very cool refill bottle service for Roots gin.) Founded by Ben Leggett and Simon Kelly this craft distillery delivers premium craft spirits and liqueurs with complete transparency of all ingredients, processes and production, from root  to cup. Garnering accolades aplenty, Roots Marlborough Dry Gin is a crisp and robust ‘London Dry’ style gin, bottled at a bold 45 percent alcohol by volume. I had the pleasure of meeting Ben and hearing about their exciting developments of a gin garden and tasting room, set to open at Vines Village in the coming weeks.

Also at the Vines Village, check out the recently arrived Cheese and Cheers venue. This charming operator showcases an extensive range of New Zealand craft whiskies, and international brands, paired with three matching cheeses and bread. Order up a whisky tasting flight, with assorted cheeses. Cheers!

Just off Rapaura Road, on Jackson Road, pay a visit to the leafy, lawned surrounds of Moa Brewery. Open Thursday through to Sunday, it’s a wonderful venue and the food trucks will accentuate the ambience over summer. 30 years old this year, Moa was founded by Josh Scott, son of legendary winemaker Allan Scott. Last year, Moa Brewery Company was acquired by the effervescent and enterprising Stephen Smith, who has embarked on a new chapter of Moa being a family-owned Kiwi independent. What I particularly like about their range is that they have kept their products affordable, accessible and sessionable, while also broadening their repertoire.

A stellar example of that is their Apple & Rhubarb Cider. Exuding a seductive red hue, the delicate tart flavour of this crisp cider sings happy summer days. It’s like the cider equivalent of a glass of rosé. Hazy IPA’s are all the rage in New Zealand and Moa’s sessionable hazy, at 4.9% alcohol, is the easy-drinking Motueka Hazy IPA. Motueka and Wai-Iti hops deliver citrus, apricot and peach characters.  Also worth a try is their Milk Chocolate Stout which is brewed in collaboration with Lewis Road Creamery. The dessert beer! And don’t miss their fabulous ginger beer, Ginger Bomb. Another summer must.

In the treasury of distinctive hospo spots in Blenheim, Dodson Street Beer Garden is a fan favourite. In 1858, Henry Dodson established a brewery and the malthouse was housed in the same building where you’ll find this venue. It’s the oldest commercial building in Marlborough and Dodson Street Beer Garden proudly boasts one of the largest selection of craft beers and ciders on tap in New Zealand - 24 at last count. More key features are the authentic German cuisine and salivating pizza selection. I love the old-timey beer hall, the trove of memorabilia and the ebullient spirit of its enterprising owner, Dietmar Schnarre.

Scenic Hotel Marlborough enjoys an unbeatable locale, perched on the edge of Seymour Square. Immaculately maintained with resplendent flower beds and crowned with the war memorial clock tower, this would have to be a hot contender as New Zealand’s most photogenic town square. Not only is the Scenic Hotel Marlborough perfectly positioned in the heart of town, but this stylish property features superb facilities including spa, pool, sauna, restaurant and bar. You’ll enjoy free Wifi, spacious air-conditioned guestrooms with flat-screen SKY TV and super-comfy beds, swathed in their signature Kiwi-made wool and down bedding. The hotel is also pet-friendly. marlborough.com