BOTTOMS UP!

A pilsner, a pale or a pint of something sour – whatever your poison, SA’s independent beer makers have got your back. We speak with some of our fave taphouses and brewsheds to find out what they’re pouring, what they’re serving and how they got their start.

WOOLSHED BREWERY

BACKSTORY, PLEASE...

Perched majestically on the banks of the mighty Murray River stands the historic ‘Wilkadene’ station, a cherished landmark with a rich history. In 2008, a momentous endeavour breathed new life into the 100-yearold shearing shed, giving rise to the legendary Woolshed Brewery—an independently owned and operated icon. The dedication of Woolshed Brewery to the craft of brewing exceptional beer earned us the title of Champion Small Brewery in the 2019 Royal Adelaide Beer and Cider Awards. Woolshed Brewery stands tall as a trailblazer in the craft beer industry.

DESCRIBE YOUR VIBE IN A FEW WORDS

Local icon, historic and dog friendly. 

WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR TAPROOM AESTHETIC?

Native pine posts and amazing, locally milled timber benchtops open onto an outdoor setting like no other in Australia. The brewery is nestled behind the bar – you can get a full view of the action during brew day. Unique to the Riverland, you can arrive by road or by water! 

WHAT ARE YOU POURING?

Along with our core range lineup, you can find some killer seasonal beers this month, including: Ryde Lager, a 4.2%alc classic Australian lager made with our mates at Ryde Clothing; the River to the Sea Belgian Strong Golden, a 9.3%alc brew made in collaboration with Watsacowie Brewery; and the Great Southern Trendkiller, a 7.2%alc double black IPA. 

WHAT GRUB DO YOU HAVE ON OFFER?

On weekends, we have a rotating lineup of local food trucks, there are also BBQs to cook your own lunchtime feast and we have an amazing local produce area where you can make your own cheese platters and have a great time! 

TELL US A FUN FACT

Our cellar door is housed in a 100+ year-old woolshed, which has had many lives. It started as a storage shed for paddle steamers’ cargo, then became horse stables and then a shearing shed. Now, it houses a brewery. We never removed the sheep dung from underneath the floors, either! 

PAIR A SONG WITH THE VIBE OF YOUR TAP HOUSE

‘My Mate Tom’ by Noisy Sledge. 

65 Wilkinson Road, Murtho | @woolshedbrewery

UNIT THREE COLLECTIVE

Comprising Long Gum Farmhouse, Beer No Evil and Night Works Distillery

BACKSTORY, PLEASE...

It starts with two friends who met in the Wheatsheaf Hotel more than 10 years ago. Both created their own breweries – Ryan formed Lone Gum Farmhouse and Paul formed Beer No Evil. Both companies struggled to find a taphouse. That is, until Paul’s wife suggested he contact Ryan. The two met for beers at the Broadway and hatched a plan: to start a crazy journey running a joint venture known as the Unit Three Collective. 

DESCRIBE YOUR VIBE IN A FEW WORDS

Fun, relaxed, metal, spontaneous and wild. 

WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR TAPROOM AESTHETIC?

With two breweries under one roof and both with different vibes, we decided on a cool black and white colour scheme, with beautiful wooden touches and brass to create an inviting space. Discover the Beer No Evil cave, a modern industrial area fitted out with couches and cosy nooks. 

WHAT ARE YOU POURING?

We’ll pour Unit Three collaboration house beers, pales, sessions, stouts and porters, as well as Lone Gum Farmhouse wild ales, ciders and sours. Enjoy Beer No Evil IPAs and hazy beers. There are also Night Works Distillery spirits and RTDs available, plus house-made wine. 

WHAT GRUB DO YOU HAVE ON OFFER?

We’ll have charcuterie boards and food trucks! We’re working with other businesses in our area to help bring our customers a wider choice. 

TELL US A FUN FACT

Everything you can see at the taphouse was designed and hand-built by us. 

PAIR A SONG WITH THE VIBE OF YOUR TAP HOUSE

For Beer No Evil, ‘Monstrance Clock’ by Ghost. We have a black pilsner of the same name, based on a devil-worshipping clock from the 1300s. The clock will be on the wall in the taphouse! As for Lone Gum Farmhouse, Ryan chose ‘Come Alive’ by Netsky. Unit Three Collective opens in early November 

Unit 3/77 O’Sullivan Beach Road, Lonsdale @unitthreecollective

SMILING SAMOYED BREWERY

BACKSTORY, PLEASE...

This brewery was the start of our family. No, really! We got married, went on a honeymoon, came home and started our brewery dream all within the same year. Our kids have grown up in the brewery (now seven and four). We love being a local producer and love supporting other local producers. We also love making beer we want to drink. 

DESCRIBE YOUR VIBE IN A FEW WORDS

Welcoming, eclectic, relaxed, local, sustainable. 

WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR TAPROOM AESTHETIC?

We’re right next to the beautiful Myponga Reservoir Reserve. Being able to see, walk in and even kayak in nature from the brewery is amazing. The bar is decorated with a huge collection of beer bottles and cans from around the world (a lot drunk by the owners in research!) as well as interesting items, like a sitar and remote-controlled cars. We still find things to look at that we’d forgotten were there! 

WHAT ARE YOU POURING?

Our core range of beers, Kolsch (Golden Ale), 12 Paws (Pale Ale), IPA and Dark Ale, are always on tap, along with a rotating range of seasonal beers. Some of our favourite seasonals are the Heartbreaker Red IPA and Hazy Pale Ale. 

WHAT GRUB DO YOU HAVE ON OFFER?

Our menu is driven by a sharing philosophy! Our wood-oven pizzas are amazing and feature our housemade dough that is fermented for three days to develop texture and flavour. We pride ourselves on being inclusive, so we always have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options! 

TELL US A FUN FACT

The brewery is named after our Samoyed dogs. Our original dogs that inspired our ‘12 Paws’ beer were Mia, Cooper and Poppet. Our current dogs are Hoppy (who came to us from the RSPCA!) and Kent. 

PAIR A SONG WITH THE VIBE OF YOUR TAP HOUSE

Justice Crew - ‘Que Sera’. It’s a song from right back when we just started brewing. 

Hansen St, Myponga | @smilingsamoyed

BOWDEN BREWING

BACKSTORY, PLEASE...

Bowden Brewing is the product of great mates, head brewers and cofounders Jake and Alex. Starting their lives in the corporate world, brewing was an escape from the daily grind, a place to have fun and get creative. If you’ve ever wandered into Bowden Brewing, you’ll know that we don’t take ourselves too seriously, are constantly joking and more than anything, we love beer. We love making it and we certainly love drinking it. Bowden Brewing exists to share our love for beer (and a certain purple lemonade) with the community. 

DESCRIBE YOUR VIBE IN A FEW WORDS

Local, fresh, fun, not too serious and delicious. 

WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR TAPROOM AESTHETIC?

Situated in a historic sawtooth building and former Clipsal factory, the venue, designed by Sans-Arc, is a balance between convivial and industrial, making the large space feel comfortable and welcoming. 

WHAT ARE YOU POURING?

We always keep the taps flowing with fresh brews made right here at the brewery. Keep an eye out for a few new cans, including our Threefold Distilling collaboration – the tangy Sour Cherry Gin Seltzer – and for those scorching days, we’ve got the ultimate thirst-quencher with our Yeet slushies, exclusively available in the taphouse. 

WHAT GRUB DO YOU HAVE ON OFFER?

The Bowden Brewing Kitchen is home to Masa which serves up truly untraditional Mexican. The food is inspired by Mexican street food but utilises ingredients and techniques from the many cultures that contribute to Australia’s amazing food scene. 

TELL US A FUN FACT

Honeybees are incredible navigators. When they leave their hive to forage for nectar, they can accurately calculate the shortest distance back to their hive by solving complex mathematical problems in their tiny bee brains. It’s like they have their own built-in GPS but with wings! 

PAIR A SONG WITH THE VIBE OF YOUR TAP HOUSE

‘Express Yourself’ by Charles Wright & Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band. 

Plant 3 Bowden | @bowdenbrewing

PRANCING PONY BREWERY

BACKSTORY, PLEASE...

Prancing Pony Brewery was started by Frank and Corinna, who share a love for beer, bikes and blues. The Brewshed is open daily and is attached to the exposed working brewery so visitors can see and smell where the magic of beer happens. Our friendly staff know a thing or two about beer, and our menu matches what’s on tap. Everybody is welcome and we love it when people are having a good time. Dogs are welcome, too! Plus there’s live music on weekends. 

DESCRIBE YOUR VIBE IN A FEW WORDS

Eclectic, welcoming, friendly, comfortable and come as you are. 

WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR TAPROOM AESTHETIC?

At Prancing Pony, we honour traditions and reuse, rethink and repurpose everything we do. Our furniture tells stories of the past, and our fit-out is quirky and decorated to stir the imagination – from the lampshades made of upside-down IKEA salad bowls to the woodwork benches and rocking horse. If you ask, we will tell you the story behind each piece. 

WHAT ARE YOU POURING?

Our newest beer is Berliner Weisse, a 3.9% ABV, slightly tardy wheat beer that Is drunk from a goblet with a shot of strawberry syrup. But there is so much more! With 16 beers on tap, we’ve got a beer for every palette. 

WHAT GRUB DO YOU HAVE ON OFFER?

Our wood-oven-fired pizzas are famous and so are our burgers. We built the menu to match the beers and the ingredients are locally sourced where possible. All sauces and condiments are brewery-made, too – you may even find a shot of beer in there! 

TELL US A FUN FACT

Our head brewer and the co-owner of Prancing Pony can ride a unicycle and, at times, he will bring it out to show that a balanced beer needs a balanced brewer. 

PAIR A SONG WITH THE VIBE OF YOUR TAP HOUSE

Each of our beers is perfectly matched to a blues track and one of our favourite musicians has to be Paolo Nutini – we’re suckers for his song ‘Last Request’. 

42 Mount Barker Road, Totness | @prancingponybrewery

SHAPESHIFTER BREWING CO

BACKSTORY, PLEASE...

Founded by Kev and James in 2019, Shapeshifter Brewing Co. is a testament to the duo’s shared passion for brewing innovation. These two crossed paths while studying brewing at TAFE, where they shared a mutual ambition to redefine the craft beer scene. Known for their mastery of the most modern beer styles and a penchant for experimental concoctions, the brewery has emerged as a pioneering force in the industry. 

DESCRIBE YOUR VIBE IN A FEW WORDS

Lively, creative, welcoming and dynamic. 

WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR TAPROOM AESTHETIC?

Our taproom is like a mad scientist’s laboratory of beer. The ambience is a cosmic collision of beer culture and Willy Wonka’s factory – our big neon light says it all. The air is thick with laughter and the scent of hops. In a world of ordinary pints, Shapeshifter’s taproom is a lively, zany dimension of tastebud-altering hilarity. 

WHAT ARE YOU POURING?

November is the month to dive into the Riptide – the most session-able of sours – and Acid Raindrops Mango, also on tap. There are 12 taps at Shapeshifter, continually rotating limited releases. Think Oat Cream IPAs and hazys, plus the firm favourites: Party Shirt, Nordic Sunshowers and New World Pilsner. 

WHAT GRUB DO YOU HAVE ON OFFER?

It’s never boring at Shapeshifter when it comes to food. We have rotating food trucks smashing out some of the finest culinary delights. 

TELL US A FUN FACT

Shapeshifter’s beer names come from putting words on a page, cutting them up and rearranging them into whatever looks like an expression. There are some wild and wonderful ones! Just add beer and it’s the most fun a brewery can have. 

PAIR A SONG WITH THE VIBE OF YOUR TAP HOUSE

‘Tubthumping’ by Chumbawamba. 

2/54 Crittenden Road, Findon | @shapeshifterbrewingco

VALE BREWING

BACKSTORY, PLEASE...

Vale Brewing is a craft beer pioneer in South Australia. Our taphouse opened in 2022, but Vale Brewing has been making great SA beer since 2008. We’ve returned to our roots to create a home for not just our new microbrewery, but for people who love great beers, great food and long afternoons with some of the best views McLaren Vale has to offer. 

DESCRIBE YOUR VIBE IN A FEW WORDS

Chill, scenic, adventurous, crafty and buzzing! 

WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR TAPROOM AESTHETIC?

The Vale taphouse was created with a cool and uncomplicated style, making sure not to steal the spotlight from the stunning views of McLaren Flat. Inside, it has a modern and classy atmosphere. Outside, there’s an infinity lawn where we host some of the best sunset sessions in the region. 

WHAT ARE YOU POURING?

The 10-tap bar is ever-changing, with a new taphouse exclusive released every two months. Currently, we’re pouring our Vale Sticke Altbier! 

WHAT GRUB DO YOU HAVE ON OFFER?

Let our chef feed you with expertly crafted food, from premium woodfired pizzas to a lamb shoulder that you may never be able to forget. 

TELL US A FUN FACT

Vale Brewing was founded in the Vale in 2008, making it one of the first microbreweries in South Australia! 

PAIR A SONG WITH THE VIBE OF YOUR TAP HOUSE

‘Holiday’ – Ocean Alley. Getting down to the Vale feels like a miniholiday. We’re running a kick-back atmosphere for our punters to watch the sunset slowly over the Vale, accompanied by a session of Vale beers. 

128 Ingoldby Road, McLaren Flat | @valebrewing

MINISTRY OF BEER

BACKSTORY, PLEASE...

Brett and Dayna Reimann launched Ministry of Beer from a shed on their Barossa property in 2016. Over the years, Brett has developed a range of sour beers and has also established a small barrel program. He’s very passionate about brewing sour beers and drinking them! With more than 25 beers in our portfolio, Brett produces a broad range of styles, including traditional lagers, stouts, IPAs, limited releases and kettle sours. 

DESCRIBE YOUR VIBE IN A FEW WORDS

We offer something for everyone! 

WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR TAPROOM AESTHETIC?

Enjoy a warm and welcoming environment at our brewery cellar door. Think vaulted ceilings, lots of timber, windows overlooking the rose garden and a shaded, enclosed beer garden with comfy seating and Barossa grapevines. 

WHAT ARE YOU POURING?

We have 16 beers on tap! There’s a wide range, from the traditional favourites to the wildest of barrel-aged sours. The newest on tap is a barrel-aged blonde sour with Motueka hops. 

WHAT GRUB DO YOU HAVE ON OFFER?

German flammkuchen pizzas! Thin, crispy and delicious. Flammkuchen are unusual and ideal when paired with beer – they’re a big hit. Platters are also available if you feel like a lighter snack. 

TELL US A FUN FACT

Our cellar door was originally a bank! Our cool room is in the original bank vault, which is still fully intact. 

PAIR A SONG WITH THE VIBE OF YOUR TAP HOUSE

It’s hard to pick just one for Ministry because we are lucky enough to have some talent behind the bar! Barman Phil sings and plays the guitar, and he loves nothing more than getting a crowd involved in a mini acoustic gig – in between pouring beers, of course! 

1 Lyndoch Valley Road, Lyndoch | @brewedwithaview

SWELL BREWING CO

BACKSTORY, PLEASE...

Dan Wright has been in search of the perfect wave since he first waxed a surfboard. He’s also been in search of the perfect beer. While trekking the world on a two-year surf and snowboard odyssey a couple of decades ago, an idea brewed. The Swell Brewing Co. Taphouse & Brewery is the result. Originally brewed in the back shed of Dan and wife Corrina’s vineyard in McLaren Vale, our beers are best enjoyed cold with your mates after a day on the coast. 

DESCRIBE YOUR VIBE IN A FEW WORDS

Relaxed, approachable, inclusive, shaka brah! 

WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR TAPROOM AESTHETIC?

Surfing is in our blood, so everything [in our taproom] pays homage to the sea, from the massive barrelling wave that wraps the balcony to the large-scale ocean mural by Jimmy Dvate that adorns the nearby farm shed. It’s surf but chic. 

WHAT ARE YOU POURING?

We’ve got 16 taps of rotating beers, sours and ciders. In terms of true OGs, you can always grab a pint of our classic Pale Ale – the first beer we ever brewed all those years ago. 

WHAT GRUB DO YOU HAVE ON OFFER?

Our menu is all about supporting the beers, featuring a wide range of brewhouse classics like burgers, loaded fries and southern fried chicken. 

TELL US A FUN FACT

Dan has recently been diagnosed with a severe gluten intolerance. But he won’t let that stop him – just ask us about our gluten-reduced beers! 

PAIR A SONG WITH THE VIBE OF YOUR TAP HOUSE

If you’re in the taphouse, vibes call for ‘Zebra’ by John Butler Trio. Stick your head out back to the brewery, however, and you’re more likely to hear ‘Linoleum’ by NOFX. 

168 Olivers Road, McLaren Vale | @swellbeer

KICK BACK BREWING

BACKSTORY, PLEASE...

Craft beer isn’t just a beverage. It’s a belief system, a connection to place, purpose and most importantly, each other. We want our beers and taphouse to reflect us, our region and our community. Whether it’s tried-and-true classics or the occasional quirky concoction, we strive to infuse each brew with something special.

DESCRIBE YOUR VIBE IN A FEW WORDS

No Bad Days! 

WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR TAPROOM AESTHETIC?

Kick Back is about taking it easy. Our aesthetic reminds us of the simple side of life, capturing the nostalgia of seaside living, sand beneath your toes and a cold beer in your hand. We want our taphouse to reflect this. The aim is to provide a comforting and warm atmosphere, with live brewing on display through the wide-set open window overlooking the brewery floor. 

WHAT ARE YOU POURING?

We just finished brewing a mango passion fruit sour and a New Zealand-style hazy pale. However, the exciting thing is that we’ll soon be pouring from our second location, Drifters Pizza, in Port Noarlunga! 

WHAT GRUB DO YOU HAVE ON OFFER?

We have a strong focus on sourcing local ingredients from the Fleurieu Peninsula. We’ve regularly got the go-to brewery fare (think burgers, wings, tostadas), but we try to mix things up seasonally, offering fresh specials and local seafood. 

TELL US A FUN FACT

Our brewery is dog-friendly! You’re more than welcome to bring your four-legged friend along. That way, the whole family can enjoy a drink and meal near one of the best beaches in Adelaide. 

PAIR A SONG WITH THE VIBE OF YOUR TAP HOUSE

‘Sobercoaster’ by Beddy Rays. 

11 Old Coach Road, Aldinga | @kickbackbrewing

THE SUBURBAN BREW

BACKSTORY, PLEASE...

Started in 2017 by founder Tony Dichiera, we wanted to create a craft beer brand that brings people together. Beginning with a nomad brewing approach [we had] a vision to one day have our own brewery. This became reality when we opened our Goodwood Road taproom in September 2020. In December 2022, we had the opportunity to build our own brewery and second taproom in Glynde. We’re not looking backwards! Love thy neighbour, love thy beer. 

DESCRIBE YOUR VIBE IN A FEW WORDS

Warm welcomes and brewing a community! 

WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR TAPROOM AESTHETIC?

Both venues have a relaxed warehouse vibe that’s, above all else, welcoming. We wanted to create spaces that serve as local meeting hubs for the community catching up with family or mates for a beer. Our Goodwood Taproom has a warm and rustic vibe. We’ve added a cosy wood fireplace, couches and second-hand furniture to round out the suburban charm. The Glynde Brewery & Taproom has a bright and airy feel with natural light for days. We’ve leaned into this and added a bunch of indoor plants. We also have a large outdoor area for spring and summer. 

WHAT ARE YOU POURING?

We’ve just released an XPA which has amazing, fruity hop notes from three of the finest: Galaxy (Aus), Nectaron (NZ) and Citra (USA). We squished them into a glass to create a bold, crisp beer. It’s summer in a glass! We also have a bunch of local wines, spirits and soft drinks. Not to mention our own ginger beer and seltzer! 

WHAT GRUB DO YOU HAVE ON OFFER?

At Goodwood, we’ve teamed up with Reggie’s Detroit Pizza, who have a shop next door. We’ll be serving up cracking Detroit-style pizzas by the slice and whole squares. At Glynde, we have a rotating lineup of food trucks, which changes weekly. We have everything from American BBQ to pizza, dumplings and bao buns. 

TELL US A FUN FACT

The Goodwood taproom used to be a warehouse for an adult bookshop! It has also been a mechanics workshop. The Glynde Brewery had a long history as the factory for Godfrey’s filing cabinets. It’s also been a tile outlet and food wholesale warehouse. 

PAIR A SONG WITH THE VIBE OF YOUR TAP HOUSE

It sounds cheesy, but the Cheers theme song, ‘Where Everybody Knows Your Name’. We want to create spaces that are welcoming and inviting, where everybody knows your name and [we’re] always glad you came! 

Glynde Brewery & Taproom: 26-30 Provident Avenue, Glynde OG
Goodwood Taproom: 96 Goodwood Road, Goodwood @thesuburbanbrew