The Valley Brewhouse: Crafting the Hunter Valley's Beer Scene

For craft beer lovers visiting the Hunter Valley, The Valley Brewhouse stands as the region's original craft brewery and a must-visit destination.

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Nestled at the heritage-listed Nulkaba brickworks site, the Valley Brewhouse is instantly recognisable by its distinctive beehive-shaped red brick kilns—remnants of the property's industrious past. Established in 2003 as the region's first craft brewery after the closure of mainstream breweries in the 1980s, this family-friendly venue combines award winning beers, delicious food, and live entertainment in a spacious setting.

A Rich History

The 10-acre property was originally chosen in 1880 for its rich clay deposits, ideal for making bricks, roofing tiles, and sewage pipes. For nearly a century, it was one of the region's largest employers outside the mines and was deemed an essential service during World War II. The site was transformed into a tavern in 1989, with accommodation added in 2002 for visitors to Hunter Valley wine country.

The brewing tradition began in 2003 when

founding Head Brewer Luke Scott started crafting beer under the Hunter Beer Company banner. Current Head Brewer Keith Grice, who joined in 2006 and took the helm in 2007, has become one of the founding fathers of craft brewing in the Hunter Valley, winning multiple awards over two decades.

"When we started out here, there were around 50 breweries in Australia," says Keith. "Now, even in this economic climate, there are around 700."

New Ownership, Bright Future

The Valley Brewhouse recently came under the Rogers Hotels banner, owned by Campbell Rogers and business partner Josh Gamgee. Rogers Hotels operates several venues across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, including the Sunnyside Tavern, the Mayfield Hotel, and the Colliery Inn.

The change has brought positive developments to the brewery. According to Grice, "We're already seeing huge positive changes. The Rogers Hotels group has set up processes and systems that provide a smoother running operation and a more enjoyable experience for our customers."

Campbell Rogers, who entered the hotel business in 2009, believes creating the right atmosphere is crucial: "It's all about creating an environment that people enjoy and want to spend time in. It has to be fun, safe, and serve delicious food."

Craft Beer Experience

The brewery team, consisting of Keith Grice, fellow brewer Daniel Gayner, and Cellar Door Manager Claire Bullen,

work collaboratively to create a diverse range of craft beers. Their core range includes the popular Draught, an approachable golden ale that Keith calls his "gateway beer," and the Hazy Pale Ale with its tropical and citrus fruit flavours. What sets the Valley Brewhouse apart is its focus on limited edition brews.

"Being so close to wine country means our market is a bit different," explains Keith.

"People are on a visit, on holiday, looking for fun experiences, and wanting to try different things. We tailor our beers to suit that market."

Visitors can enjoy brewery tours lasting up to one hour (including three 200ml beer tastings) on Fridays at 5pm and Saturdays at 12pm and 5pm. Guided tastings, featuring eight 75ml beers, are available at 11am and 2pm from Tuesday to Saturday. Tasting paddles with four 200ml beers offer another sampling option.

Beyond the Beer

The Valley Brewhouse is much more than just a brewery. The on-site Smoke House Kitchen serves mouthwatering smoked meats and an everchanging menu in the outdoor Beer Garden every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 5pm. The Bistro offers premium pub meals for lunch and dinner, with many mains under $30.

Live entertainment fills the venue every weekend and you will find it’s a great place for group bookings, birthdays and casual celebrations. If live sport is more your thing, you will catch every major sport live with a great TAB to watch live Sky Racing and bet on your favourite teams.

Set on five acres with a massive lawn featuring twenty picnic tables and a brand-new large playground for kids, the Valley Brewhouse offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families. Three separate function areas are available for events, and the beautifully renovated KilnHaus serves as a dedicated space for weddings and conferences.

Whether you're a local (ask about the locals' discount card) or a visitor to the Hunter Valley, the Valley Brewhouse offers an unforgettable experience combining craft beer, great food, and good times. Open seven days until late, you’ll find this gem on Wine Country Drive at Nulkaba.

For more information or to purchase tickets for events and tours, visit www.thevalleybrewhouse.com.au