Introduction: Where Passion Meets Tradition
Craftwork Brewery place where every sip tells a story, nestled in the heart of historic Ōamaru, New Zealand. From the moment you walk through its vintage doors, time seems to slow. The air is thick with the rich aroma of aging farmhouse ales, and the soft clinking of glasses blends with laughter and conversation, echoing off old stone walls that have witnessed generations of stories. The rustic décor worn wood, antique Belgian beer signs, and maps from a bygone era whispers of tradition, travel, and passion.
Here, beer isn’t just poured; it’s crafted with intention and aged with care. Each bottle reflects not only the hands that brewed it but also the culture that inspired it. Your tastebuds awaken to a journey through Europe, starting with the tang of a wild-fermented sour or the rich, malty warmth of a Trappist-style tripel. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or simply curious to explore something new, Craftwork Brewery welcomes you with open arms, a cold pour, and the kind of hospitality that turns first-time visitors into lifelong fans.
Company Background & History
Founded in 2014 by home-brewing enthusiasts Lee-Ann Scotti and Michael O’Brien, Craftwork emerged from a shared dream: to craft Belgian-style farmhouse ales using traditional methods. They began modestly, brewing beneath Lee-Ann’s house before expanding into a former limestone grain store on Harbour Street, Ōamaru— according to The Crafty Pint, a space rich in character and perfect for aging wild ales.
Their hands-on approach—fermenting, barrel-aging, and bottling on-site—earned acclaim. According to Neat Places a standout is O’ambic, a spontaneously fermented wheat beer that showcases their reverence for historic brewing techniques: “brew[ing] this way appeals to us because when you put the work out you don’t know what you’re going to get”.
🚀 Crafting a Unique Success Story
What began in a laundry under Lee-Ann’s home has turned into a beloved destination. Their growth was organic but intentional:
- Customer-Driven Growth: Travellers from the North Island, Australia, and beyond began visiting for a pour of O’ambic and a chat with the founders.
- Collaborative Scaling: Partnering with Wanaka’s Rhyme and Reason allowed them to scale with remote fermenters while keeping brewing local and authentic.
- Award-Winning Recognition: Untappd mentioned their beers—like Good Lord (Belgian Tripel) and award-medal winners—garnished attention from national guilds.
Craftwork Brewery Menu with Prices
| Item | Style / Description | ABV | Price (NZD) |
| Saison Zest | A classic Belgian-style farmhouse ale with citrus peel & spices | 6.5% | $12 (330ml) |
| La Petite Saison | Light-bodied, dry, and refreshing table saison brewed for easy drinking | 4.2% | $10 (330ml) |
| Bière de Garde | A malt-forward French-style farmhouse beer with rich, toasty complexity | 7.0% | $13 (330ml) |
| Flemish Red Ale | Oak-aged red ale with tart cherry notes and a balanced vinegar-like finish | 6.0% | $14 (330ml) |
| Saint Michael Tripel | A strong golden Belgian ale with subtle spice, banana esters & warming finish | 8.5% | $15 (330ml) |
| Abt 12 Quadrupel | Deep, dark ale with rich malt, dried fruit, and caramelized sugar character | 10.0% | $16 (330ml) |
| Farmhouse Cider | Naturally fermented cider made from local Otago apples | 6.0% | $11 (330ml) |
| Craftwork Tasting Paddle | A sample flight of 4 beers (choose from any available) | Varies | $18 |
| Bottle to Share (750ml) | Limited edition barrel-aged saison or quad (rotating selections) | Varies | $28–$36 |
| Seasonal Wild Ale | Funky, spontaneously fermented wild ale with local microflora | 6–7% | $14 (330ml) |
🍴 Food Pairing Suggestions (Optional Add-ons)
| Small Plates / Snacks | Description | Price (NZD) |
| Artisan Cheese Board | A selection of local cheeses, figs & sourdough | $16 |
| Belgian Frites | Crispy fries served with garlic aioli or house mayo | $8 |
| Charcuterie Platter | Smoked meats, gherkins, and pickled vegetables | $18 |
| Sourdough Pretzel & Mustard | House-baked pretzel with tangy beer mustard | $6 |
🌟 Top 5 Must-Try Bevrages at Craftwork Brewery
| # | Beverage Name | Style | ABV | Why You Must Try It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Saison Zest | Belgian-style Farmhouse Ale | 6.5% | Zesty, dry, and perfectly spiced with citrus peel. A refreshing flagship with wild yeast funk. |
| 2️⃣ | Abt 12 Quadrupel | Belgian Quadrupel | 10.0% | Rich, dark, and complex with notes of plum, raisin, and caramel. A bold, warming sipper. |
| 3️⃣ | Flemish Red Ale | Barrel-aged Sour Ale | 6.0% | Tart cherry notes with oaky depth and slight vinegar tang. Aged to perfection. |
| 4️⃣ | La Petite Saison | Table Saison | 4.2% | Light, effervescent, and dry—perfect for daytime sipping with lower alcohol. |
| 5️⃣ | Hoppy Tripel (Limited Release) | Belgian Tripel with NZ hops | 8.5% | A rare treat combining fruity esters and citrusy New Zealand hops. Crisp, punchy, unique. |
🏅 Craftwork Brewery Reviewers
| Name | Comment | Platform (Link) |
| MagellEnvy | “Fantastic Belgian style beers and sours in a charming little building.” | Tripadvisor – Feb 29, 2024 (Tripadvisor) |
| Ed S | “Lovely beer… staff friendly and informative. Relaxed atmosphere.” | Tripadvisor – Jul 2, 2024 |
| Dbroth62 | “Don’t miss out… quick drink turned into 2.5 hours… a must visit.” | Tripadvisor – Feb 29, 2024 |
These reviews consistently highlight the beer quality, warm hospitality, and ambience—echoing the founders’ vision.
Contact Information
Main Tasting Room
10 Harbour Street, South Hill, Ōamaru 9400, New Zealand
Barrel-Aging & Brew Operations
59 Tyne Street, Ōamaru (as reported on Crafty Pint
Hours:
- Tue–Thu: 1 PM–8 PM
- Fri–Sat: 12 PM–8 PM
- Sun: 12 PM–7 PM
Contact: +64 210 226 3007
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Craftwork Brewery
1. Where is Craftwork Brewery located?
Craftwork Brewery is located in the historic precinct of Ōamaru, South Island, New Zealand. Their address is:
📍 13 Harbour Street, Ōamaru 9400, New Zealand
What types of beer does Craftwork Brewery produce?
Craftwork specializes in small-batch, Belgian-inspired beers such as:
- Saisons
- Tripels and Quadrupels
- Bière de Garde
- Flemish-style sour ales
- Barrel-aged wild ales
Their beers often feature wild fermentation, local ingredients, and a strong farmhouse influence.
3. Can I visit the brewery?
Yes! Craftwork Brewery is open for tastings and on-site purchases. However, it’s best to check their official website or social media pages for current hours and special events.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Craftwork Brewery’s Legacy in the Making
Craftwork Brewery has blossomed from a laundry-brew experiment into a destination brewery that captures the essence of Belgian craft in New Zealand. In every barrel of O’ambic, every cheese board shared, and every traveler’s tale told in that historic tasting room, Lee-Ann and Michael’s dedication shines through.
If you’re looking to experience handcrafted ale, rich heritage, and real human connection—this is your stop. Whether you’re building a career in brewing or simply indulging in some of the best farmhouse ales on Earth, Craftwork offers an experience steeped in flavor, tradition, and heart.
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