Nelson breweries and Beer Festival

One thing we can guarantee in life is that things change, and we have seen a few changes in the Nelson brewing scene over the last few years.

A recent change is the annual Beer and Cider Festival (Marchfest) changing to a two-day event, doubling the opportunity you and I have to sample a few brews produced especially for the festival. Along with brewers’ usual offerings of course.

A little while ago I wrote about Hop Federation now being owned by Kono and moving production to a spanking new brewery in Motueka, I also told you that the great folk at Toad Hall have taken over the Riwaka Hotel and opened a Hop Federation taproom at the hotel.

A recent change that happened just before summer kicked off in the region was Martin Townshend moving his brewery to the space formerly occupied by Hop Federation in Riwaka.

Having rebranded the premises on Main Road Riwaka as The House of Ales this is where you can taste and buy fresh brews direct from the brewer. You still buy Townshend beers from the Toad Hall tap room too.

Martin says “Having our own tap room attached to the brewery means we get to talk about our beers directly with customers. As well as being a fun, interactive environment we get to find out what customers like and what isn’t to their taste, and this helps us craft new brews to satisfy everyone.”

I love Martin’s beer philosophy of using the “best ingredients, treat them with respect and you’ll produce a great product.” This is true of everything in life, but especially in the food and beverage sector.

The most successful restaurants use seasonal ingredients and let the seasonal flavours shine without too much human influence. Knowing that Martin brews all Townshend beer and brews the way people have done for centuries, I can rely on his beers having great flavours that come from his small batch production.

And that’s why there are always a few of his brews in our fridge. Check out the Townshend Brewery website (www.townshendbrewery.co.nz) where they have some great specials, like the currently sold out (more to come soon) deal where you could get 24 cans delivered to your door, freight free, for just $84. That is outstanding value for handcrafted local beer.

Martin will be at Marchfest with a brew he is preparing specially for the festival, just what it is he wouldn’t tell me “You’ll just have to come to Marchfest to try it” he said with a chuckle.

Speaking of Marchfest, as well as the usual full day of festivities on March 29^th there will also be a Sunday Session on the 30^th March this year.

Organiser Shelley Haring says “Craft beer, music, and sunshine – it’s the perfect recipe for an unforgettable weekend at Marchfest 2025, now celebrating its 17th year. This annual craft beer and music festival will once again light up Founders Heritage Park on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Enjoy never-before-tasted brews from the best Nelson/Tasman and New Zealand craft breweries, a tasting bar, local artisan food trucks, and all-day live music. But the buzz this year?

Debuting on Sunday, March 30 the Sunday Session promises to be the ultimate wind-down experience. Guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat BBQ lunch, a laid-back vibe with chill tunes, and, of course, more of Marchfest’s exclusive brews. Whether you’re recovering from Saturday’s festivities or looking for a low-key day out, the Sunday Session will add a fresh new dimension to this beloved festival.”

And something I love is that the Sunday Session is family friendly rather than being restricted to 18 years and over as the Saturday festival is. So, on Sunday 30^th March bring the family and relax in the sun at Founders.

Check out www.marchfest.com for full details and ticket information.

Published in the Nelson Mail February 2025