Beer & Cider

Your guide to SA’s craft beer and microbreweries

We’ve got your guide to SA’s best microbreweries just in time for the summer season. Check out our list here.

Photo: Penny Red Beer Co.

While mainstream beers will always have their place, you might not know how blessed we are in SA with craft beer microbreweries that make the most delicious Golden Ales, Pale Ales, Dark Ales, IPAs and Pilseners you can drink.

Just in time for the holiday break and much-anticipated summer season, we’ve updated this list of hidden (and not-so-hidden) brewery gems in alphabetical order. Welcome to our ultimate guide to the Adelaide microbreweries that every SA beer lover should visit and taste your way through this season.

Last updated December 2023

Barossa Valley Brewing, Barossa Valley

Exporting their love of craft from the United States to the rolling hills of the Barossa Valley, ‘BVB’ first opened in 2005 at Chateau Yaldara before moving to their current home overlooking Heinemann Park on the outskirts of Tanunda.

Winning several medals at the most recent Indie Beer Awards, these guys’ love of craft beer is based on their passion for experimentation using the high-quality ingredients that the Barossa Valley delivers. Well known for their hand-crafted Pale Ales, they’re also huge fans of live music and have a popular Brasserie with Beer Garden that’s open daily from 12 pm.

Barossa Valley Brewing is at 2A Murray Street, Tanunda

Beer No Evil, Lonsdale

Located in Lonsdale and sharing the space with fellow craft brewery Lone Gum Farmhouse, Beer No Evil is a heavy metal/rock-inspired brew house. The indoor venue, with a capacity for 200 people, also features a joint production and tasting room and has local food vendors and food trucks on-site, along with live entertainment to add to the atmosphere.

Having won several awards at both the Australian Beer Awards and the Adelaide Beer & Cider Awards, their original brew, River of Insanity, is still one of the most popular, which is a west-cast IPA and one of the first the brewery ever made.

With beers inspired by the likes of Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne and heavy metal band Jinjer from Ukraine, the brewery offers a lot of hour beers, lagers, ciders and pales.

Visit Beer No Evil at 77 O’Sullivan Beach Road, Lonsdale

Big Shed Brewing Co, Royal Park

Started when founders Craig and Jason began brewing in a rented shed in the Barossa back in 2002, the Big Shed brand has grown into a thriving business that features a winning line-up with names like ‘Kol Chisel’, ‘Jetty Jumper’, ‘Californicator’, and ‘Cherry Popper.’

Always keen to pair their range of unique beers with great food, in 2014 they opened their taproom and kitchen in Royal Park, where they host regular quiz nights, bocce ball games and love putting on a show.

Visit Big Shed Brewing Co. at 1154 Old Port Road, Royal Park

Bond Store, Wallaroo

Located in the heart of Wallaroo, just a 90-minute drive from Adelaide, lies Bond Store, the part microbrewery, part distillery and restaurant which splashed onto the scene in early 2020. The regular go-to spot for locals and tourists passing through the town, Bond Store is the craft beer haven of our (and your) dreams.

The brewery bar features twelve taps of great beer, a mix between Bond Store’s current brews and guest taps serving other South Australian craft beers.

The Bond Store’s fit-out is modern industrial, designed to promote visitor interaction. According to Nicole, who is responsible for making the Bond Store’s gin, the venue is all about sharing experiences with family and friends.

You can find Bond Store at 13 Owen Tce, Wallaroo

Bowden Brewery, Bowden

New to the scene, Bowden Brewery is taking up residence in Plant 3 with 14 tap beers and only four in its core range. With ten constantly rotating varieties, there’s a lot of room for experimental craft beers.

Bowden Brewing is run by Nola founders Alex Marschall, Oliver Brown, Josh Talbot and Matt Orman, and fellow engineer Jake Phoenix. The team will work with the same interior designers that modelled Nola, Sans-Arc Studio, to design their Bowden venue. Community members can drink on-site, grab takeaway growlers, and dine on the Central American eats. The menu will have housemade tortillas and charcoal veggies and meats.

Visit Bowden Brewery at Plant 3, Fourth Street, Bowden

Brewboys, Croydon Park

Establishing itself as a pioneer of the independent SA brewing scene in 2008, this family-owned and run establishment is all about brewers Dan & Owen’s passion for making beer. Spending their days inventing a range of remarkable flavours and employing a double fermentation process, they never stray too far from what makes a good quality refreshing ale.

Their taproom includes a family-friendly range of arcades and games.

Meet the Brewboys at 151 Regency Road, Croydon Park

Brightstar Brewing, Thebarton

Brightstar Brewing is situated in the former Faulding factory site in the heart of the westside suburb, Thebarton. The brewery and taphouse bring a unique twist to the craft brewing scene by focusing on European-style beers in a warm and inviting space complete with an outside deck and lawn area, perfect to enjoy a chilled pint on a summer’s day.

If you want a deeper understanding of each Brightstar frothy, the team, who are all Cicerone-certified, are happy to provide in-depth knowledge of each brew available

The name “Brightstar” signifies the rebalancing and positive outlook on life that the brewery aims to instil in its patrons, and if you want a deeper understanding of each Brightstar frothy, the team, who are all Cicerone-certified, are happy to provide in-depth knowledge of each brew available. Owners Gareth and Megan Parker hope to provide an atmosphere at Brightstar where visitors can discover new flavours as they explore the world of beer and kick back with friends and family this summer season.

Brightstar Brewing is at 35-37 Stirling Street, Thebarton.

Fox Hat Brewing Co, Willunga

Born out of Head Brewer Jeff Wright’s desire to do something different, Fox Hat is a quirky collaboration with the Vale Beer Company that was founded in 2015. With a playful sense of humour running through its veins, Fox Hat’s beers are available to try at several locations, including 23rdonmelbourne, the North Adelaide home of 23rd Street Distillery, and at Beresford Wines in McLaren Flat, near Willunga.

If you’re up for a trip further afield, head to Renmark and visit the historic Twenty Third Street Distillery and see what you think of Fox Hat’s ‘Lusty Lager’, ‘Phat Mongrel’ or ‘Metric IPA’.

Beresford Wines Tasting Pavilion is at 252 Blewitt Springs Road, McLaren Flat

Goodieson Brewery, McLaren Vale

Since debuting in 2010, Goodieson has been consistently recognised as one of Australia’s best craft breweries. It could also be the perfect place to enjoy a day in McLaren Vale.

Founded on the back of owners Jeff & Mary’s extensive experience in Europe, where the couple put many an hour into ‘researching’ traditional brewing techniques, brewer Jeff has stayed true to these, producing a range of flavours to suit every pallet. Most popular are the Goodieson ‘Pale Ale’, ‘Wheat Beer’, ‘Indian Red Ale’ and his annual ‘Christmas Ale.’

Goodieson Brewery is at 194 Sand Road, McLaren Vale

Goodieson Brewery

Greenock Brewers, Barossa Valley

For a truly boutique beer experience in the Barossa, a visit to Greenock Brewers is a must. Located in a century-old wheat store, their quaint beer garden and pub is the perfect spot to sip some of their refreshing, traditionally fermented beers, which all adhere to German Purity Law.

Combining perfectly with their BBQ or Barossa Produce Cheese Platters, we recommend you try the Bunawunda Blonde and follow it up with any of their artisanal ales or stouts, each with its own unique backstory.

 Greenock Brewers is at 9 Murray Street, Greenock

Jump Ship Brewing, Port Lincoln

There’s no two ways about it. Port Lincoln is a popular place, especially over summer, as the weather warms up and people flock to the beach. 

Now, there’s even more reason to escape to the coastal town for a break. Locals Michelle and Steve Hankins have opened Jump Ship Brewery – a brand-new venue that promises to be the hottest in town. 

Serving up citrusy summer ales, crisp pales, toffee-like ales and refreshing lagers, the brewery will be a one-stop shop for that after-work cold one. They’ve focused on brewing creative, drinkable beers and say that there will be lots of changes, so you can drink something different every time. 

You can find them on Edinburgh Street in Port Lincoln

Kick Back Brewing Co, Aldinga

Kick Back Brewing in Aldinga homes a brewery, taproom, beer garden, and kitchen. From its logo—an “ok” hand symbol—to its beer names and its palette-inclusive menu, the family-owned, dog-friendly venue radiates good vibes and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to relax and kick back. 

The “welcome stranger” fruity hazy pale and its “good folk” floral lager sit on the menu alongside the new brewery’s five other beers (an IPA, an oatmeal stout, a red ale, an English brown ale, and a pale ale), as well as solely South Australian wines and spirits. The current beer offerings are among the eleven varieties that Kick Back has been rotating on its 14 active taps since its June opening. 

Less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide CBD in the coastal town of Aldinga Beach, the space is beautiful – perhaps a destination in and of itself. 

Find Kickback Brewery at 11 Old Church Road, Aldinga

Lady Burra Brewhouse, Adelaide City

One of the first microbrewery, bar and kitchens located in the heart of the CBD, Lady Burra Brewhouse brews artisanal ales using only the finest ingredients.

As famous for its South America inspired menu as its delicious range of handcrafted beers, none of them contain a single preservative and not a hint of added sugar. Changing its lineup regularly, its IPA and Irish Red Ale are well worth a try.

Lady Burra Brewhouse is at 4 Topham Mall, Adelaide

Lady Burra Brewhouse

Lot 100, Hay Valley

Lot 100 has quickly become an Adelaide Hills destination synonymous with craft, sustainability and local produce.

Situated on a gorgeous 84-hectare property north of Nairne, a collective of beer, cider and gin makers have formed a happy collective making the most of the natural environment and local ingredients. A working brewery and small-batch distillery, the project is a must-do addition to the Adelaide Hills food and beverage scene.

Lot 100 is at 68 Chambers Road, Hay Valley

Little Bang Brewing Company, Stepney

If there’s another microbrewery more deserving of a place on this list, we haven’t met it yet. Since opening in Stepney in 2015, founders Fil and Ryan’s creative adventure has been making all the right noises among a beer-thirsty public.

Changing careers from ‘game nerds’ to brewers, the pair has been having fun with crazy creations like ‘The Naked Objector’, ‘HappyLand’, ‘Geezer Pleaser’ and ‘Schwangermelon’ ever since. Quickly becoming a mecca for craft beer enthusiasts, you’ll always find an eclectic crowd at Little Bang.

Little Bang Brewing Company is at 25 Henry Street, Stepney

Little Bang Brewing

Lobethal Bierhaus, Lobethal

Another family-owned favourite, Lobethal Bierhaus was established in 2007 and remains exclusively all-grain. Popular as a showcase for Adelaide Hills produce and staunchly supported by locals, their range of 8 core beers includes the ‘Bohemian Pilsener’, ‘Hoppy Citra’ and an ‘Extra IPA.’

A winner of multiple medals at local and international beer awards, the longer they remain in business, the better they seem to get at making high-quality sessional beers and interesting seasonal varieties.

Lobethal Bierhaus is at 3a Main Street, Lobethal

Lone Gum Farmhouse, Lonsdale

Lone Gum Farm House, which shares its space with fellow brewery Beer No Evil, uses its many influences from across the globe to create beers of interesting flavours and profiles. With their beers, they have a keen focus on developing the diversity of brewing in South Australia, using alternative fermentation processes to create unique and interesting flavours utilising local ingredients.

Open Sunday and Thursday from 12-6 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11-10 pm, their goal is to help expand the palette of the everyday consumer and offer a more accessible option to the beer aficionado.

Long Gum Farmhouse is at 3/77 O’Sullivan Beach Road, Lonsdale

Penny Red Beer Co, McLaren Flat

Penny Red Beer opened at Easter this year and has already won four Royal Adelaide Beer & Cider Awards for their brews this past July. Their Iced Coffee Stout has quite a following, as does their Milk Stout, and they usually have ten taps on offer at once, changing up their beer lists as often as possible to align with seasonal changes.

This intimate craft brewery (which is also dog-friendly) is a local favourite with a cosy environment and has a permanent food truck on site featuring locally made locally made pizzas and various other guest food vendors. There’s live entertainment every Sunday, providing chilled acoustic vibes that add to the already laid-back atmosphere.

Penny Red Beer Co is at 97 Pennys Hill Rd, The Range

Penny Red Beer Co

Pirate Life Brewing

Okay, so we can hear you saying that these guys barely qualify as a microbrewery these days, especially after they were bought by AB InBev in 2017. That said, the Pirate Life brand remains an Adelaide favourite (even if its founders are from Perth) and is still pumping out high-quality beers at two different SA locations: Its Port Adelaide HQ and SkyCity Adelaide!

If you haven’t already been, the Port Adelaide location featuring its taproom and beer garden is a great spot we highly recommend and a perfect excuse to spend a day rediscovering ‘the Port.

Pirate Life Headquarters are at 18 Baker Street, Port Adelaide

Prancing Pony Brewery, Adelaide Hills

Another Adelaide Hills success story that has quickly made its mark on the Australian craft beer scene. Famously home to what they describe as ‘long flavour,’ Prancing Pony only opened its doors in December 2012 but was soon moving to a much bigger location in Totness, just a four-minute drive from Hahndorf.

Very much into supporting local artists and emerging musicians, the success of the brand hasn’t gone to its head, keeping community, independence and integrity at the top of its core values.

Prancing Pony Brewery is at 42 Mt. Barker Road, Totness

Rehn Bier, Barossa Valley

If high-quality, small-batch artisanal beer is your thing (and it should be), Rehn Bier in the Barossa Valley is well worth a visit. Since 2012, they’ve been creating a range of beers steeped in brewer Brenton’s German ancestry and inspired by old-world beer-making methods.

Their quirky cellar door is also a unique experience and a friendly place where the team are always on hand to share their passion for their internationally awarded beer. Try the ‘1837 Ale’ and find out what all the fuss is about.

Rehn Bier is at 23 Magnolia Street, Tanunda

Rehn Bier

Shapeshifter Brewing, Findon

Ice cold craft pints brewed on-site, mouthwatering food trucks and a warehouse fit-out—Shapeshifter Brewing Co opened their taphouse late last year—and it is everyone’s boozy beer-loving dream.

Opening in Findon in early October, the dedicated taphouse slings fresh pints that pack a flavourful hoppy punch from Thursdays through to Sundays—making it an idyllic location for a summertime Sunday session or Friday knockoffs. Each weekend an array of food trucks also be set up shop at Shapeshifter Brewing’s home, dishing up delicious meals to enjoy with a pint in hand. 

With a neon ‘are you thirsty’ sign placed on their stone-walled warehouse, Shapeshifter Brewery is sure to quench the Westside locale’s boozy thirst.

Shapeshifter Brewing Co can be found at 2/54 Crittenden Rd Findon and is open Thursday from 3 to 8 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 12 noon to 10 pm and Sundays 12 to 6 pm.

Shifty Lizard Brewery, Willunga

Serious about making damn good beer, Shifty Lizard has called Willunga home since 2017 and is no longer another ‘up-and-comer.’ Producing a range of handcrafted beers that go by names like ‘Brewski – Easy Ale’ and the ‘Bruce LeeZard – West Coast IPA’, having fun has remained central to their brand.

With a cruisy-cool taproom that’s become a fixture of Willunga’s main drag, you’d be crazy not to give them a shout on any trip down south.

Shifty Lizard is at 33 High Street Willunga.

SixTwelve Brewing

SixTwelve Brewing are the new kids on the craft beer block, currently establishing themselves in the North Eastern suburbs of Adelaide. Their head brewer, Brad, follows his curiosity with new flavours and perfecting his technique by drawing on life experiences and discoveries throughout his brewing career. Make no mistake, he’s a numbers man so when it comes to the science of it all, he is the ultimate perfectionist.

Check them out at 132 Tolley Road St Agnes

Smiling Samoyed Brewery, Myponga

Dog lovers should get a kick out of this one on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. Opened in 2012 by couple Simon and Kate, Smiling Samoyed Brewery is another SA microbrewery that punches well above its weight.

Family and very dog friendly (their original ’12 Paws’ Pale Ale was named after their mascot dogs), they produce beautifully crafted IPAs and a range of delicious ales. A favourite at the annual Fleurieu Beer Festival, their rustic cellar door is a stone’s throw away from the ocean.

Smiling Samoyed Brewery is at Hansen Street Myponga

Smiling Samoyed

Snapper Point Brewing

Located in Aldinga Beach, Snapper Point Brewing, founded by local brewer Dave Peacock, was named after Dave’s love of fishing and living right near the Snapper Point Reef in Aldinga. The intimate taphouse has a capacity for only 20 people, and has a ‘mancave’ vibe to it, which makes it unique from a lot of other breweries around.

One of the brewery’s best sellers is ‘The Snapper Juice’—a juicy IPA—and ‘Honey Haze’, which has been brewed with honey made by Dave’s brother. There’s also a BA Stout brewed with molasses, and their summer ale, ‘The Blonde Mullet’, is also a popular mid-strength ale.

Snapper Point Brewing Taphouse is located at 103 Esplanade, Aldinga Beach

Snapper Point Brewing

South Coast Brewing

South Coast Brewing is a small independent brewery located in Willunga, with its beers brewed in homage to some of the country’s finest coastlines. The goal of South Coast Brewery is to make beers that can be enjoyed by everyone from the casual consumer to the beer connoisseur

With all their beers brewed on-site and a mini golf course for guest’s enjoyment, too, this family and dog-friendly brewery is open Friday and Saturday from 12-8 pm and Sunday from 12-5 pm.

South Coast Brewing is located at 11 Jay Drive, Willunga

Swell Brewing, McLaren Vale

Opened as recently as late 2018, Swell Brewing Co. is heavily inspired by the surf odysseys of its founder Dan Wright and the locally sourced ingredients of its home in McLaren Vale.

Producing a range of beers for any occasion, the Swell Brewing Co. Taphouse sits in a beautiful vineyard and offers a menu any surf-side gastro pub would be proud of. Well worth some hang-time, we’d say.

Swell Brewing Co. is at 168 Olivers Road, McLaren Vale

Swell Brewing Co

Unionbridge Brewery & Distillery

Originally an old Cold Stores dating back to 1922, Union Bridge has been sympathetically reconstructed into a warm and intimate destination housing a Brewery, Distillery and Restaurant/Taphouse.

Unionbridge is located at 2329 Gorge Road Cudlee Creek.

Uraidla Brewery, Uraidla

Making its home inside the increasingly popular Uraidla Republic hotel complex, the Uraidla Brewery has been brewing up a delicious range of small-batch beers and putting them on tap there since March, 2018.

With an ever-growing portfolio of Pale Ales, IPA’s and Golden Lagers to choose from, the beautiful surrounds of this location make it well worth the short trip into the hills.

The Uraidla Brewery is at 1198 Greenhill Road, Uraidla

Vale Brewing, Willunga

Opening as the McLaren Vale Brewing Company in 2008, this independent brewer has gone from strength to strength ever since. Expanding its award-winning range to include Vale Lager, IPA, Mid Coast and Tropical, their niche has always been about session-able, easy-to-drink craft beers.

For a tasting in the heart of McLaren Vale, you can do much worse than spend a lovely afternoon at their stunning Beresford Estate.

Vale Brewing is at 252 Blewitt Springs Road, McLaren Flat

Watsacowie Brewing Co, Minlaton

Watsacowie Brewing Co is a rustic gem nestled in the regional location of Minlaton, with the microbrewery a must-visit on your next trip to the Peninsula. A stone’s throw from the bustling township and other seaside locales, such as Hardwicke Bay, the dedicated taphouse has been slinging beer for the Southern Yorke Peninsula for the last four years. 

With an impressive 12 beers on tap year-round, Watsacowie Brewing Co pours crafts like the Jazzy Red Ale, an enticing combination of tropical fruit, berries and mosaic hops, as well as a cider and many other fruity froths. On weekends, head out back for some live music and a bite to eat from one of the amazing food trucks. 

You can find Watsacowie Brewing Co at 9 Depot Road, Minlaton, SA, Australia 5575

Western Ridge Brewing, Barossa Valley

Very much a collective of five unique friends, Western Ridge Brewing started in another Barossa Valley shed back in 2016. Always focused on the best local ingredients and fiercely independent, their Nurioopta property is an ideal location from which to enjoy their handcrafted beer and soak in the atmosphere synonymous with the Barossa.

Examples of the boy’s handiwork are the ‘Friendly Bison American Pale Ale’, ‘Summerye Golden Ale’, ’20K Barossa Ale’ and ‘Galaxy Warrior Mosaic’.

Western Ridge Brewing Collective is at 2-4 Kalimna Road, Nurioopta

Western Ridge Brewing Collective

Wheaty Brewing Corps, Thebarton

Since Adelaide institution The Wheatsheaf Hotel started its own microbrewery back in 2014, the venue has continued its reign as one of SA’s favourite hotspots for live music, great art and now awesome beer.

In the same location it’s always been, ‘The Wheaty’ has an ever-evolving line-up of small-batch beers that run on tap until the tap runs out! Favourites include the ‘Blank Czech Pilsener’, ‘Blood Oats Ale’, ‘Apricot Saison’ and the ‘Kranksy Pilsener.’

The Wheatsheaf Hotel is at 39 George Street, Thebarton.

The Suburban Brew, Goodwood and Glynde

Head brewer Tony Dichiera had a vision to create a craft beer brand that was a part of the community. One that listens to its drinkers and works hard to brew for them, sharing a beer or three along the way.

The Suburban Brew has accomplished that with two locations, Goodwood and Glynde, both of which offer delicious craft beers, including a raspberry stout, Sunday session ale and an English special bitter.

The Suburban Brew is at 26-30 Provident Avenue, Glynde and 96 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood

We hope that you’ve enjoyed our list of Adelaide’s best microbrewery locations, and if you think there’s some we’re missing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]

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