It's a funny little brewery this one. It's a funny little business…read more They don't do food. Their beer is good, but not great. They are a long way away from anything. It's cold in Goolwa, and it reminds me of bland childhood holidays with my mother standing on hilltops with crossed arms staring wordless and grim into the icy wind, braced against the elements and the powerlessness of childhood. The fit out is nice, I suppose, and there are interesting beer facts plastered around the place which are educational if you're into that kind of thing. And yet I've been there many times. Why would one return to such a place? The Truffles. The Truffles is a "double-chocolate vanilla-bourbon porter" that was brewed by Thor whilst being ceaselessly fellated by a procession of the most physically gifted noblewomen of antiquity. It is the alpha and omega, all things to all men, the product of millennia of evolution and development, the pinnacle of human achievement. Helen of Troy is a cheap slag. The Truffles, in true Steam Exchange fashion, is rarely available on tap, always sold out, and no information exists as to when it is due to reappear. But when it does reappear each year, by jove, go and drink some. The Truffles makes all other shortcomings trivial. The Truffles gets five stars. It may just be as good as Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout.

All aboard! Chugga, chugga, chugga, chugga…read more Set in a large warehouse style shed on the Goolwa marina, smack bang next to where the Steam Ranger docks every couple of hours, this working brewery and bar is worth a day's drive to get to. We walked in and headed straight for the small brewing and bottling facility at the back of the shed (aware we didn't want to look too eager to have a brew or two) for the educational bit first. They had stuff to read on the wall about how beer is brewed and the history of Steam Exchange brewery but it was all a bit too hard to concentrate on when we were bubbling with excitement to try some beer. The bar and ordering process is a tad confusing and service is very limited/not too knowledgeable. Maybe they don't have out-of-towners often? But they didn't really give us any options to do tastings, which beer to start with or anything. However, we eventually found out the following: - 110mL tastings are $2-3 - Schooners & pints are $6-9 There is a list on the bar and it is best to make your way down from Steam, to Indian and Dark Ale and then their specials at the time. And if it is on tap, you must have the truffle beer. You can't get these beers hardly anywhere in Adelaide by the bottle but you definitely can't ever get the truffle beer - as it is always sold out. A huge warning: This place doesn't have ANY food or toilets. You are welcome to bring your own food and needless to say after a tastings we were hoppy little vegemites and I went on the search for food. Don't go to the cafe on the marina, 5 minutes up the hill you can get take away wedges and burgers. 5 stars for the beer 2 stars for the lack of facilities, 4 stars for the atmosphere on a sunny day = 4 stars overall (trust me it does).

The beer is very good but order everything you want up front the line up is long and slow, Beef…read morebrisket I couldn't cut with a steak knife and my wife's steak sandwich was tuff I don't rate the food. The views over the cow paddocks' is verry nice.

Amazing food - popped in for an impromptu lunch and they didn't disappoint. One thing - a…read moreprofessional kitchen should be able to get all meals out at the same time... the dribble approach is ok at a beachside cafe

Honestly, this place deserved points simply for the gorgeous dog that seems to just wander around…read morehere. Then again, the dog aside (which is hard to ignore mind you, especially since it seems to be perpetually hungry), they also have some absolutely awesome beers here, but then again it is a craft brewery. Yeah, they also do food, but once again most breweries also do that. This is certainly a little gem that happens to be incredibly popular.

One afternoon when heading on a joy ride to Normanville we passed through the charming historical…read moretown of Myponga. High on the old butter factory facade - a welcome beacon calling us within it's walls. A fluffy, smiling Samoyed face. Even better was the encouraging word that sealed the deal, 'brewery'! Smiling Samoyed Brewery has been lovingly transformed from it's former life as Myponga Brewery by husband and wife Simon Dunstone and Kate Henning. The charming rustic-styled barn opened in November 2012, and was listed in Adelaide Now's Top 10 Beer Gardens in December 2013. The namesakes act as the welcoming committee, usually lounging in the front gardens. Wrap around verandas provide a variety of seating styles for groups large & small, sun worshippers and the pink-prone. From the back verandah there is a panoramic view of the Myponga reservoir which hosts golden sunsets, swans and the occasional kangaroo. The brewery itself is visible from inside, through large picture windows, and it's produce available on tap, as take away, and on some of the most unique and hand made tasting paddles I've had the fortune to come across. All of the beers we tried were great. The Dark Ale has coffee and chocolate flavours and nice light hop bitterness to clean it up. The 12 Paws American Pale Ale has medium hop-bitterness with nice maltiness that makes it refreshing in the sun. The First Batch American Pale Ale had more floral notes, including banana flower. Wood fired pizzas laden with local produce, like Alexandrina Cheese, are the specialty here. The pizzas are a good size, with nice wood oven char on the crust but not too bubbled or charred. In true Italian style the toppings aren't overwhelmed by cheese making this a healthier than normal option. The woodfired pizzas are ably supported by tasting platters with the season's & region's finest, like Adelaide Hills avocados, metwurst, Alexandrina carraway Gouda, and salt & pepper calamari. All is fresh and flavoursome, the calamari crunchy, sweet and tender. Before or after dining & taking in the live music & views over the reservoir, take some time to wander through the old butter factory markets. There are books, antiques, tools, home made jams and crafts, hot chilli sauces, an art gallery and local eggs.

What a great little boutique brewery in McLaren Vale. They offer tastings for only $8 and you can…read moresample their 6 specialty beers. Start light and end in your heavier red ales. I am not a beer drinker and i made it through 4/6 before passing the rest over to my partner. Got to talk to the brewers, see where the magic happens in the huge vats whilst sipping your way through the beers. Dont miss this place out when you take a visit to McLaren Vale. Definitely worth the find.

Open to the public!…read more They have a really cool beer bar, the pirate behind the bar is eager to chat and educate us about beers and the reason behind them having canned beer instead of bottled! All the brewing action happens on site out the back. Try the tasting paddles. They have basic beer snacks available to purchase and filtered water to cleanse your palate between tastes. They also have coffee by common ground roasters and a merchandise area! Come check it out! x

It's a very interesting property to visit. It was an old hotel inn, purchased by Chris Norris and…read moreAnna Priamo over 20 years ago. It's their home and they turned it into a lifestyle accommodation, wedding/function venue, vineyard and of course restaurant. It's full of characters. Only just over an hour drive from Adelaide, great fresh food and veggies from their garden and local suppliers. Great wooden pizza, really enjoyed my rib eye steak, simple and tasty. Great in summer time. One tip: ring up first, they do like to enjoy their life too, so they don't open all the time or they might be booked for events etc.

Set in the world famous McLaren Vale, the aptly named McLaren Vale Beer Co. is set in a perfect…read morelocation amongst vineyards and between some of the worlds best wineries. Their tap house and kitchen makes delicious gourmet pub foods including wood oven pizzas, burgers and salads. But it is the setting that brings you here. I chose this place for my 25th birthday lunch amidst a wine tour and we were all impressed. The bright, rustic, unique and trendy interior brings a young crowd interested in boutique beers and local wines. The ales are refreshing and not too much and have won numerous awards around the country for taste and design. The wine cellar is small and rustic, but hey - you're here for the beer and the socialising!!

The McLaren Vale Beer company is certainly a favourite of mine to visit while in the region…read morenormally famous for its wines!! They produce around 5 beers - an indian pale ale, dark ale, lager, a new cider and their flagship Vale Ale. They are all very drinkable...and can be sampled in a paddle featuring small measures of them. Also available are the traditional pints, handles and stubbies for takeaway. The food served at cellar door is fantastic, a favourite side is always the Duck Fat Chips.... something very special. They are all reasonably priced for the area. They is plenty of parking here, but on busy periods its gets quickly filled up. There is an ample beer garden with some outdoor seats. A very nice place to visit after a few wines of just on its own!

A friend of mine recommended this place to me. Actually, to be more specific, a friend of mine…read moreindicated to me that this place existed because I really don't need to be recommended a craft beer brewery namely because I will end up going their anyway. So, it took a while to get here, namely because most times I went past it was closed, but one Sunday afternoon I was fortunate enough to discover that it was open. Well, we ended up getting a tasting paddle, and I do admit that the beers were actually pretty good. It's a rather small time operation, and can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth checking out.

Looking for somewhere casual and feels like a home away from home? Look no further Little Bang is…read morehere. Actually, I really wish this is what my home looked like. But, what I am getting at is that it feels homely... This is a brewery that has opened its doors to invite craft beer lovers in to enjoy some frothies for the weekend. First up I should point out, you are really right in the middle of the brewing action here. Set up a seat next to a fermenter and stacks of malt. You will be greeted with a smile and you might even get a handshake. Ryan & Fil are amongst the coolest brewers in town. From Video Game Designers to Brewers, they have such a great success story to tell. In fact, I think it is quite inspirational for those who are looking to get into the industry. Changing your career into something that you really love is always a challenge. But with drive and determination, you can really achieve your dreams. After having to leave the games industry due to the GFC, Ryan took on working in the beer industry and Fil in refrigeration mechanics. In their spare time, they brewed for fun. Just like you would in learning skills to reach the next level in a video game; these two had an epiphany (I am sure after some beers) about combining forces to create one mega-craft-beer-force that Little Bang is today. Unlike other breweries they had the skills to make the equipment they needed which made it a lot more affordable. So, that is exactly what they did. Well, after having to convince their wives of course. And I am sure glad they did. These brews are great and are quickly earning their stripes. As for this Venue, this is a great spot for groups. But, remember don't expect anything fancy, this is a place to chill and relax. There are tables inside and out. Their full range of beers are on offer and you can get a paddle to give them all a go for $15. Need munchies with your beer? They also make their own pickles which are really good. Or you can order some pizza from a nearby joint with free delivery. What are my fave beers on offer? I am a big fan of their Freezer Cleaner. But that is of course going to change in flavour over time. I do also like their Chocolate Porter which is lighter than expected and easy to drink. Give their Happy Land Summer Ale a go if you like something lighter. It's got a lot more flavour profile than others I have tried. Quite floral and almost a little sweet. I am very excited that the boys have opened their brewery for weekend drinks. This might become my local. Well done guys!

Food was excellent and service spot on. Live music - perhaps a bit loud as you had to yell to be…read moreheard but overall highly recommend.

I sort of took a wrong turn and ended up at this brewery. Well, that certainly turned out to be one…read moreof those delightful accidents because this brewery was pretty awesome. I have had some of their beers before, namely because I wandered into a bottle shop, but it was great to actually visit the brewery itself. Yeah, the beers are pretty awesome, and the service wasn't bad at all. It may be a bit of a trek to get to, but it is definitely worth it.