Hope Estate - The Hunter vineyard brewing 1.5 million litres of beer

Founder Michael Hope at Hope Estate's Hope Brewhouse

Hope Estate nestled within the iconic wine region of the Hunter Valley has always been synonymous with two things: wine and music. But not anymore.

Since founder Michael Hope took on the former Rothbury site in 2006, Hope Estate has successfully created at least 18 wine variations and played host to music events featuring some of the world's most famous performers including Elton John, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton and "The Boss' Bruce Springsteen.

But not content to rest on his laurels, in 2014 Michael set about adding to the property's list of accomplishments by starting his own brewery.

"It's every boy's dream to own their brewery isn't it?' Michael joked.

"But seriously, for us it was just the perfect fit for what we do. Eric Clapton was our first concert back in 2009 and it became clear to me very quickly that we were engaging with a lot of people though the concerts and cellar door, weddings, functions and other events and it seemed crazy to me that I had to go and buy beer.

"The challenge at first for us as Hope Estate, was that no one knew who we were. That's how the amphitheater came into play to really create that brand for us. Then as it grew I put on my wine tasters hat and thought, wouldn't it be great if one of these cellar doors also had beer? It was a perfect fit for us as a venue and destination."

"Then as it grew I put on my wine tasters hat and thought, wouldn't it be great if one of these cellar doors also had beer? It was a perfect fit for us as a venue and destination..."

Two years ago the idea became a reality when Michael implemented the first stage of the winery's brewery, Hope Brewery

"So far we've successfully brewed 46 different beers here onsite and at any one time we usually have around 20 varieties available, including mainstream beers like pale ale and lager, as well as year-round specialties like Gluten Free Pilsner, Choc Milk Porter and Super Juicy Neipa.

"The rest of the time we get creative with the seasonals or craft beers, and one-offs like the Raspberry Sour for summer and Jet Black IIIPA. There's definitely a market out there for beers people have never tried before and it's fun for us as well."

The packaging used by Hope Brewery also incorporates the fun and flair that is synonymous with Hope Estate, using bright colours and bold design.

"What this really is about, is breaking down barriers just like we've done with wine. There's no need to be intimated by viticulture and it's the same with brewing. That's really the essence of Hope Estate, to not take ourselves too seriously, to have fun, and be approachable."

This seasonal beer is fun and brewed using all Australian malt and American hops. It's offers big fruit flavours and a refreshing finish.

"There's no need to be intimated by viticulture and it's the same with brewing. That's really the essence of Hope Estate, to not take ourselves too seriously, to have fun, and be approachable..."

Hope Estate currently distributes to around 750 venues and retailers in NSW, Queensland and Victoria and brews 1.5 million litres per annum, including beer brewed onsite for external companies.

"I like to think of us as independent brewers. The strategy was to create quality beer, not conquer the world but in saying that it is going gangbusters. We are growing and we are about to expand our brewing facility, but we're not out there to compete with the likes of Lion and other massive brewers. That's not what we're trying to be."

Since 2014, Hope Brewery has won 66 awards for its brews including the 2016 Craft Beer Industry Association's Champion Award for Australian Small Brewery, and 2017 & 2018 Sydney Royal Beer and Cider Show's Champion Award for Experimental and Specialty Beer.

Since 2016, Hope Brewery has won 66 awards for its brews including the 2016 Craft Beer Industry Association's Champion Award for Australian Small Brewery, and 2017 & 2018 Sydney Royal Beer and Cider Show's Champion Award for Experimental and Specialty Beer...

Hope Brewery also donates all spent grain to local farmers as stock feed in the amount of 600 tonnes every year.

To learn more about Hope Brewery and Hope Estate go to hopestate.com.au

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