Triple tipple: Get on board for craft beers at three local breweries

Taste great brews at three venues on the Milton-Ulladulla Local Beer Day tour. Photo: Zach Milne.

If you needed an excuse to blow the froth off a cold one on a lazy Saturday, this is it!

Gear up for Local Beer Day – yes, that is a proclaimed day – on 24 February, when craft brewers invite punters to celebrate the best local brews at venues across Australia.

Brewers in the Ulladulla region have jumped on the beer wagon this year, with Cupitt’s Estate, Dangerous Ales and Wombat Brewery teaming up to showcase their wares.

Libby Cupitt from Cupitt’s Estate is encouraging locals and visitors alike to hop on board a craft beer journey that will celebrate the brews in the Milton-Ulladulla region.

“Designed to inject some joy into the Aussie beer world after years of challenges, the aim is to bring breweries, bars, bottle shops and beer lovers together for the biggest celebration of local beer the country has seen,” she said.

“Local Beer Day is about supporting independent craft breweries that have been doing it tough over the last few years.”

She said, as a bonus, a hop-on, hop-off bus meant there was no need to designate a driver, and everyone could relax and mingle with fellow beer lovers as they were whisked between each brewery. The bus will run between the venues at Milton, Ulladulla and Kings Point from midday until 6 pm.

Local Beer Day is part of the Crafty Pint’s nationwide celebration to showcase independent breweries’ incredible talent and the vibrant spirit of the Australian craft beer industry.

“This event is a fantastic opportunity to experience three distinct brewery taprooms with diverse styles,” Libby said.

“It brings together passionate brewers, beer lovers and local businesses, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for independent craft beer.”

Libby said craft beer wasn’t just about drinking.

“It’s about community and the connection between beer and the people behind the beer,” she explained.

Get a group together. Photo: Zach Milne.

Meet the Cupitt's brewers. Photo: Zach Milne.

Sample the local Cupitt's beers. Photo: Zach Milne.

Dangerous Ales will host brewery tours. Photo: Tim Frawley.

Dangerous Ales will have a variety of styles on offer. Photo: Tim Frawley.

“By drinking local beer, you’re supporting local family businesses that pour their passion into crafting something unique and delicious and who are injecting vitality into the region. How lucky are we to have three breweries within a short drive of one another here?”

Dangerous Ales owner and head brewer Damien Martin said the day was a good reason for townsfolk to support small local businesses and the local economy.

“Making craft beer is just like any other local business that supports our community,” he said.

“People might not know that we have three breweries in the area, so this is a great opportunity to jump on the bus and see what we’re about.

“If people are interested in looking at our brewery, we’ll be offering short tours throughout the day.”

Libby said some people believed craft beer was all about “big hoppy flavours”.

“That is not the case,” she said. ”Each brewery has created styles with interesting flavours that everyone can enjoy and each brewery and beer has its own story – and I urge you to go seek these out.”

Celebrating its 10th year of brewing beer this year, Cupitt’s Estate is where brewing innovation intertwines with winemaking for the culmination of its award-winning beer-wine hybrids.

“Cupitt’s Estate also crafts a delicious range of classic and contemporary beers perfect for the South Coast lifestyle,” Libby said.

Dangerous Ales has been operating at the Milton Hotel for the past four years and has a vast range of award-winning brews to sample, including lagers, stouts, sours, and fresh Hazy IPAs.

A newcomer to the local brewery scene, Wombat embraces the laid-back Aussie spirit, with classic styles and seasonal surprises. Wombat Brewery is the perfect place to kick back, relax, and enjoy genuinely satisfying beers in a friendly hangout with ever-changing food trucks and live music in the Kings Point industrial area.

Libby said each venue would offer a daily “surprise”, ranging from exclusive beers to behind-the-scenes peeks and special food menus.

She said patrons could “meet fellow beer lovers, share stories, and discover your new favourite local brew (or three!)”.

“Dive into the passion, creativity and unique flavours only small-batch independent brewers can offer,” she added.

Tickets for the on-board event are $25 a person, and are available here.