Lobethal Bierhaus

The Adelaide Hills are renowned for their wines, but not all of us are partial to a drop of vino.  Many people prefer a good amber liquid, and the Lobethal Bierhaus produce some of the finest beers to come out of South Australia.

The Lobethal Bierhaus is located on the Lobethal Main Street, on the site of the former Onkaparinga Woollen Mills.  Boasting a small all-grain micro brewery (12 Hecto-Litre Brew Length) with accompanying cellar door tasting facilities, off-license bottle sales and a restaurant with matching beer themed foods built around unique local produce.

Lobethal Bierhaus produce true hand crafted character beers in a variety of styles. Currently on tap are German Wheat Beer, an American style Pale Ale, an India Pale Ale, a Porter and my personal favourite Devil’s Choice (a Belgian style strong golden ale; 10% alcohol, fruity in character, gentle on the hops, with a smooth creamy finish).

A visit to the Lobethal Bierhaus includes an introduction to the considerable history of brewing in the local area, which dates back to the 1850’s.  In fact, the former Onkaparinga Woollen Mills was built on the site of the original Kleinschmidt brewery.  The proprietors have a passion for sharing both their love for brewing and the equipment / techniques used, whilst also providing an opportunity to taste great beer in a friendly environment.

You can buy the beers by the schooner or pint.  Not sure what to try?  Why not try a tasting paddle?  $12 gets you a wooden paddle of six beers in order of depth of flavour, from the Bohemian Philsner through to the Chocolate Oatmeal Stout.  All beers are available for purchase to take home, ranging from 6 packs through to the 2 litre Growler bottles.

If beer isn’t your thing, don’t worry – the menu is fantastic, and they also stock a comprehensive range of wines, soft drinks and other beverages.  You won’t find big brand soft drinks here – all products are locally sourced.

The menu is great – for a light meal you can’t go past the best Buffalo Wings you’ll ever taste, crunchy chips (plain or with Cajun spices) or the bruschetta.  The brewer’s plate or local cheese plate is also well worth a try.  For a more substantial lunch or dinner try the Coorong Angus Tenderloin (served with semolina leek gnocchi, roasted root vegetables and wholegrain mustard jus), or the Berkshire Pork Belly (Berkshire Pork Belly – herb and garlic stuffed, served with roasted dutch cream potatoes, dill pickles, capers and cherry tomatoes).

There’s a lovely inside dining area, with tables and chairs or leather couches for wasting away a lazy Sunday afternoon (in front of the roaring fire in winter is the perfect place to spend a dreary winters day).  Out the front is an outdoor dining area, perfect for a lazy summers day in the fresh Adelaide Hills air!

The Lobethal Bierhaus is open Friday – Sunday and well worth a visit.  Check out their website here:

Lobethal Bierhaus website