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'Perfect addition': Craft beer joins Hawke's Bay wine festival

Brave Brewing Set to Elevate Harvest Hawke's Bay Wine & Food Festival with Craft Beer Flair

In a exciting development for food and beverage enthusiasts across New Zealand, Brave Brewing, the innovative craft brewery hailing from Hawke's Bay, has been announced as a key addition to the line-up for this year's Harvest Hawke's Bay Wine & Food Festival. The festival, renowned for showcasing the region's world-class wines, gourmet foods, and vibrant culinary scene, is poised to gain an extra layer of appeal with the inclusion of Brave Brewing's distinctive brews. This move not only diversifies the festival's offerings but also highlights the growing synergy between the wine and craft beer industries in one of New Zealand's premier agricultural heartlands.

The Harvest Hawke's Bay Wine & Food Festival, often simply called Harvest Hawke's Bay, is an annual celebration that draws thousands of visitors to the sun-drenched vineyards and orchards of the region. Held in the picturesque setting of Hawke's Bay, known for its fertile plains, Mediterranean-like climate, and a heritage of viticulture dating back to the 19th century, the event serves as a platform for local producers to shine. This year's iteration promises to be bigger and better, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. Organizers have emphasized that incorporating craft beer into the mix reflects the evolving tastes of attendees, who increasingly seek out artisanal beverages beyond traditional wines.

Brave Brewing, founded in 2014 by local entrepreneurs Matt Smith and Gemma Sutherland, has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of Hawke's Bay's craft beer renaissance. Starting from humble beginnings in a small Hastings garage, the brewery has grown into a beloved brand, producing a range of bold, flavor-forward beers that draw inspiration from the region's natural bounty. Their portfolio includes everything from hoppy IPAs bursting with citrus notes to rich stouts infused with local coffee beans, and even experimental sours that incorporate Hawke's Bay fruits like apricots and cherries. What sets Brave Brewing apart is their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, aligning perfectly with the festival's ethos of celebrating regional produce.

Smith, the head brewer and co-founder, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the festival in a recent interview. "We're thrilled to be part of Harvest Hawke's Bay," he said. "For us, it's about more than just pouring beers—it's about telling the story of Hawke's Bay through our brews. Our beers are a reflection of the land, the people, and the creativity that thrives here. We can't wait to share that with festival-goers and show how craft beer can complement the incredible wines and foods on offer." Sutherland, who handles the business side, added that this opportunity represents a milestone for the brewery. "We've always admired the wine industry's prominence in Hawke's Bay, and now we're excited to bridge that gap. Beer and wine aren't competitors; they're companions in the world of fine beverages."

The festival itself is scheduled to take place over a weekend in late February, transforming key venues across Napier and Hastings into hubs of gastronomic delight. Attendees can expect a multifaceted experience, including wine tastings from over 50 local vineyards, cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, live music performances, and interactive workshops on sustainable farming practices. Food stalls will feature everything from artisanal cheeses and fresh seafood to gourmet street eats inspired by Hawke's Bay's multicultural influences. With Brave Brewing on board, a dedicated craft beer pavilion will be introduced, allowing visitors to sample limited-edition festival-exclusive brews. Imagine pairing a crisp pale ale with a platter of locally smoked meats or a fruity sour with a dessert made from orchard-fresh stone fruits—the possibilities are endless.

This inclusion comes at a time when the craft beer scene in New Zealand is booming. According to industry reports, craft beer production has seen double-digit growth in recent years, with Hawke's Bay emerging as a hotspot thanks to breweries like Brave. The region's brewers are increasingly collaborating with winemakers, leading to innovative crossovers such as beer-wine hybrids or shared events. Harvest Hawke's Bay's decision to feature Brave Brewing underscores this trend, positioning the festival as a forward-thinking event that embraces the full spectrum of fermented delights.

Beyond the beverages, the festival plays a crucial role in boosting the local economy. Hawke's Bay, with its population of around 170,000, relies heavily on agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. Events like this inject millions into the region through visitor spending on accommodations, dining, and souvenirs. Last year's festival attracted over 10,000 attendees, and organizers are optimistic about surpassing that figure this time around, especially with the added draw of craft beer. Community involvement is also a highlight, with proceeds from ticket sales supporting local charities focused on environmental conservation and youth development in the arts.

For those planning to attend, tickets are already on sale, with options ranging from single-day passes to VIP experiences that include exclusive tastings and behind-the-scenes tours. The event's family-friendly atmosphere ensures there's something for everyone, from kid-oriented activities like fruit-picking demos to adult-only evenings of live jazz and gourmet pairings. Safety measures, including designated driver programs and responsible drinking initiatives, are in place to ensure a enjoyable experience for all.

Looking deeper into Brave Brewing's story, it's a tale of passion and perseverance. Smith, a former engineer, discovered his love for brewing during a backpacking trip through Europe, where he sampled traditional ales in historic pubs. Upon returning to New Zealand, he teamed up with Sutherland, a marketing expert with a background in hospitality, to turn their hobby into a business. Their first commercial brew, a session IPA called "Tiger Hill," paid homage to a local landmark and quickly gained a cult following. Today, Brave Brewing operates from a state-of-the-art facility in Hastings, complete with a taproom that hosts regular events like trivia nights and beer-pairing dinners.

The brewery's sustainability efforts are particularly noteworthy. They prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as using solar power for their operations and recycling spent grains as animal feed for local farms. This aligns seamlessly with Hawke's Bay's reputation as a leader in sustainable agriculture. The region boasts some of New Zealand's oldest wineries, like Mission Estate, established in 1851, and is home to varietals such as Chardonnay and Syrah that have won international acclaim. By integrating craft beer, the festival not only broadens its appeal but also fosters a sense of unity among producers who share a common goal: promoting Hawke's Bay as a global destination for food and drink.

As the festival approaches, anticipation is building among locals and tourists alike. Social media is abuzz with posts from previous attendees reminiscing about sun-soaked afternoons sipping on fine wines amid the vines. Now, with Brave Brewing in the mix, those memories will include the satisfying clink of beer glasses too. Whether you're a wine aficionado, a beer enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates good food and great company, Harvest Hawke's Bay promises an unforgettable experience.

In essence, Brave Brewing's participation marks a pivotal moment for the festival, symbolizing the inclusive spirit of Hawke's Bay's culinary landscape. It's a reminder that innovation thrives when traditions evolve, and that the region's bounty is best enjoyed in all its diverse forms. As Smith aptly put it, "Hawke's Bay isn't just about wine—it's about the harvest of ideas, flavors, and community." With that in mind, mark your calendars and prepare your palates for what could be the most dynamic Harvest Hawke's Bay yet.

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Read the Full The New Zealand Herald Article at:
[ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/brave-brewing-to-join-harvest-hawkes-bay-wine-food-festival-line-up/FYGZ47XGUZA4TDSLFZIZHGROGI/ ]