Crafty plans to expand Hunter brewing industry

The Australian Craft Beer Association believes the Hunter is an ideal location to expand the industry, given it already attracts tourists with a fine palate.

There are several proposals underway to build micro-breweries around the vineyards, including a craft brewery at the Crowne Plaza and another at Hope Estate.

Association Chair Brad Rogers says breweries are becoming common in wine growing areas across the country and the Hunter is no different.

"You know people who are interested to go along to the wine areas they understand flavour, they understand why are walking into those wineries," he said.

"I think for the same reason they will be able to walk into breweries and they will be able to taste some really good craft brewed beer."

The Association says increasing interest in micro-breweries in the Hunter Valley is symptomatic of a nationwide boom in the sector.

Mr Rogers says while there are already a few local breweries, the new found interest reinforces growing national interest in craft beers.

"You know it's 20 to 30 per cent (growth) year on year

"It's really driven by the consumer, it's driven by good breweries out there producing good beer.

"I am not surprised at all that there is equal growth within the wine growing regions."

Source: ABC News, 5 September 2013