Crafty way to raise beer profile

Martinborough may be known for its boutique wines, but a new event on this weekend hopes to show local craft beer is just as good.

The first Greater Wellington Brewday to showcase craft beer from the Wellington region will be held on Saturday and already more than 650 tickets have been sold.

Event organiser Karen Aitken said the community had been talking about holding some sort of event to showcase beer and she decided it was time to do it.

After approaching a couple of breweries, the idea had expanded to include 13 breweries.

"We don't realise how many good beers are around," said Miss Aitken.

She was excited but nervous about the day and hoped the weather would stay fine.

"It's going to be a great day sitting in the sun - hopefully."

Martinborough Brewery is one of the Wairarapa breweries taking part and will present an oatmeal stout called black nectar.

Managing director Hayden Frew said they were looking forward to taking part.

"We thought it was the perfect launch opportunity for our beer and our business," he said.

"There's definitely a cult of people that love their craft beer and then there's plenty of others that don't realise what they're missing out on."

There will also be live music and seminars as well as food, coffee and non-alcoholic drinks available.

The Greater Wellington Brewday will be held on Saturday from 11.30am to 6pm at 61 Kitchener St, Martinborough.

See www.brewday.co.nz for more details and to buy tickets.