Nestled in the heart of New Zealand, the city of Christchurch boasts a stunning landscape of mountains, rivers and oceans. Renowned for its rich historical heritage, unique culture, and vibrant food scene, an exciting factor that’s gaining prominence in the city’s gastronomic repertoire is its delightful drink diversity. The range of wines, beers and distilled spirits on offer are as diverse and captivating as the city itself. Indeed, exploring flavours nestled in the delights of hops, grapes, and grains, has become a unique attraction for intrigued locals and intrepid tourists alike.
The allure of exploring the world of hops can be traced back to Christchurch’s thriving craft beer scene. Its historical roots running deep, the city is now home to a swath of microbreweries and craft beer hubs, where brewing traditions and innovations go hand in hand. Punting on the Avon river with a locally brewed craft beer in hand has become a staple of the Christchurch experience. At the forefront of this scene is the renowned Cassels Brewery, situated atop an old abandoned tannery. It boasts a diverse range of beers on tap, with Kiwi favorites like the milk stout and pilsner celebrated alongside globally inspired brews. So profound has been the love for hops, the annual event named The Great Kiwi Beer Festival has established itself as a calendar feature gathering pint enthusiasts from around the globe.
The charm of Christchurch, however, doesn’t stop at hops. It also extends to one of the city’s oldest traditions – wine making. The grape-growing Canterbury region surrounds Christchurch and the vineyards here are particularly known for their sensational pinot noirs and aromatic whites such as riesling, pinot gris and gewürztraminer. Terraces of vineyards sloping down towards the mesmerizingly beautiful Waipara Valley, produce some of the country’s most applauded wines. An unforgettable journey of wine-tasting through this picturesque landscape provides a sensory exploration of the region’s geology, climate, and winemaking prowess.
The exciting drink tale continues with grains, the basis for a range of locally distilled spirits that the city is increasingly becoming known for. Christchurch’s embracement of artisanship is perhaps best embodied in the emergence of boutique distilleries such as the spirited Curiosity Gin distillery or the sophisticated whisky house of The Spirits Workshop. Both independent and proud, they encapsulate the essence of Christchurch’s diversity, transforming locally foraged botanicals and grains into delightful spirits. A tour of these distilleries, thrown in with a tasting, paints an insightful picture of the city’s centuries-old relationship with alcohol.
The drink scene of Christchurch is a riveting fusion of rich historic legacy, traditional craftmanship and innovative drink christchurch creativity. Navigating through the delightful drink diversity immerses you into the vibrant local culture, leaving your senses invigorated and your heart yearning for another pint, another pour, another sip of Christchurch. Whether you’re a hop lover, a wine connoisseur, or a spirit enthusiast, this city has something to quench every thirst. With world-class offerings in hand, the humble city of Christchurch stands tall in the realm of hops, grapes, and grains, inviting all to partake in its captivating liquid journey.