Napoleone – Dynamite Brews

Entrance to Napoleone Brewery & Ciderhouse, sharing a courtyard with Meletos Cafè

You’d be forgiven for thinking the Yarra Valley is only for wine lovers, but one visit to Napoleone Brewery & Ciderhouse and you’ll be convinced otherwise.

Part of a family run business since 1948, these guys aren’t exactly the new kids on the block, even if grapes outgrow apples in this neck of the woods.

Inside the brewery bar which opens out onto Meletos Cafè

A relaxed brewery bar with a great atmosphere is what you’ll find when you visit Napoleone today. With an extensive range of beers and ciders on offer, we recently stopped by for a tasting paddle on a sunny Sunday afternoon and soon realised this was THE place to be in the Yarra Valley.

A hub of activity, typical of a busy local pub, we took a quiet moment out in the courtyard to sample a few of these fine brews, and here were some of our favourites…

Tasting paddles available at the bar. A great way to sample a few favourites.

Apple Cider

Made from a mix of Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Fuji and Sundowner, this cider is delightfully crisp without being cloyingly sweet. Refreshing and light with a hint of cinnamon. So good and dare we say it, tastes a little like a white wine…

Apple & Pear Cider

Using a similar variety of apples but with the delicious addition of Beurre Bosc pears, this cider has a somewhat earthy freshness to it that you simply don’t get with other ciders. Yum.

Helles Lager

A light, bright and clean lager we can easily see ourselves indulging in this summer.

European hops have been used to create a malt driven, easy to drink brew. Very well done.

Breakneck Porter

Dark chocolate, toffee, caramel and the bitterness of an espresso all rolled into one very impressive beer. A good one for the cooler months and easily our stand-out favourite of the day.

Courtyard at Napoleone – perfect setting to enjoy some ciders in the sun.

With so much to see and do in the Yarra Valley, why not enquire about a Wine Compass tour today.

Not that into wine? Discover our Top Destinations in the Yarra Valley that aren’t Wineries.

And if you would like to book a tailored tour, try Wine tours Yarra Valley

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Lucia Guadagnuolo

Lucia has recently completed her WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, enjoys hosting wine tastings, discovering the Melbourne foodie scene, and has a keen interest in the wines, and fried foods, of Southern Italy.