About
McCashins Brewery in Stoke, just outside Nelson, stands out as one of New Zealand's original craft breweries—and it's been doing this since 1981, long before craft beer became fashionable. Located on Main Road in what feels like the heart of Marlborough wine country (though technically Nelson), McCashins has earned its 4.4-star reputation by refusing to compromise on quality or character. They brew a rotating range of beers that reflect the region's bold personality, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, and they're not afraid to experiment. The brewery remains family-owned and genuinely unpretentious, which is rare for a place with this much pedigree.
Visiting McCashins is refreshingly straightforward. The bar has that lived-in, welcoming vibe you want in a local brewery—think timber, honest conversation, and a crew who actually know their product. Most people spend 1–2 hours here, nursing a few tastings and maybe grabbing food (they often have food trucks or partnerships on-site). It suits solo drinkers keen for a chat just as much as groups, couples, and even families during daylight hours. The space is relaxed, never pretentious. Tip: order a tasting paddle to try the full range; their seasonal specials rotate, so there's always something new even for repeat visitors.
McCashins fits perfectly into a Marlborough brewery or cellar-door crawl—it's a natural pairing with the nearby Sauvignon Blanc estates. Many visitors combine it with a walk to nearby breweries or a drive through the vineyards. Summer (December–February) is peak season, though it's worth visiting year-round; autumn brings quieter crowds and golden light through the brewery windows. It's also just 15 minutes from Nelson's inner-city attractions, so it works as a morning or afternoon stop before heading into town.
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