The pull of family and friends saw Shawna and Michael Dominelli return to north-western Victoria to settle in Stawell. Putting down roots meant it was time to bring the brewery dream to fruition. Grampians Ale Works didn’t have a single beer on tap when it first opened its roller door in 2021. It was the Easter Long weekend, when Stawell braces for the athletics-induced tourism boom surrounding the annual Gift Race. With a near-finished taproom and an opportunity on their hands, owners Shawna and Michael Dominelli – both winemakers in a former life – decided to run the Ale Works as a wine bar just to bring people in. The rustic pop-up style bar got a gentle nudge to open just in time for the Stawell Gift /Easter weekend tourism boost and is still getting its finishing touches. With laneway access, brewing and fermentation equipment taking pride of place and BYO food option, this set-up ticks all the craft brewery boxes.
Current offerings include a German-style pilsner, Pale Ale, IPA, and Porter on tap as well as a range of small-batch wines, hand-crafted cocktails and a cellar door exclusive rosé gin, which uses wine in its production. This innovative cross-pollination is part and parcel of Grampians Ale Works’ approach. Looking to capitalise on the region’s strong agricultural position, Grampians Ale Works use local ingredients was key to their success, as well as a smart move for a sustainable supply chain. Further to their focus on sustainability, all beers will be available to drink in as well as take away in growlers, cans and bottles as soon to come.
Once a former drycleaners, the building had enough real estate and industrial chic to pull off a brewery and tasting bar in one. That, and one other major detail: an eye-catching mural that reads “Greetings from Stawell”, emblazoned down the side of the Ale Works’ facade. Whether the word play was deliberate or not, you’ve got to admit that Grampian’s ale does indeed work.