Garage Project Taproom

Since it began in 2011, Garage Project has produced over 640 different beers. The iconic Wellington brewery is known for its wild and wonderful creations and innovative approach. The taproom tucked in Aro Valley is a haven for hop-heads and the hop-curious, or anyone looking for a casual and relaxed evening.

Part of the Aro Valley village, 91 Aro is a cosy neighbourhood pub-meets-bar. It has 18 taps serving up a range of inventive Garage Project creations. Alongside classic IPAs, hazy‘s, and lagers, on any given day, you might find a hard seltzer, fermented sour, or natural wine. The food is comforting and delicious — think toasted sandwiches, warm olives, or chips and dip.

A person pouring an amber coloured beer from a row of beer handles along a tile lined wall.

The taproom is a great way to get to know Garage Project and experience Wellington hospitality. If you’re finding it hard to choose between the many beers (and wines, and seltzers, and more...) on offer, go for a tasting flight. A selection of four is a great way to dip your toes into Garage Project’s vast range. The staff here have a Beer Server Cicerone Qualification and can give you advice on which brew(s) to try. And, best of all, pooches are always welcome.

Garage Project’s inventive spirit has led to an additional location in central Wellington. Wild Workshop is a playground for creative brewers to think outside the box. Situated in the busy Cuba Street precinct, the space is where the team brews specialist-style beers like lambic and gueuze (fermented using wild Belgian yeasts). There are also beer-wine hybrids, barrel-aged sours, spontaneous ferments, and tanks brimming with fruit. You’re welcome to visit, taste, and take away. Guided tours are also available. With so much to see, smell, and taste, it’s a sensory experience. Learn about the brewing process, sample new beers and wines straight out of the barrel, and have some snacks to match.

Garage Project’s Wild Workshop at 7 Furness Lane is where you can try some of its weirdest and wonderful creations.

If you want a taste of history, you can visit where it all began. The original brewery was founded and proudly remains in quirky Aro Valley, across the road from the taproom. It won’t be a surprise that the site was originally a petrol station, inspiring the brewery’s name. You can still see the old canopy and forecourt in front of what is now the cellar door. Here you can visit the bottle shop and have a quick taste from one of eight rotating beer taps.

The exterior of Garage Project Aro Cellar Door, a micro-brewery in Te Aro, Wellington.

Garage Project’s Cellar Door is located at the original brewery site at 67/70 Aro Street in Aro Valley.

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