Bellambi - Illawarra - NSW The Barrel Shepherd is an exploration of all things sour and wild, created with good intentions and community in mind. We’ve evolved gently since Georg’s first foray into home-brewing over a decade ago. In 2021, he expanded into the old King Gee factory in Bellambi, north of Wollongong in Dharawal land, and The Barrel Shepherd was born. Our small batch production happens slowly and intentionally. Patience and meticulous care are required to craft our premium barrel-aged products; barrel aging is a dance between the barrel and the brewer. We guide and shepherd our repurposed French oak vats to their deliciously triumphant finale. A healthy respect for agriculture and natural ingredients weaves through our fermentations. The Barrel Shepherd offer is ever-changing, beholden to the ebb and flow of seasonal harvests. Our blends and brews are infused with locally sourced fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, often giving new purpose to produce heading to landfill. From undersized fruit that can’t be sold commercially, to the juicy by-products of distilling and natural winemaking, our flavour profiles are cast by the environment and our relationships with makers and growers. We use grains that are 100% organically grown in NSW. In May 2022, we opened The Barrel Shepherd Bar and Cellar Door. Each weekend, we happily poured our wild ales and barrel-aged sours for thirsty guests and lovers of unique drinking experiences celebrating the land and the good life. When we closed the doors in December 2025, it was very bittersweet. We miss the incredible support of the local community, but are grateful for the wonderful times enjoyed by all in our cosy neighbourhood bar. And the beer lives on...for now! You can still tap a selection of our brews, while the kegs last.