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Our Story

Since 1985, we have been producing the very best cask, keg and bottled beers, using the finest ingredients, while at the same time supporting the Great British institution that is fondly known as the 'pub'.

 

Our reputation for consistent excellence in product quality and customer service is the reason our beers are served in more than 1,200 pubs and bars throughout the West Midlands and South Wales. In fact, we've gone from a humbling beginning of producing approximately 10 brewers' barrels a week to an average of 1000 barrels per week - that's more than 14 million pints per year!!

KEY MILESTONES

  1. 1985 WHERE THE STORY BEGINS

    It all began in the summer of 1985! After brewing for years for Guinness, Wye Valley Brewery founder, Peter Amor decided to branch out on his own. He began brewing from the back of a pub in Canon Pyon in Herefordshire but soon moved to the old stable block of The Barrels in Hereford - Wye Valley Brewery’s very first pub!

    WHERE THE STORY BEGINS

  2. 1986 Our spiritual home

    The Barrels in Hereford was home to Wye Valley Brewery for over 15 years, and it was here that we refined our craft and built a loyal following, laying the groundwork for the brewery’s future growth. The Barrels remains a proud part of our story as our flagship pub and is still described as our 'spiritual home'.

    Our spiritual home

  3. 1992 HPA

    In 1992, Wye Valley Brewery introduced HPA - Hereford Pale Ale - a light, citrusy and refreshing beer that quickly became a local favourite. Its balanced flavour and easy-drinking character helped establish HPA as one of our flagship brews.

    HPA

  4. 1997 KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

    After studying at Young’s brewery in London, Peter’s son, Vernon Amor, joined the brewery to help with the demands of the growing business.

    KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

  5. 1998 Introducing Butty Bach

    Loosely translating to 'little friend', Butty Bach was originally brewed as a one-off special for the Great Welsh Beer Festival in 1998. After winning 'Beer of the Festival' three years running, its sweet, smooth and moreish character earned it a permanent place in our lineup. Today, it stands proudly as one of our flagship beers.

    Introducing Butty Bach

  6. 2002 THE BIG MOVE

    By 2002, the brewery had well and truly outgrown its stable block at The Barrels and Peter and Vernon were on the look-out for bigger premises. A 9-acre former cider mill in Stoke Lacy was soon to become Wye Valley Brewery’s new home.

    THE BIG MOVE

  7. 2009 BOTTLING IT UP

    Installing a bottling line was another huge step for the brewery and definitely one worth celebrating… Following an official opening that was attended by local dignitaries and dedicated Wye Valley Brewery fans, with the bottling line in full swing, the brewery was for the first time able to brew and bottle under one roof.

    BOTTLING IT UP

  8. 2013 A brand new brewhouse

    In October 2013, work on a brand new Brewhouse was completed. As well as increasing brewing capacity, the state-of-the-art Brewhouse also increased energy efficiency.

    A brand new brewhouse

  9. 2015 SOLAR, SO GOOD!

    To add to our already impressive array of solar panels, in November 2015 a bank of panels were installed in one of the fields to the rear of the brewery. These new solar panels are currently producing over 47% of the brewery’s total electricity! Find out more about Wye Valley Brewery’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and our ongoing eco-initiatives.

    SOLAR, SO GOOD!

  10. 2016 OUR FIRST EVER LAGER!

    After 30 years as a cask ale specialist, a lager was a natural expansion of our range.

    Named after the year Wye Valley Brewery was founded, 1985 is combines the best of British hops and European lager hops for a cool, crisp taste.

    OUR FIRST EVER LAGER!

  11. 2020 Three Generations of Amor

    In 2020, Max Amor joined Wye Valley Brewery, marking the beginning of a third generation in the family business. A proud milestone and one well worth raising a glass to. 

    Three Generations of Amor

  12. 2022 The new name in British Stout that's on everyone's lips

    In 2022, Wholesome Stout experienced a rebrand. It was relaunched as Nightjar on Thursday 22nd September to 250 publicans at the brewery in Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire. The newly branded keg stout complements the other market leading brands in the Wye Valley Brewery portfolio.

    The new name in British Stout that's on everyone's lips

  13. 2023 A new bottling and canning line… Our biggest investment yet!

    After we installed our first bottling line in 2009, sales of our bottled beers grew and grew... and grew! The bottling line was being pushed to its limits and was time to upgrade. We've always been a brewery that looks ahead, so we turned a big decision about the bottling line into an even bigger one by installing a new packaging line and a new canning line too! This much needed investment will help future-proof our bottling and allow us to produce our first ever canned beers.

    A new bottling and canning line… Our biggest investment yet!

  14. 2025 Turning 40!

    From humble beginnings to becoming one of the UK’s leading independent breweries, Wye Valley Brewery celebrated turning 40 throughout 2025... Including a big birthday bash with our customers, colleagues, family and friends.

    Turning 40!

  • Our Talented People

Supporting

LOCAL CHARITIES

There’s no denying we’re a passionate bunch and fiercely proud of everything we do. Everyone who works for Wye Valley Brewery is committed both to making the best beers possible and to helping others, including local charities, not-for-profit organisations, clubs, and community groups. As a thriving business, we recognise all the support we’ve had over the years and love to give a little back however we can, from providing prizes for raffles and auctions, to sponsoring events and supporting via social media. Among the many organisations large and small we are proud to support are the two wonderful ones below.

HEREFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST HEREFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

HEREFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

As long-term supporters of the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, we’re proud to have committed to supporting their vital projects for another year.

 

Wye Valley Brewery’s Managing Director Vernon Amor said, “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust. We are privileged to be situated in the heart of rural Herefordshire, a beautiful part of the country and home to the best varieties of British hops. In continuing our support of the Trust, we’re looking forward to rolling up our sleeves to help with local initiatives that see our home county’s natural world thrive.” 

 

Learn more about Herefordshire Wildlife Trust at:
herefordshirewt.org

THE WYE AND USK FOUNDATION THE WYE AND USK FOUNDATION

THE WYE AND USK FOUNDATION

This respected rivers trust has the aim of helping improve the health and sustainability of the Wye and Usk. These rivers are integral to our local community and the natural heritage of the region. (And, of course, our brewery is named after one of them.) 

 

Our collaboration with The Wye and Usk Foundation aims to support the foundation’s vital work in improving the ecology, habitat, and water quality of these celebrated rivers.

 

Learn more about The Wye and Usk Foundation and lend further support at:
wyeuskfoundation.org

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