Dune Hopper Brewing Co. focuses on crafting solid brews, welcoming true community

If there’s one thing that Steph and Colin VanderMeulen from Dune Hopper Brewing Co. want you to know about their beer, it’s that they genuinely care about their customers having thought-out, well-made beer and a really great time. Oh, and that they love dogs.

Dune Hopper Brewing Co. in Prince Edward County is turning heads for all the right reasons. Co-founder and Brewmaster Colin was recently awarded a Canadian Brewers’ Choice Award for Brewer of the Year 2024 in Ottawa. Their branding has also earned accolades, and their taproom remains a popular spot all year round. In between it all, a loyal patron base has sprung up, and Dune Hopper is now sought after for reliably great beers with the sweetest, most welcoming atmosphere for the entire family.

Making solid beer is at the heart of the operation at Dune Hopper, from humble homebrewing roots filled with learning and constant tweaking, to turning out new releases that consistently sell out.

Colin started brewing about 12 years ago, encouraged to forge ahead after people responded well to his beer and winning homebrewing contests. He was soon recruited by Signal Brewery, where he learned to make award-winning beer on a large scale. He was already set on starting his own brewery when he was introduced to Greg Emm, co-owner of Dune Hopper, who had similar aspirations. “The two of them built the brewery from the ground up,” Steph said. “We came to the camping and outdoorsy theme because our location lends itself naturally to it, being near Sandbanks, and through a deep appreciation of camping ourselves.”

Enjoying the Taproom

That camping theme extends further than the cans, too. Walking into the taproom at Dune Hopper, the open space with high ceilings, loads of natural light and scent of pine from all the wood is a welcoming committee all its own, reminiscent of camping adventures. “The building is meant to look kind of like a provincial park store and gives off a very relaxed, communal vibe,” Steph said, noting all staff at Dune Hopper share that love of the outdoors, so it’s a good fit.

The heart of it all: the beer

Colin uses his deep knowledge of crafting a superior brew to put his own signature on each recipe. That results in not always brewing a beer to style, and the flexibility and creativity of being able to give people what they want in a beer - creating recipes that are palatable and well-balanced. “He’s also a meticulously clean and regimented brewer, a perfectionist,” Steph said. 

That leads to brewing beer that becomes an instant success with locals and visitors alike. Case in point: Dune Hopper’s most popular is their craft lager, Tent Pitcher, an easy-drinking, refreshingly smooth beer at 4.8% ABV. “It’s perfect for our very specific demographic of patio-goers, campers, trailer owners and people who have waterfront properties - all places where people tend to want more sessionable beverages,” Steph said.

Interestingly, the team at Dune Hopper was surprised by the success of a low alcohol 3.5% Blueberry Raspberry Adventure sour, gone now, but full-bodied and extra juicy, made with more than 25% fruit puree. Their Bubblegum Seltzer was also a big hit, selling out twice. 

Something new for summer

Dune Hopper just released three new summer beers: Tramping, Nahanni, and Sundog!

Tramping is a hazy IPA with New Zealand hops, a collab with BAOS podcast; Nahanni is a Canadian wheat beer, a collab with Veterinarians Without Borders, and Sundog is a hazy pale ale that’s tropical, light but flavourful. Watch for another new release coming soon that’s sure to be a summer favourite.

Known for their branding

Steph said without fail, customers comment on their easily-recognizable label. She credits designer Michael Zavacky, who took their idea and ran with it. When they told him what they were aiming for - a brand that was camping/outdoor-themed with a nod to provincial parks - he picked up what they were putting down right away. “Because our labels are so attractive, we use elements of them to create the rest of our merch,” she said, noting posters that have found homes in offices, boathouses, Airbnbs and further afield. 

Dogs and kids welcome

Perhaps one of the favourite things that sets Dune Hopper apart is their inviting atmosphere for kids and pups. Always knowing they wanted to be family and community-oriented, the folks at Dune Hopper consciously welcome children and pets so adults have more options for things to do as parents. “Everyone knows it’s hard to get time to do what you love when you are a caretaker,” Steph said. “We want to make that easier, for people to be able to stop and enjoy a beer or two even if they’re out with the family or walking the dog.”

If guests are eager to nosh, there’s a food truck on-site during the warmer months called Natural Born Grillers, featuring unpretentious, delicious and affordable food that complements the beer perfectly. Also, look for several events throughout the year, like Bends and Brews with Serendipity Yoga, live music, pint-sized sessions, bingo nights and more!

For more information, visit www.dunehopper.ca or follow along on Facebook @dunehopperbrewing or on Instagram @dunehopperbrewing. Better yet, swing by to experience Dune Hopper for yourself at 1613 County Road 12, Prince Edward County.