Botanical Bliss: The Hunter Valley's Gin Trail

The Hunter Valley is becoming a vibrant destination for craft gin enthusiasts. Our expanding gin scene features unique spirits that showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of local distilleries.

Whether you're a seasoned gin connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this trail offers a journey through boutique distilleries, each presenting distinctive and flavorful gin creations. Here are some standout gin producers and their exceptional products you must try.

FAR Distilling

FAR Distilling, 989 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin. Jess and Ben Whittemore-Tulloch make their gins on the family estate, splitting the botanical work between a copper pot still and a vacuum cold still. The ones to seek out are the grape gins, each made once a year from a single vineyard’s fruit. The Semillon Slammer starts with fresh-pressed Latara Vineyard Semillon juice crashed with grape-based spirit before it can ferment, and the Hunter Valley Shiraz Gin is just as unique; with hand-picked Field of Mars Block 1 Shiraz undergoing carbonic maceration before its own fortification process. The Semillon Slammer and the Hunter Valley Shiraz Gin have both won Gold at the Melbourne Royal Australian Distilled Spirits Awards. Tastings are $10 a person for four spirits of your choice, upstairs inside the Keith Tulloch Wine cellar door, seven days (excluding public holidays).

Hope Estate Gin

Hope Estate, renowned for its wines and beers, has successfully ventured into the world of spirits with the Hope Distillery. One of their standout products is the Pokolbin Dry Gin, a premium small-batch gin infused with botanicals like coriander, fennel, and cardamom. This gin offers a crisp and citrusy flavor profile, making it a refreshing choice for any gin enthusiast. Additionally, their Lemon Myrtle Gin provides a floral flair with its infusion of native Australian botanicals, perfect for a sophisticated and aromatic gin experience.

Hunter Distillery Gin

Hunter Distillery is known for its extensive range of organic spirits. Their Copperwave Distilled Gin is a popular choice, offering a classic dry gin with a smooth finish. This award-winning gin is crafted with a commitment to organic production, ensuring a clean and refined taste. Another must-try is their Botanica Gin, which incorporates a variety of locally sourced botanicals to create a complex and aromatic spirit.

Pokolbin Distillery Gin

Pokolbin Distillery offers an impressive array of spirits, including their exceptional gin range. The distillery focuses on using local botanicals to create unique and aromatic gins. Their Pokolbin Dry Gin is a delightful blend that captures the essence of the Hunter Valley, offering a balanced and refreshing gin experience that gin lovers will appreciate.

Night Merchant by Bimbadgen

Night Merchant is Bimbadgen's exciting contribution to the Hunter Valley gin scene. Crafted with a blend of traditional and native botanicals, this gin offers a balanced and aromatic spirit that is both unique and flavorful. The Night Merchant Gin is perfect for those seeking a distinctive gin experience that highlights the innovative spirit of Bimbadgen.

Kawal Rock Gin

Kawal Rock Distillery produces distinctive gins that reflect the local terroir. Their gin offerings are crafted with meticulous care, ensuring high-quality spirits that gin enthusiasts will love. The Kawal Rock Signature Gin is a testament to their dedication to excellence, featuring a harmonious blend of botanicals that deliver a rich and complex flavor profile.

Wild Ren Gin

Primarily known for their wines, Wild Ren Wines also produces a delightful gin. Their focus on quality and local ingredients results in a refreshing and enjoyable gin experience. The Wild Ren Classic Gin is a perfect example of their craftsmanship, offering a smooth and well-balanced gin that complements their renowned wine offerings.

Gundog Estate Gin

Gundog Estate, another winery diversifying into spirits, offers a range of gins that are perfect for those looking to explore different flavor profiles and styles. Their Hunter Valley Botanicals Gin is a standout, featuring a blend of local botanicals that create a unique and aromatic gin, perfect for a refreshing cocktail or a neat sip.

Tempus Two Gin

Tempus Two extends its innovative approach to winemaking into the realm of gin. Their gins are crafted with a keen eye for detail and a passion for unique and sophisticated flavors. The Tempus Two Quartz Gin is a prime example, offering a refined and elegant gin that is perfect for any occasion. Or, tickle your tastebuds with their Shiraz Gin, made from pure Hunter shiraz grapes.