Clare Valley Distillery brings locally crafted gin to the famous wine region
The countdown is on for a brand new, purpose-built cellar door in the heart of the Clare Valley. And while the Valley has enjoyed a long history as a famed Aussie wine region, the hotly-anticipated new venue is bringing a range of locally crafted gin.
Clare Valley Distillery is the passion project of a trio with diverse backgrounds – Guy Parkinson is a well-known local Chef and former owner of Seed Clare Valley. Di Mayfield is a retired travel Photographer, and Katherine Nugent has traded life as a full-time Lawyer to devote her time to bringing the brand new gin experience to the region.
The group actually began producing Clare Valley Distillery Gin back in 2019, after the absence of a local gin captured their collective imaginations.
“Guy Parkinson had opened Seed, bringing a gin bar concept to the Clare Valley with 81 different gins, but not one from the local region,” Katherine said.
The trio began contract distilling, producing their first gin on Kangaroo Island, which they aptly named Seed Gin. It was the first classic dry gin for the Clare Valley, with a blend of local botanicals including fresh borage from the Seed kitchen garden, Roman wormwood, a hint of local native mistletoe and wild fennel pollen, which Katherine said runs rife through the Clare Valley during the Summer months.
Finding it difficult to get their locally harvested botanicals to the Island during Covid, they had to enlist the help of more accessible contract distillers, with the growing range being distilled in the Barossa Valley since 2022.
As a tribute to the World-famous wine region, Clare Valley Distillery has collaborated with Wines by KT, producing a celebration of local friendships, with Clare Valley Riesling Gin, embracing locally grown quince and mandarin with the aromatic floral spice of Wines by KT’s Melva Riesling from Watervale.
But the trio can’t wait to start distilling in the Clare Valley, experimenting in their own backyard, and showcasing their range of gins in their brand new premises, which is due to open its doors later this year.
Located at the Southern entrance to Clare, along the picturesque Riesling Trail, the new Cellar Door will include a large distilling shed equipped for contract distilling, a tasting room with stunning views and capacity to host up to 100 guests and a lush lawn area perfect for picnics and entertaining.
A lover of creative writing, Katherine also has visions to host special events with guest Authors, as well as writing classes and retreats. An old heritage cottage on the property is also being renovated to offer on-site accommodation.
Until the doors open, Clare Valley Distillery gins are available on-line, at Clare Valley Visitor Centre and they may also pop up at an event near you, courtesy of a tiny retro roaming bar known as Little Tinnie.
