Gin makers of Geelong reveal expansion plans
Local gin distillers are set to open new venues in November, just in time for summer. Check out where our best blends are with our interactive trail map.
Geelong
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From botanical blends to a blood orange spritz, Geelong’s gin distillery trail is proving there is more to the classic spirit than a gin and tonic.
It’s estimated five distilleries across Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast pump about $10 million a year into to the region’s economy.
As the summer months approach, Geelong distillers are preparing for both locals and tourists to descend on the region to taste some world-class gin.
Great Ocean Road Gin founder Ann Houlihan said her Aireys Inlet based brand was preparing to open a second cellar door by the end of this month.
The new venue will be located in the Torquay business park in Sawmills Way and will serve gin tasting paddles, gin cocktails and an array of local beers and wines.
A new 300 litre copper pot still will also be installed at the location to enable the brand to distil their own gin in Torquay.
“We are really excited to open a venue in Torquay as we really see ourselves as a local brand,” Ms Houlihan said.
Flowstate Distillery and Brewery co-founder Shaun Bridges also revealed the Torquay company is planning to open their first cellar door, located in the business park along Surfcoast Highway.
“This is something we have been pushing towards for the last three years,” he said.
“It’s been a lot of work and we’ve been doing the build and fit-out of the cellar door ourselves to try and save a bit of money.”
In October, the state government announced new funding for the sector under a $10 million distillery door grant.
This is the first program of its kind, with Ms Houlihan saying it has been a long time coming.
”It’s great that the government is finally recognising the importance of the spirit industry and as there are many of us in regional areas it will help to support small, regional businesses,” she said.
The funding focuses on increasing tourism, expanding businesses through infrastructure and employment as well as growing export opportunities.
“It’s timely for us with the build of our new distillery space in Torquay to have some government support to allow us to invest in our infrastructure,” Mr Bridges said.
Great Ocean Road Gin
Ann Houlihan established Great Ocean Road Gin in August 2018 when she produced the brand’s first gin, ‘Guvvos’.
The company now has six different gins that are inspired by the flavours and tastes of the region such as grapefruit, raspberry and citrus.
Great Ocean Road Gin opened its first tasting room in Airey’s Inlet in November 2018, followed by The Gin Kitchen restaurant which opened next door in late 2021.
Ms Houlihan said the brand will open a distillery space in Torquay in late November this year which will house their new Knapplerwer 3000 litre copper pot still as well as a hospitality area for gin tastings.
Flowstate Brewers and Distillers
Shaun and Leigh Bridges launched Flowstate Brewers and Distillers in 2019 as a side hustle to their tradie day jobs.
They launched the brand with a craft gin and has since expanded to now include vodka and coffee liqueur.
The duo are also working on bringing out their own whiskey and beer.
Flowstate Brewers and Distillers will open their first cellar door on November 25 at the new Torquay Business Park.
Spirit lovers can come and try their range with gin tasting paddles, a range of gin cocktails and a selection of beers and wine to cater for everyone.
The cellar door will open on Friday afternoons from 4pm to 8pm and on Saturday from 12pm to 8pm but co-founder Shaun Bridges said opening hours may increase over the summer months.
Anther Distillery
Dervilla McGowan and Sebastian Reaburn established Anther Spirits in 2016 in Melbourne.
The husband and wife duo then relocated their distillery to Geelong in 2020, opening a cellar door in the historical Federal Mills precinct in North Geelong for gin tastings, distillery tours and retail.
They have a wide variety of spirits available from classic dry gin to fruity and botanical flavours.
Anther’s cellar door is open Monday to Thursday 12pm to 5:30pm, Friday 12pm to 5:30pm, Saturday 11am to late and Sunday 11am to 5pm.
Bellarine Distillery
Husband and wife duo Russ Watson and Lorelle Warren established the Bellarine Distillery in 2015.
The couple grow a range of botanicals on the distillery’s Drysdale property which are used to create their unique flavours of gin.
Their gin is served at their cellar door, The Whiskery, located at their Portalington Road distillery which is open Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm for gin tastings, food and retail.
Queenscliff Distillery
The Queenscliff Distillery have five gins and a strawberry liqueur that are distilled on-site.
They use local ingredients for their spirits such as lemon, strawberries and other botanicals.
Queencliff Distillery’s cellar door is located right next door to the Queenscliff Brewhouse and offer gin tastings, beer and wine, a grazing menu and a retail store.
They also have gin blending masterclasses available.
Queenscliff Distillery’s cellar door is open Friday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
Geelong Chamber of Gin
Located at Black Sheep in the historical National Wool Museum, Geelong Chamber of Gin work closely with local distilleries to bring patrons the very best in local gin.
Black Sheep business manager Paul Sheep told the Geelong Advertiser in April last year that customers are very open to trying new local gins.
“We identified a whole in the market for gin in Geelong,” he said.
Patrons can try gin tasting paddles, cocktails or book a masterclass at the venue.
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