Where to find country Victoria’s best breweries and distilleries
Boutique spirits and craft beers are flowing in towns across country Victoria — so where should you stop for the best drops?
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Original spirits and ales are popping up at breweries and distilleries all across regional Victoria.
From the international award-winning Four Pillars gin distillery at Healesville to one of the newer kids on the block, such as Noodledoof Brewering and Distilling Co at Koroit, you can raise a glass to all tastes.
Next time you’re on a road trip, make time for a pit stop at one of these country venues.
>> Get more Victorian travel inspo and ideas in Space magazine, only in this weekend’s Sunday Herald Sun.
HEPBURN DISTILLERY, LYONVILLE
His one-man distillery may be proudly hyper-local, but Basil Eliades’ alcoholic creations are wowing the world.
In March, the organic, triple-distilled vodka Basil makes from potatoes grown at Wombat Forest Organics farm precisely “64 seconds away” won Hepburn Distillery a prestigious gold medal at the World Spirit Awards.
Not bad going for a micro-distillery quietly launched last year in the tiny town of Lyonville, about 15km from Daylesford.
The writer and artist says he “ran around the house like an idiot” when the news broke.
But while the world’s interest in the Victorian distiller may have been piqued, Basil says he wants to keep the business small — and the quality high.
BONFIRE STATION MICROBREWERY AND FARMSTAY, TAGGERTY
Kick back with a craft beer while the kids roast marshmallows over the fire pit at this microbrewery nestled among the rolling hills of the Murrindindi Shire, with picturesque views of the Cathedral Ranges.
Bonfire Station also has a rustic barn, silo bar, beautiful outdoor spaces and farmstay accommodation for up to 48 guests.
Owner Rob Christopher says the microbrewery produces craft beers, including American pale ale, Belgium-style saison and German wheat beer.
“People love the unique country atmosphere,” Rob says.
“They enjoy trying the different beers, there’s plenty of space for kids and we’re dog-friendly.”
Drop in on Sundays to sample the range of beers and cider.
Pre-order a picnic platter from Harvesting the Feast at nearby Alexandra and enjoy some local artisan produce while you soak up the surrounds.
FOUR PILLARS, HEALESVILLE
A list of distillers is incomplete without Australia’s darling, which has now been named International gin producer of the year two years running by the international wine and spirit competition.
TINY BEAR DISTILLERY, KNOXFIELD
Damien Anderson, a former high school chemistry teacher, ditched the classroom to start this mini distillery in 2017.
His handcrafted spirits are lovingly fermented, distilled, bottled and tasted on site.
THE WHISKERY, DRYSDALE
A fully renovated rustic farm shed is home to Bellarine Distillery’s The Whiskery cellar door.
Enjoy a gin — or a local wine, beer or cider if you prefer.
ANIMUS DISTILLERY, KYNETON
The four gin-loving friends kicked off their gin adventures in a Fitzroy North garage before eventually opening a distillery in central Victoria.
Try a gin flight or a Tiki cocktail.
DAINTON BREWERY AND TAPHOUSE, CARRUM DOWNS
Dare to try a “fancy ice cream cake IPA” or an “imperial choc ale”?
The folks at Dainton Brewery, named best large independent brewery in the Independent Beer Awards, love to experiment.
TWO BAYS BREWING CO, DROMANA
Gluten issues? No problem. Australia’s only dedicated gluten-free craft brewery has you covered.
Book early for the taproom, which hosts live jazz on Sundays.
FOSSEY’S DISTILLERY, MILDURA
Gin, whisky, vodka or rum, the boutique distillery makes them all using locally sourced products and Australian botanicals.
It is also the home of Mildura’s first and only Gin Garden and Gin & Whisky Bar.
SHEDSHAKER BREWING, CASTLEMAINE
This small-batch brewery goes by the philosophy a good beer is one of life’s great pleasures.
The taproom also serves pizzas and share plates, and live music events return on Fridays and Sundays.
BACKWOODS DISTILLING CO, YACKANDANDAH
Founded by tree-changers Leigh and Bree Attwood in 2017, Backwoods’ small batch whisky and gin flies off the shelf.
During a recent red gum whisky release, the single malt sold out in 10 minutes.
MITTA MITTA BREWING COMPANY, MITTA MITTA
Two beer-loving mates built this small family-owned brewery from scratch.
With wonderful views of Mt Bogong, it is a peaceful spot to enjoy a coldie.
LOCH BREWERY & DISTILLERY, LOCH
Housed in a gorgeous 100-year-old red brick bank and adjoining former butcher’s shop, this operation was inspired by travels around Tasmania and breweries in the UK.
AIREYS PUB, GREAT OCEAN ROAD
About a decade ago, with developers circling, a group of locals saved Aireys Pub from extinction.
The pub, which has one of the best beer gardens in Victoria, serves up gourmet food from buddha bowls to grilled saganaki.
All washed down with beer brewed on site.
FORREST BREWING COMPANY, FORREST
After a day cycling the area’s world-class mountain bike trails, or a stroll in the rainforest, pop in for a casual brew with your friends and family; dogs and bikes are welcome, too.
BELLS BEACH BREWING, TORQUAY
The laid-back brewery was founded by two UK automotive engineers who missed the pubs back home.
A sports photographer now completes the trio.
NOODLEDOOF BREWING AND DISTILLING CO, KOROIT
Brian Atkins kickstarted Noodledoof with Sam Rudolph (“Noodle”) and Alex Carr (“Doof”) when he snapped up an old garage they had pegged as a potential home for their craft brewery.
Noodledoof, a modern addition to the Irish village of Koroit, near Port Fairy and Warrnambool, opened in November 2019.
But the new occupants of the site have kept the inspection pit, trusses and even the mechanic’s greasy hand prints on an old pole. Only now, there is delicious beer flowing through the taps.
“We range from traditional styles of beer to modern. At the moment we have a helles lager, so a traditional German-style of beer, through to a blood plum sour ale,” Sam says.
They recently won the Ballarat Beer Festival’s best commercial beer award for their pale ale.
A quieter patch during last year’s lockdown gave them time to nail their modern-style gin, with input from local Aboriginal co-operative Worn Gundidj, which helped source native botanicals.
While pleased to contribute to something of a Koroit revival, Sam says he and partners are also pinching themselves at their success so far.
“I think it’s one of those things that people always either dream of or talk about,” he says. “We’re pretty proud of just doing it, I guess.”
GRAMPIANS ALE WORKS, STAWELL
This independent microbrewery opened at Easter, and launches with a focus on ales. Local grain is used in the production of all beers.
>> Get more Victorian travel inspo and ideas in Space magazine, only in this weekend’s Sunday Herald Sun. Learn more at:visitvictoria.com/foodanddrink or visitvictoria.com/stayclosegofurther
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