Applewood Distillery in Gumeracha in the Adelaide Hills to close their distillery door in March and open a wine-focused venue

A leading gin distillery door in the Adelaide Hills is closing down – and now its owners have announced what’s coming in its place.

Brendan and Laura Carter of Applewood Distillery. Picture: Dylan Coker

A leading gin distillery door in the Adelaide Hills will be transformed into a venue celebrating “all things wine”.

The owners of Applewood Distillery, in Gumeracha, announced on Wednesday that they were closing their gin tasting and bar space next month.

While Applewood will continue producing their award-winning gins, their distillery door will be moving in a “new direction”, with last service on March 16.

That new direction can now been revealed with a spokesman for Applewood’s parent company, Unico Zelo, saying they are turning their focus to wine.

“Applewood began as a passion project driven by our love for native Australian ingredients, and for the past 10 years, we have thoroughly enjoyed welcoming guests at the distillery door,” he said.

“However, this company was founded by dedicated winemakers, and we believe now is the perfect time to transform the venue into a space that celebrates all things vino.

“For our gin fans, don’t despair – it’s not going anywhere. It will remain part of the new venue.”

The Unico Zelo spokesman said the revamped venue, set to open in April, will be an “extension” of their ‘Wine For the People’ YouTube channel, a growing community of wine enthusiasts.

Brendan and Laura Carter of Applewood Distillery. Picture: Dylan Coker

Applewood gin bottle.

Founded by Brendan Carter and wife Laura, Applewood launched in Lobethal in 2011 with their first gin released in 2015.

The couple opened their distillery door in Gumeracha in March 2017, which became a home for their award-winning gins, whisky, spritzes and multiple cocktails.

“We’d like to thank every one of our guests for joining us on this adventure,” they wrote on Instagram.

“We’re honoured that so many of you have made the pilgrimage from all corners of the world to see where the magic happens, and we’re grateful to have put a smile on so many faces over the years.

“We plan to go out with a party, so stay tuned for details.”

Originally published as Applewood Distillery in Gumeracha in the Adelaide Hills to close their distillery door in March and open a wine-focused venue