Style: October 02, 2020

Style | Promotion 79
A tour of great taste
The South Island is the drinks destination you didn’t know existed… until now.
Words Lucy Evans
The South Island spirits scene is constantly changing
with bucket list distilleries and breweries popping up
throughout small towns everywhere. Discover the best
of the best, while supporting local businesses and creative
start-ups, on a five day tour, flying around the South Island,
departing from Auckland
Blenheim, Marlborough:
Elemental Distillers
Blenheim, the home of great wine and cider, right? Now
add gin. Like the wine of the region, the gin is delicious and
world-class. Enjoy a tasting and tour at Elemental Distillers.
The Roots Dry Gin is worth the visit in itself, as is their
range of Elemental Bitters.
With flavours including grapefruit and hops, coffee
and pimento, and blackberry and balsamic, don’t expect
your normal gin cocktail. Tanked on the world stage for
a reason, their bitters have received awards at the Los
Angeles International Spirits Competition in 2018 and the
London Spirits Competition in 2019.
West Coast: Monteith’s Brewery & The
Reefton Distilling Co.
What happens when creative West Coasters get together?
Some delicious great tasting drinks!
After flying from Blenheim to Hokitika, refresh the palate
with a cold beer and a West Coast lunch at the Monteith’s
Brewery. Monteith’s has been brewing its family of fine
beers and ciders for near on 150 years, staying true to
the authentic process and recipes of the classic styles they
re-create.
Inland from Greymouth is the small town of Reefton.
Explore a curious mix of funky antique shops, art galleries,
a museum to celebrate light and, our favourite little place,
the Reefton Distilling Co. The distillery is housed in one of
Reefton’s original buildings which has been carefully restored
to accommodate the working distillery and tasting bar.
The team will provide you with a truly unique West Coast
experience as they share the story behind the crafting of
their botanical gins, seasonal fruit liqueurs and vodka.
Wānaka: The Cardrona Distillery
Is there a better way to get to your next distillery than by
flying through the Southern Alps? We think not!
Within the Cardrona Valley, discover the famous Source
gin created by a family owned boutique. The Cardrona
Distillery has a reputation for premium artisanal spirits.
Tourgoers will also be joined by Wild Diamond, Dancing
Sands Distillery and McCashin’s Brewery for meals paired
with tastings and spirited discussions.
The details
Spirit of the South: Fly &
Sip Exclusive Hosted Air Tour
26–30 November, 2020
From $5995pp, all inclusive package, ex-Auckland
Wild Earth Travel
0800 945 3327 • info@wildearth-travel.com
• wildearth-travel.com
ABOVE: Blenheim’s Elemental Distillers home base; Shane Thrower and ‘George’ (1800L copper pot still) at the Reefton
Distilling Co.; The Cardrona Distillery.