Gins of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

World Gin Day is officially the second Saturday of June each year, but every day is a great day for enjoying quality crafted and internationally-awarded gins in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

If you haven’t yet enjoyed a gin paddle experience at one of our incredible distilleries, we’ve got a couple of great reasons why the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, are the perfect destination for a Gin Trail.

This super popular spirit has enjoyed a huge resurgence and it’s no wonder when you taste the contemporary gins being crafted today – aromatic, subtle, sophisticated and delicious. With all the love and attention given to the wines of our region, gin needs to be your next go-to taste sensation.

Where to discover the alchemical nature of gin in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

Four Pillars Gin, Healesville

There’s just about everything gin at Four Pillars Distillery. If you’re yet to discover the Rare Dry, or the hugely popular Bloody Shiraz Gin, now is the time to pay them a visit.

The awards for their gin are incredibly impressive and span the globe from taking top honours at Global Gin Masters year-on-year to Gold honours at the International World & Spirits Competitions in London, New York and more since 2014. With far too many awards wins to list, it's easier to see them all lined up here.

Enjoy tasting paddles and an extensive cocktail list (which is revived each season with innovative new offers). Be taken through a step-by-step tasting, and watch gin distillation and production through the viewing windows as you see, smell, and soak in the multitude of aromatics that make this experience a feast for the senses. And it doesn’t stop with gin tastings – there’s gin marmalade, gin chocolate, gin cheese, gin cocktails, and even gin pig snags (according to season and events). Four Pillars Gin has taken on a world of gin with huge acclaim and really if we're being honest, we’re winning.

While you're there, take the time to enjoy a great meal in their restaurant as well- but if you're visiting over a weekend, make a booking - it can book out quickly.

GinFinity, Belgrave

Fancy creating your ultimate blend of gin? At GinFinity, visitors can customise and create a truly unique gin experience. At their gin-tasting bar, you’ll be able to try their growing range of gins, as well as a range of gins from all over the world.

From tasting boards, gin classics and an exciting lineup of cocktails, you can even create your own drink or blend your very own gin from their range of ever-expanding single botanical gins.

Book into the cellar door for the full experience, grab a bite or enjoy one of their hugely popular bottom brunch experiences in partnership with Killik Rum.

Naught Distilling, Eltham

The recent 2023 World Gin Awards regularly elect the very best gins in the internationally recognised gin styles and promote the world’s best gins to consumers and trade across the globe.

Nillumbik gin distillery Naught Distilling was twice awarded for Australia in two categories, A Silver in London Dry Gins as well as Bronze for the Contemporary Style Gin category.

It's no surprise as they've been handcrafting delicious gins and cocktails like their popular Saturn cocktail pictured above, available at their Eltham location, online as well as a variety of stockists around Australia, which is extra handy if you're not local.

Pop into their bar in Eltham and we're confident you'll appreciate exactly why they've been internationally recognised.

Rochford Wines Gin Bar, Coldstream

When you make great wine, it stands to reason you make great gin! Rochford Wines adds a new experience to their Cellar Door and Isabella's restaurant with the opening of a new gin tasting bar!

Try their signature gins distilled from Rochford Chardonnay and Rochford Pinot Noir, enhanced with carefully matched botanicals. Can you ask for more?

Zonzo Estate Gin, Yarra Glen

Zonzo’s Orange and Rosemary Infused Gin is a not to be missed experience. Dedicated to great taste, the 230-acre Zonzo Estate is home to an outstanding range of wines, authentic Italian dining and fabulous views across rolling vineyards. Lean in and sip a gin-based cocktail or enjoy the subtle aromatics as simple as it pours. A feast of flavour.

Coombe Estate - Dame Nellie Melba Gin

Exclusive and elusive to Coombe Estate, this extraordinary handcrafted spirit is a contemporary twist on the original London Dry Gin. Native Australian lemon myrtle is used to enhance the citrus presence in the spirit whilst the classic pairing of juniper and coriander seed gives subtle scents of lavender on the nose. The deeper pallet of woody spices and candied citrus is blended with the pine and resin notes of the juniper. The long, complex, textural finish brings smoothness and richness to the gin, epitomising all that Melba represents. The result is a gin of enigmatic beauty, that exudes exceptional quality and elegance to create a flavour as unique as its heritage. With just 500 bottles available - buy online..