Apr 09, 2024

Best Adelaide Hills Distilleries to visit in 2024

Distilleries in the Adelaide Hills

The Adelaide Hills possess a unique charm and quaint character. The area is located East of the Adelaide CBD in South Australia and is known for its exceptional food and produce, and world-class cool-climate wineries.

The area features stunning natural landscapes with rolling hills, and lush vineyards. The landscape undergoes a remarkable transformation during the Autumn months as the foliage evolves into a vibrant range of colours.

The hills are in close proximity to the Adelaide CBD with only a short 30-minute drive taking you from Adelaide to Ambleside.

Too far to drive to the Adelaide Hills?

Check out the Top 8 Adelaide Distillery Doors instead.

1. Ambleside Distillers

Location: Hahndorf, South Australia

Produces: This Adelaide Hills distillery produces an exceptional range of gins.

Highlights: Small Acre Gin uses botanicals grown on site including rhubarb which brings a soft sweetness to the gin.

Opening hours:
Thursday 12–6 pm
Friday 12–6 pm
Saturday 11 am–6 pm
Sunday 11 am–6 pm
Monday 12–6 pm

2. 78 Degrees Distillery

Location: Hay Valley, South Australia

Produces: A solid range of gins, several whiskies and a great range of vermouths.

Highlights: The sweet vermouth is inspired by the traditional Torino vermouths that are paired with Australian native botanicals.

Opening hours:
Thursday 11 am–5 pm
Friday 11 am–5 pm
Saturday 11 am–5 pm
Sunday 11 am–5 pm

3. Applewood Distillery

Location: Gumeracha, South Australia

Produces: 4 core gins, many collaboration releases and an endless line of limited releases.

Highlights: The Wattleseed vodka which is biscuity and earthy but unfortunately it is only available in low quantities.

Opening hours:
Thursday 12–6 pm
Friday 12–6 pm
Saturday 12–6 pm
Sunday 12–6 pm

4. Route 9 Distillery

Location: Balhannah, South Australia

Produces: A concise range of gins including several limited release flavoured gins and premix G&T cans. They also have whiskey and rums ageing in barrels, awaiting release.

Highlights: The Adelaide Hills distillery produces a Navy Gin featuring star anise, pink peppercorn and vanilla.

Opening hours:
Thursday 12–5 pm
Friday 12–8 pm
Saturday 12–5 pm
Sunday 12–5 pm