Lighthouse Gin Unveils New Distillery in Martinborough’s Runholder Building
Founded in 2005, Lighthouse Gin is on the brink of a significant expansion, transitioning to Martinborough’s Runholder building, a vibrant hub of hospitality that includes a restaurant and two distinguished wineries. This new venue, sprawling over 2,486 square feet, is set to house the brand’s distillery, a dedicated bottling room, and a capacious warehouse.
Distillery Details: Innovations and Challenges
The heart of this space is the 516-square-foot distilling area, now equipped with a state-of-the-art 700-litre Carl still. Rachel Hall, Lighthouse Gin’s trailblazing head distiller and the first woman in New Zealand to claim this title, has been actively preparing for the transition. Despite facing unique challenges like the region’s frequent earthquakes, Hall remains optimistic, eagerly awaiting the completion of essential safety measures. “We’re almost there,” she assures, indicating the final touches are underway.
Craftsmanship and Visitor Experience
Lighthouse Gin, while scaling up, remains steadfast in its commitment to artisanal methods, particularly in its choice of local Yen Ben lemons. Hall, who took the reins as head distiller in 2014 after a four-year apprenticeship under founder Neil Catherall, emphasizes the importance of hands-on production. The expanded distilling space in the Runholder building is not just a functional upgrade but an opportunity to enhance the visitor experience, illustrating the meticulous art behind each bottle.
The Runholder Building: A Destination for Gin Enthusiasts
Officially opening its doors on 16 November 2023, the Runholder building is a much-anticipated addition to Martinborough’s landscape. With gin production slated for early 2024, the site will soon welcome enthusiasts for tours and tastings. Hall notes the rising curiosity about gin among New Zealanders and visitors, signaling a flourishing gin scene over the past five years.
Foley Family Wines: Expanding the Spirits Portfolio
The acquisition of Lighthouse Gin by Foley Family Wines in 2014 marked a strategic move to diversify their spirits portfolio. This expansion continued in May 2023, with the acquisition of a distillery in Minden, Nevada. Formerly Benton Distillery, the newly christened Minden Mill Distilling is part of Foley’s broader vision, which now includes a rich inventory of Bourbon, rye, and single malt whiskey.
