Please give a round of a-paws for Wildflower Gin’s ‘Rescue Gin’.
Please give a round of a-paws for Wildflower Gin’s ‘Rescue Gin’.
There’s only one thing we love more than gin and that’s dogs. And our biggest soft spot is rescue dogs, because seeing those beautiful, abandoned pooches waiting for their fur-ever home is next level heart wrenching. We’re not alone here, as the paws-atively awesome team at Wildflower Gin not only have their very own rescued distillery dog, but have gone one step further to save our homeless Gold Coast hounds.
Partnering with the Animal Welfare League (AWL), they’ve launched something which we think is just about the coolest thing we’ve ever heard.
It’s called Rescue Gin, a limited edition take on their award-winning signature gin recipe. But here’s the part that’ll make you go “awwww”… $10 from each sale is donated to the AWL. Our undying love for spirits brewed at Wildflower just reached stage five clinger status, and we’re officially mutts for this do-gooder gin.
So just who is this distillery doggo you ask? His name is Ghost, he’s adorbs, and he’s inspired us to get our very own office canine. Now Ghost’s dad is visionary Wildflower Gin Distillery Founder – and dog lover – James Greig. James and his team of gin-geniuses opened this small, boutique and dog-friendly distillery in 2020 (see here), and it quickly became hot property with gin lovers far and wide. Us included.
Besides the fact that the Rescue Gin bottle will be a good conversation starter and make a cool addition to your drinks cart, the taste deserves a round of a-paws. Wildflower Signature Gin, the basis for this special edition, took out gold at the Australian Gin Awards and need we say more? With a subtle balance of juniper, lemon myrtle and gentle hints of their backyard honey, it’s easy to over-indulge and we are #sorrynotsorry. Rescue Gin, however, takes flavour one step further adding a splash of subtle grapefruit to give it a little twist. Best served on ice, topped with Mediterranean tonic (or soda) and an Insta-worthy dehydrated citrus wheel, let’s do Gin o-clock every hour, on the hour.
Which leads us to a public service announcement; please drink gin responsibly – don’t spill it.
The Wildflower Distillery tasting room is open from 2.30pm Friday to Sunday for cocktails and tastings. You can also book a table and BYO food to soak up the gin, AND (drumroll please) create your very own gin at a two-hour Gin Masterclass. Now that’s our kind of education! During the class, you’ll also delve into the fascinating history of gin, learn about the botanicals, and find out how Wildflower makes its ground-breaking gin. Anything is paw-sible at this place!
Rescue Gin is the perfect drink for any occasion even for your Sunday Bark-B-Q. It’s available online here or via the distillery’s cellar door. So do your good deed for our abandoned furry friends because let’s be honest, you’d be barking mad not to snap up a bottle (or ten) before they go out of production. Fur-real!
Where: Wildflower Gin Distillery, 2/486 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes
When: Cellar Door only: 2:30pm – 5pm Wednesday – Thursday; Cellar Door and Bar 5pm – 9pm Friday, 2:30pm – 9pm Saturday & 2pm – 6pm Sunday.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
SPONSORED BY WILDFLOWER GIN
We the people of the Gold Coast are very much community-loving people. We’re all about supporting each other and having a very good time while we do it. Which is why it’s the very best news when a sweet, new space opens up and particularly one that creates their very own brand of gin.
Yes, Gold Coasters we have a new gin distillery on our hands and they are bottling up a very smooth, flavoursome drop indeed. It’s called Wildflower Gin, it can be found on Scottsdale Drive in Varsity Lakes and you’re likely to be visiting there quite a lot from now on.
Wildflower Gin is the work of James Greig and a team of passionate distillers who have over the past few years managed to create what they’ve deemed ‘Burleigh in a bottle’, a gin filled with locally grown botanicals including cardamom, lemon myrtle and coriander plus a little drop of honey from James’ own Burleigh backyard.
It’s a very easy drinking drop, a little bit floral and paired perfectly with either tonic (ask the team which is best) or solo over ice (tried and tested).
The brand came about as a hobby for James, who is quite the multi-passionate local business owner. He began with a very small Still to see if he could make it work and of course, he could.
Now the space boasts Walter, a beautiful copper Still that initially had the job of pumping out an unimaginable amount of hand sanitizer because Wildflower launched right at the beginning of lockdown time. Which may have seemed unlucky but actually allowed James and the team to both help the local community with something we desperately needed (REMEMBER) and make a few new friends along the way.
All of whom are now die-hard fans of Wildflower Signature Gin and for good reason.
At the moment, the space is mostly a cellar door affair so you can pop in, pick up a bottle and head on home again. If you’d prefer to stay a little longer and you probably will, you can book in for a make-your-own-gin class where the team will take you through the exact steps of making your own personal bottle of gin in a tiny little still and with an array of botanicals to choose from. You can book in for a class on the website right now.
What a time to be alive.
Either way, you’re going to want to sample Wildflowers’ initial offering ASAP and keep an eye out for upcoming limited edition releases in the future.
See, supporting local businesses and having a good time, we’re all about it.
LOCATION: 486 Scottsdale Rd, Varsity Lakes
HOURS: 2.30pm to 5pm weekdays and 11am to 6pm Saturday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
We at Inside Gold Coast are naturally, all about the Gold Coast. So when a new distillery pops up in our lovely land we are quick to pounce on it. And when it is as good as Wild Flower Gin, we of course want to get to know the person behind this genius creation. Enter James Greig. In this interview, we delve into the true meaning behind the ‘Wild Flower’ name and what James really loves about his home of 23 years. Ohh and keep reading for a sneaky Gin Cocktail recipe!
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I migrated to Australia (straight into the Gold Coast) when I was 14 – so 23 years ago.
Tell us how Wild Flower Gin came about.
Our distillery is a passion project, one we started as a result of being hobbyists for quite a few years. In particular, Tudor (our head distiller) was distilling back in New Zealand early on. We wanted to find a cool way to combine our two hobbies, mine being beekeeping and distilling. This resulted in a gin (after 76 iterations) that included the honey that my bees created in my backyard – the idea being that everyone in our local community can contribute to our gin just by helping the bees with flowers in their backyards. That’s why we’re called “Wild Flower Gin”. Our timing wasn’t the best – launching the week before lockdown and with our first product being Hand Sanitiser! We eventually launched our first gin, Wild Flower Signature Gin, it sold out almost instantly and as a result, we had to switch to pre-mixed cans to fill in the two-month gap it would take to get new bottles.
What’s your proudest entrepreneurial moment?
Our proudest moment was winning the award for one of Australia’s best gins. It made us feel like all the effort we had put in over the many years prior was being recognised.
What’s the most popular Wild Flower spirit you sell?
Our most popular drink is the Signature Gin, which is now in over 120 bottle shops.
What’s your personal favourite Wild Flower spirit and why?
My favourite is the whisky that is in Barrels at the moment. They are maturing brilliantly and we’re super excited about what’s to come.
What’s a Gin Cocktail recipe you would recommend to all Gin-lovers?
We have so many to try at the distillery, but my current favourite is the Raspberry Bloom.
What do the next 5 years have in store for the Wild Flower Gin Distillery?
We are super focused on local at the moment, so we are working with our favourite bars and restaurants locally. Beyond that our goals are to keep creating unique, interesting and fun projects that we can share from our distillery.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Café: Blackboard Varsity – My local. Great team, good coffee.
Coffee spot: We love any coffee from The Laughing Pug. They are a local company and are the base ingredient for our Espresso Martini.
Restaurant: Aloha bar – Rory initially helped us design and setup our bar. They have great food, and a fantastic atmosphere.
Bar or pub for a drink: Las Palmas (They are the only bar that stocks our oaked gin, which they use in their Negroni’s)
As a bunch of discernible consumers of all alcoholic beverages, it was only a matter of time before the Gold Coast began to take heed and give us craft distilleries. Gin is having a moment. Whisky has always grabbed a particular pocket of drinkers, and vodka is a staple that, although refreshing on its own, is an excellent base for many delicious cocktails we’ve come to love on the regular (espresso martini, anyone?).
Being one of Australia’s most innovative business start-up areas and having proximity to quality produce and botanicals from the Southeast corner of Queensland and the Northern Rivers, our distilleries were always going to be a success no matter what shape or format they came in.
As there’s a sizeable collection for you to consider either buying from or visiting, we run down the distilleries we deem must-visits and precisely what they offer.
Granddad Jack’s
This multi-award-winning backstreet distillery has seen explosive success since opening its doors. Aptly positioned in the ever-growing creative hub of Lemana Lane and surrounding streets, it’s a guaranteed good going-out spot. The portfolio of spirits is diverse, the atmosphere always on point, and the smiles forever beaming.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami
White Oat Distillery
Helping reinvent the once sleepier end of the Coast is Biggera Waters’ White Oat Distillery. Pumping out top-notch gins like a boss, the ‘Covid baby’ of three GC mates has quickly become a destination in itself. With award-winning distiller Tudor Duxbury’s fresh take on classic tastes, an on-fleek fit-out, and ‘wise but cool with a hint of old school’ vibe, it’s a must-visit.
Where: 13-14, 211 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Six-Tricks
Owned by Chris Macklin and Teagan Peake, Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is the slick distillery shaking up Mermaid’s sip scene. Complete with a cool two million dollar price tag, the-state-of-the-art facility comes bearing a spacious indoor bar, a sunset deck and a dedicated barrel aging warehouse, along with some #mustsip artisan liquors. With the venue focusing on an innovative approach to the fundamental six spirits, the mouthwatering mixology selection includes creations such as the Mango & Rooibos Sour and Melon & Lime Highball, under head bartender James’ expert eye.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters
Capricorn Distilling Co.This small-batch distillery boasts premium spirits that promise to be ‘as real as it gets.’ Our northern friends may be familiar with Rockhamption’s Saleyards Distillery and now we are fortunate to have the same innovative team bringing their passion to the Goldy. You can expect Spiced Rum, Summer Gin and even Pineapple Rum (for those who love the fruit – even on their pizzas.) Worthy of a tour we think!
Where: 21 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads
Sunny Days Distillery
This Burleigh Heads gem brings laid back beach vibes to life with locally-crafted, premium vodkas. Born from a humble lockdown project, Sunny Days has exploded into an Aussie favourite, known for its top-shelf spirits and playful RTDs. Their 1100-sqm HQ features a vibrant taproom with 16 taps, vodka cocktails, and delicious eats from Fix On 66. Live music, DJs, and community events round out the experience, making this more than a distillery – it’s a celebration of good times and golden days.
Where: 25 Hutchinson Street, Burleigh Heads
Cauldron Distillery
This 18-acre working distillery is the darling of the Scenic Rim, featuring an established vineyard, lush rolling green meadows and a Prohibition style gin and cocktail bar. Earning a nod in Lonely Planet’s top ten destinations to visit in 2022, you won’t just fine amazing gins and Queensland inspired craft bevvies, but also mouth-watering Modern Australian tapas with native ingredients. Or keep it simple with a BYO picnic rug amongst the vineyards and complimentary lawn games.
Where: Cauldron Distillery, 89 Cauldron Estate, 123 Hartley Road, Tamborine Mountain
Hard Fizz
Consider this your sign to get fizzy at the world’s first seltzer brewery, Hard FIZZ HQ! This vibrant hotspot offers freshly brewed seltzers straight from the tap and even lets fans create their own personalized flavors. With a bar decked out in neon lights and beachy vibes, it’s the perfect place to sip on Gold Coast-made fizz, local beers, artisan spirits, and Mr. Consistent cocktails. Founded by local legends like DJ Paul Fisher and pro surfer Laura Enever, this fun-fueled venue is a Burleigh fave.
Where: 16 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Wildflower Gin Distilling
As if we need another motive to love the Burleigh Heads/Varisty Lakes area…. Wildflower Gin Distilling is just another reason we’ll add to an already long list. This industrial feel space creates what they describe to be, in their own words ‘Burleigh in a bottle’. Gins are the main attraction, but the team also turn their hands to vodka, with their recent Lamington Cake vodka a must-try for something sweet and traditionally Aussie!
Offering: group table bookings — 2hr gin masterclasses where you can create your own spirit!
Where: 2/486 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes
Tamborine Mountain Distillery
A drive out of town to nearby Tamborine Mountain will reward you with one of the country’s most decorated and awarded distilleries. The range of spirits and liqueurs available here is enormous, equating to everyone who visits finding at least one (if not more) favourite tipples. The venue itself is an eclectic mix of old-world charm with a sprinkling of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory vibes, be sure to bring a crew and enjoy this space — and their tasty drops!
Offering: tasting room bookings — tailored events
Hours: 7 days 10am – 5pm
Where: 10 Macdonnell Road, Tamborine Mountain
Loborn
Bringing a taste of Italy with a distinctly Aussie twist, Loborn is Tamborine Mountain’s specialty amaro distillery that’s spicing up the local sip scene. Founded by local engineer-turned-distiller Thomas Drewett, Loborn crafts modern amaro infused with native botanicals and vibrant local citrus, including their signature blends: Amaro N01 (perfect for Spritz lovers) and Amaro N02 (ideal for Negroni fans). Nestled in the lush North Stores precinct, the sleek tasting room offers cocktail services, walk-in tastings, and masterclasses. With their herbaceous aperitifs and native citrus gin, Loborn’s locally born spirits are a must-try for any bitter enthusiast—spritz in hand, naturally.
Where: Shop 4, 46-48 Main Street, Mt Tamborine
Beech Mountain Distillery
Borrowing some real estate from neighbouring BFF, Pink Galah restaurant, Beech Mountain Gins expanded their offering – unveiling a brand new bar and tasting booths dedicated to their bespoke spirits. Julian Hoyle and Clyde Watts are the dynamic distilling duo known for churning out award winning small batch creations – such as the Siberian Route Gin, and Strawberry Gum Eucalyptus Olida Gin – winning silver and bronze respectively at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards. With a stellar spirt selection, and prohibition style, old-world tavern vibes surrounded by lush, mountain surrounds, Beech Mountain Distillery is a must visit.
Where: 707 Beechmont Road Lower, Beechmont
Panezski Artisan Distillery
For a long time, vodka has had strong associations with the northern hemisphere. However, take a closer look at where some of the best vodkas are being produced, and you’ll notice such countries as the USA, France and Poland continually pop up — we may even see Australia soon in that mix. This family-owned distillery in Southport takes their Polish heritage seriously, dishing up some fine examples of vodka and gin with fantastic attention taken from the start, right through to bottling.
Offering: tasting room bookings — group events
Hours: Mon-Thurs: open from 4pm | Fri open from 2pm | Sat open from 10am, bookings highly recommended. Sunday (bookings only)
Where: 7 / 55 Bailey Crescent, Southport
Beenleigh Rum Distillery
With the title of being Australia’s oldest operating distillery, you’re not only tasting rum here but a slice of history. This quality artisan producer is a must-try for those who enjoy their rums, with a sizeable collection of products and an ever-growing line for you to appreciate — and keep on appreciating! Parts of the distillery known as the Big Red Shed have been part of the setup from day one back in 1884 and are mixed with a modern venue space for all to enjoy.
Offering: various tasting experiences — Master of Rum craft your own rum experience — venue hire/functions
Where: 142 Distillery Road, Eagleby
Husk Distillery
Ok, so we cheated on this one (not technically a Gold Coast distillery, but we love it so much). Pretty hues of pink and purple have made Husk’s Ink gin one of the most recognisable sips in the past few years. Often punctuated with a sprig of rosemary, you’ll find yourself in a little slice of Northern NSW heaven at their picturesque distillery in the removed countryside spot of Tumbulgum. Although across the border, pack the car with blankets and friends and make an afternoon of it.
Where: 1152 Dulguigan Rd, North Tumbulgum
Words by Alex Mitcheson, Bianca Trathen and Belinda Symons
