The creators of the award-winning Anther Gin have opened the doors to a brand new cellar door in North Geelong, just 60 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD.

With a cumulative 45-plus years in the hospitality industry, husband and wife duo Dervilla McGowan and Sebastian Reaburn set out to use their skill and scientific knowledge (McGowan also holds a PhD of Microbiology) to bring a new tourism offering to the region.

The team were initially on track to open in April 2020, however COVID-19 had other plans. Instead, the team adapted to the restrictions, until they could eventually open the doors.

“We started making hand sanitiser because we’d been contacted by multiple companies who were in dire need,” says McGowan.

“Our team banded together and created an e-commerce store in a matter of days, moved to offering online tastings and just looked at our business in a different light. It was both entirely nerve-racking and enlightening!”

Now the venue is open to the public for tours, tastings or casual drinks at the bar.

“Anther Distillery is a family distillery offering sensory gin experiences heralding the local botanicals of Geelong Bellarine and Great Ocean Road and traditional cocktails made by internationally renowned cocktail creators,” says McGowan.

A new experience for groups

Perfect for incentive and post-conference groups, Anther Distillery offers private distillery tours with the Anther team, as well as tasting and sensory experiences.

Once restrictions ease further across Victoria, the venue will also be able to host private events of up to 400 guests.

McGowan says the team is looking forward to collaborating with businesses to create “unique and memorable” experiences.

“We can offer bespoke tailor-made gins and cocktails, groups can come along and distill spirits for their company’s event, we have team building events distillery tours, sensory botanical presentations and much more,” she says.