AUSSIE DISTILLERS DESCEND ON ADELAIDE

The burgeoning craft spirits industry was in top form at this year’s Australian Distillers Association (ADA) conference in Adelaide, and Bellr’s Mitchell Stapleton-Coory was there to cover all the action.

Representatives from Australia’s finest and most innovative distilleries all convened in the South Australian capital for a mammoth two day and threenight event, spanning dinner at the prestigious Sean’s Kitchen, a full day of keynote addresses and industry discussions at the Adelaide Convention Centre, and a curated distillery tour of the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills – all capped off in style with cocktails at Prohibition Liquor Co.

Inside the brand-new Lot 100 facility

Chaired by the charismatic ADA president and Four Pillars co-founder Stuart Gregor, the event exceeded expectations with a record turnout for 2018.

“The turnout was great, the calibre of speakers was excellent, and I think there is a real sense of camaraderie and buoyancy in the craft spirits industry at the moment – a sense that people are in for something interesting and exciting”, said Gregor.

The conference spanned a wide range of interesting topics, and at many points drew impassioned conversation from the crowd as the delegation presented a united front on issues such as excise reform, and the importance of including distilleries as an integral part of the Australian culinary experience.

The new Seppeltsfield Road Distillery

During a presentation by Tourism Australia’s Joleen Booth on ‘Distilleries as tourist destinations’, the crowd was informed of the evolving strategic focus in presenting Australia’s offerings to the tourism market.

“International tourists currently think of Australia as being simply a ‘food and wine’ destination. However, moving forward, the marketing message will be re-framed around ‘food and drink’, so as to broaden the depth of our offering and ensure our international reputation extends beyond just wine”.

Many of the delegates echoed this sentiment, with a key trend for 2019 revolving around the need for distilleries to incorporate a tasting room or ‘distillery door’ within their facility, as this opens up the retail channel and places them on the map for tourist traffic.

Sampling the Seppeltsfield Road range

IN THE FLESH

Two superb examples of this were on full display during the distillery tour on day two.

Following an in-depth tour of Tarac Technologies’ major processing facility in Nuriootpa, two full charter buses packed with Australian craft spirits VIPs descended on the newly minted Seppeltsfield Road Distillery for morning tea, and to experience a calibre of hospitality that continues to put the Barossa Valley on the map.

Delegates enjoyed an outstanding selection of fine local produce, a full gin tasting, and were some of the first guests ever to experience the breathtaking aesthetics of the new facility – providing a perfect example of how a distillery can seamlessly incorporate a functional venue and thus capture the tourist market as well.

Co-founder of Seppeltsfield Road Distillers, Nicole Durdin, spoke passionately about the years of hard work and determination that are needed to thrive in this industry, and urged the delegates to take care of themselves.

The new Seppeltsfield Road facility is truly stunning

“We work so hard for our businesses, our customers, and because we love what we do. Just always be aware of burnout. Talk to your family and friends – make sure you are looking after yourself”, said Durdin.

Many in the crowd were moved to tears, as her words appeared to strike a chord with the delegation, highlighting the pressures that are involved in operating a small business within a highly regulated and competitive market.

Following Seppeltsfield, the delegation was treated to an exclusive ‘first look’ at ‘Lot 100’, a brand-new facility incorporating Adelaide Hills Distillery, Mismatch Brewing Co, Hills Cider Co and Vinterloper Winery.

Delegates at the ADA conference 2018

An open bar and gourmet lunch ensued, as delegates marvelled at the impressive scale and refinement of what is sure to quickly become an iconic ‘must see’ destination in the Adelaide Hills. Again, the delegates were reminded of the capacity to beautify their facilities and create a truly wholesome and immersive experience, showcasing the provenance of their craft, and elevating the standard upon which we enjoy fine food and drink in Australia.

This year’s conference was a reminder to all of the vast potential within the Australian spirits market. All attendees were gracious and united on many fronts, as they seek to expand and refine the quality of craft produce in this country. With the exponential growth of the ADA in recent years, one gets the feeling that this is just the beginning.