Historic McLaren Vale wine producer d’Arenberg has purchased award-winning craft distillery and neighbour, Settlers Spirits and its associated premium mixer brand Oceans Spirits.
Founded by Rowland and Shelley Short in 2018, Settlers Spirits has quickly become one of the industry’s premier, boutique gin distillers. Establishing nationwide distribution with their thirteen different flavoured gins, Settlers also houses a range of spirits including whisky, rum vodka and flavoured liqueur.
Founder Rowland was thrilled with the announcement, which brings together together two iconic South Australian industry giants, which sit only five minutes drive from each other in beautiful McLaren Vale.
“I couldn’t be happier to see d’Arenberg as custodians of Settlers Spirits and to see ownership remain within the McLaren Vale wine region” he says.
d’Arenberg Chief Winemaker Chester Osborn has reassured fans of Settlers that despite the purchase there are no current plans for any significant changes to the business.
“I’m a big fan of the diversity and craftsmanship of Rowland’s gins and spirits. The methodical and detailed blending methods represent a philosophical alignment to what we do here at d’Arenberg” he says.
“Rowland has some exciting ideas around product development and we are excited to work together to bring those ideas to fruition which can only be a great thing for fans of Settlers Spirits”.
Settlers’ McLaren Vale cellar door operations, famous for behind the scenes experiences such as their popular gin-blending masterclass, will operate independently and continue to the deliver high-level tourism experiences that have formed their stellar reputation.
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