Writers: Lucy Galantomos & Lucas Campbell
Known for their iconic Myrtle Gin, Mallee Spirit has opened a brand new rustic themed cellar door in the heart of Lameroo.
Tucked away in the heart of South Australia’s Mallee region, Mallee Spirit’s new cellar door showcases rustic charm paired with small batch craft gin. The charming new cellar door space is built in a converted wool shed, and features an expansive deck, perfect for sipping and stargazing.
The semi-open-air shed is a relaxed, expansive space to indulge in the best of Mallee Spirit gin. It embodies the rustic outback charm that has been instrumental in bringing the gin to life. The cellar door features an eclectic yet harmonious collection of salvaged furniture and fixtures. By sourcing their own lights, furniture, and artefacts, owners Robin and Ron have truly personalised the space in an amazingly unique way.
The comfortable, lively atmosphere is fuelled by this collection of objects, and it hints at the personalities behind the gin. When you’re in next make sure you spark up a conversation with Robin and Ron, they’ll be thrilled to spin a yarn or two!
Mallee Spirit boasts a lineup of six signature spirits, each a reflection of Robin’s personal taste. The collection includes Boobialla, native juniper gin, spice gin, strawberry gin, native citrus gin, limoncello, and of course, Myrtle gin.
Myrtle gin, their first creation, put them on the map with its zesty blend of lemon and aniseed myrtle straight from Robin’s garden. Think lemon myrtle and native botanical flavours. And if you’re after a refreshing twist, “The natural sweetness of the fruit makes it a perfect pairing with Prosecco to make a Strawberry Fizz,” Ron says.
Gin aficionados Robin and Ron Valentine began Mallee Spirit in 2021 with a touching birthday gift. Ron gifted Robin three small gin stills, which the couple used to distill their first ever batches of gin. The gift of copper stills sparked Robin’s passion for distillation, leading her to study the craft at The University of Adelaide.
Flash forward to 2023, things really kicked off, with the now acclaimed Myrtle Gin, gaining quick popularity after being featured in a gin box subscription.
The team at Mallee Spirit are no strangers to showcasing their gin at festivals and markets, and it always proves a hit. Notably, 2023 saw the pair showcase their selection of six spirits at the Mallee Root Festival in Ouyen Victoria.
The pair have since used the funds generated from gin sales to renovate their new cellar door and bring new life to a rustic old shearing shed. The unique rural location means the Mallee Spirit cellar door has unpredictable yet broad opening hours. “Call us – if we are home we are happy to open up.” the pair said. This philosophy has already proven popular, but the best way to guarantee a spot is to simply make a booking in advance.
With the opening of the new venue, Mallee Spirit is starting to book for lively events and functions with plans for music and food events in the future.
Mallee Spirit has become a gathering place for Mallee locals, hosting relaxed after-work drinks on the third Friday of each month, where locals and visitors can unwind with a gin in hand. Robin and Ron are dreaming big, and are even planning on-site camping so guests can sip and stay. With a flexible, tailored approach to tastings and light bites featuring local meats and cheeses, this new cellar door is certainly worth a stop.
Mallee Spirit Cellar Door
Where: 334 Schroeter Rd, Lameroo, SA, Australia, South Australia
When: Third Friday of each month, and by booking
For more information, click here.
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