Derwent Distillery and Invercarron Wines create limited-release Pinot Noir Gin

Two southern Tasmanian producers have joined forces to create a limited-release gin shaped by the landscape, produce and cool climate of the Derwent and Jordan valleys.

Located just 12 kilometres apart, the family-run businesses share a strong connection to the region and a commitment to local provenance, traditional craftsmanship and reducing waste.

The collaboration began following Invercarron Wines’ annual harvest, when the Derwent Distillery team spent two days hand-picking grapes that mechanical harvesters could not reach. Growing close to vine posts or low to the ground, the fruit may otherwise have been left behind.

The grapes remained on the vines until May, allowing additional time to ripen and develop deeper flavour and colour. Around 120 kilograms were collected, with each bunch carefully sorted to select the darkest and ripest fruit.

The late-harvest grapes were then combined with a specially developed gin recipe, designed to complement the fruit while retaining Derwent Distillery’s signature botanical character.

Derwent Distillery
Derwent Distillery

The finished gin features aromas of raspberry, ripe strawberry and red cherry, alongside delicate floral notes of violet. Juniper, bright citrus and selected botanicals add structure and balance, resulting in an elegant spirit with a distinctly Tasmanian character.

Derwent Distillery co-owner and head distiller Robbie Gilligan said the collaboration celebrated the producers and the landscape connecting them.

“This project is a wonderful example of what can happen when local producers come together with a shared respect for quality, sustainability and place,” Mr Gilligan said.

“Every bottle tells the story of our region — from the vineyards at Invercarron through to the stills at Derwent Distillery.”

Co-owner Emma Gilligan said the release also reflected the distillery’s ongoing commitment to finding practical and creative ways to reduce waste.

“We loved the idea of transforming fruit that may otherwise have been left on the vine into something truly special,” Ms Gilligan said.

“It’s a celebration of collaboration, craftsmanship and making the most of an incredible Tasmanian harvest.”

Only a limited number of bottles of Late Harvest Pinot Noir Gin have been produced. The gin will be released on Monday 10 August 2026 through the Derwent Distillery website, its Battery Point shop and the Dromedary cellar door, subject to availability.

Invercarron Wines
Invercarron Wines
Late Harvest Pinot Gin
Late Harvest Pinot Gin
Robbie and Emma, Derwent Distillery
Robbie and Emma, Derwent Distillery
Invercarron Wines
Invercarron Wines

Derwent Distillery is an independent, family-owned distillery producing gin and single malt whisky from its Boyer Road distillery in the Derwent Valley. Its cellar door is open from Wednesday to Friday, with tours available by booking.

Invercarron Wines is a Tasmanian-owned, family-run vineyard at Broadmarsh in the Jordan Valley, producing cool-climate Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.

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