Crafting spirit is about expression, creativity and passion.
With a background in the science of flavours and fragrances, our co-founder and head distiller David De Vries and wife Fiona operated a flavour and fragrance manufacturing company for 20 years before retiring to the Murray River and falling in love with the process of making gin, and its magical relationship with natural botanicals.
With an inquisitive nature and entrepreneurial spirit, David and Fiona began a 3 year process of research and development of the distilling process, which included visiting distilleries across Australia and around the globe.
In his previous career, David gained a broad knowledge of essential oils derived from the botanicals of plants, herbs and fruit, including the science of perfumery, and the blending of these magical oils to produce something unique and personal.
David’s earliest memories of gin were of his parents’ fondness for Jenever (genièvre) – the traditional juniper-flavoured liquor of the Netherlands and Belgium, from which gin evolved.
“My Passion is borne by the ‘science of distilling’, and now with the resurgence and popularity of Gin producing a more contemporary product including the introduction of many new and exciting botanicals, that passion cannot be denied.” ~ Co-Founder and Head Distiller: David De Vries
Echuca Distillery was born from this passion for all things ‘spirit’ based and our state-of-the-art home in the heart of the historic Port of Echuca precinct showcases our passion for gin and other distilled products.
We can’t wait for you to try our 100% pure spirits, created from our beautifully handcrafted Italian copper still, affectionately known as Lavender.
The world has fallen in love with gin and we have created Echuca Distillery to share this love with the people of Echuca Moama and the thousands of people who visit the Murray River region each year.
People love coming here to chill out by the river and we aim to play a significant part in this experience – what better way to enjoy your favourite gin, than on the banks of the mighty Murray River!”
