The unique distillery experience

Reach the gin distillery by taking a scenic drive to Vredendal where we are nestled in the Olifants Valley. It is the area’s picturesque landscapes and beautiful flora – Namaqualand flowers, Cederberg Fynbos and West Coast Succulent Karoo – that inspires us to craft spirits from locally sourced and grown botanicals. The bordering Sandveld and Swartland wheat growing areas provide us with abundant raw material for the in-house crafting of our own base alcohol.

Led by owner and distiller, Joubert Roux, the distillery tasting tour will kick off with a tour of the equipment and the unique, solar-heated distillation process. The gin distillery expanded its operations by investing in recycled products and by supporting local industry. Cement was ordered from Piketberg, bricks came from Klawer and white aggregate from Cape Lime.

A quick tasting of each product follows just as your mouth starts to water for the sweet brews that linger in the air. Then, it is off to the beautiful outdoor seating area surrounded by the very bamboo that filters the farm’s black water, keeping the distillery’s carbon footprint to a minimum.

The only water that leaves the premises is what is bottled in our products: cooling is done with irrigation water, toilets are flushed with brown water and black water irrigates the bamboo.

It is within this enchanting bamboo forest that we will delve deeper into the art of making gin, vodka and brandy cocktails – with a refreshing drink in hand, of course!

You’ll leave the gin distillery feeling inspired to create your own craft cocktails. The future is craft and after the tasting, you will know how to embrace your inner cocktail bar chef using our innovative range of craft spirit mixes. We enjoy crafting top-quality products and the distillery tasting tour is the perfect opportunity to get to know your favourite 1st Principles craft spirit. Our collection ranges from craft gin to local bitters and carefully selected organic partners like Stellar Wines. All of this is available both in-house and via online delivery to your doorstep.

The Olifants Valley is a small, agricultural town that is abundant with things to do. Come and stimulate your palette and lust for adventure in this beautifully biodiverse valley.