At Kiwi Spirit Distillery, every bottle tells a story of rich heritage and our relentless pursuit of excellence. Our spirits are crafted with the utmost care, reflecting our dedication to both tradition and innovation.
In the heart of Golden Bay, one of New Zealand's most picturesque locales, Kiwi Spirit Distillery embodies a legacy of passion and craftsmanship. As a family owned and operated distillery, our commitment to excellence is unwavering—we prioritize quality over quantity in every handcrafted spirit we produce.
Our journey begins amidst the natural splendor of Golden Bay, where creativity thrives alongside our commitment to local sourcing. Ingredients are sourced as local as possible, some even cultivated in the gardens and orchards of our expansive 6-acre distillery and cellar door. This dedication to locality fuels our creativity, allowing us to push boundaries and craft spirits that delight our customers.
At Kiwi Spirit Distillery, tradition meets innovation. We honor time-honored techniques while embracing new ideas, resulting in a distinctive range of spirits that showcase the best of New Zealand. Each spirit is meticulously distilled and bottled by hand, infused with the terroir of our surroundings and a touch of Kiwi ingenuity.
Join us on a journey from Garden to Glass, where good taste is not just a pleasure—it's a soulful experience.
From Garden to Glass
At Kiwi Spirit Distillery, our commitment to excellence begins in our own gardens and orchards. Nestled within our 6-acre distillery and cellar door, we cultivate a variety of premium botanicals and fruits that form the foundation of our exceptional spirits.
Handcrafted in Golden Bay
We meticulously handcraft every bottle at our distillery in Golden Bay. From distillation to hand labeling, we oversee the entire process using many traditional techniques. Each bottle is a reflection of our dedication to quality and the artisanal spirit of our region.
Our Founder, the late Terry Knight talks about the history of Kiwi Spirit Distillery
Our Founder, the late Terry Knight talks about the history of Kiwi Spirit Distillery
Terry Knight, Founder & Distiller
Terry was the visionary founder and driving force behind Kiwi Spirit Distillery until his passing in October 2024. His charismatic and dynamic presence shaped the distillery's direction and success from its inception. Known for his passion for excellence and innovative spirit, Terry focused on product development and championed the cultivation of Weber Blue Agave Tequilana plants, setting Kiwi Spirit Distillery apart in the craft spirits industry. His legacy of creativity and dedication continues to inspire the team and lives on in every bottle produced.
Isabella Knight, Director
Isabella oversees logistics and daily operations at Kiwi Spirit Distillery. With a keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills, she excels as both an administrator and event coordinator. Her dedication to optimizing business processes is matched by her passion for the industry, a trait she shares with her father, Terry Knight.
Jeremy Knight, Director
Jeremy is an indispensable part of Kiwi Spirit Distillery, where his expertise shines in customer care and at the cellar door. Known for his mastery of spirits and cocktails, Jeremy is not only a knowledgeable guide but also a skilled bartender who crafts unforgettable drinks. His warm hospitality ensures every visitor has a memorable experience at our distillery, embodying our commitment to exceptional service and quality. Jeremy also brings a personal touch to the distillery as Terry's son.
Sue Bensemann, Distiller
Sue is a co-distiller at Kiwi Spirit Distillery, where she works closely with Terry. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and dedication, Sue is incredibly hardworking and has contributed to the distillery's success. She is also celebrated as a creator of Championz Gin, showcasing her expertise in crafting exceptional spirits.
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