It's our 15th Anniversary! A Dream born from Passion
Fifteen years ago, Bass & Flinders Distillery was born from a simple yet bold dream - to create exceptional grape-to-glass artisanal spirits that celebrate the unique character of the Mornington Peninsula. It all began in a humble tin shed in the winemaking region of Red Hill where our founders were inspired by the rich traditions of French brandy production. Fuelled by their passion for exploration and craftsmanship, they embarked on a journey to distil Australian spirits that could rival the world’s best.
Crafting our Spirits with Integrity
From the very start, we believed in doing things differently. Rather than using neutral grain spirit, we focused on crafting our spirits from scratch using the finest Victorian grapes, a process we call our “Méthode Eau de Vie.” This commitment to quality—from the vineyard to the bottle—has been our guiding principle since day one. Every bottle of gin, brandy, and liqueur we produce is a reflection of the vineyard, the microclimate, and the hands that craft it. It’s not just about the product; it’s about telling a story, one that’s deeply rooted in place and time.
True to our Roots while Embracing Innovation
Over the years, we’ve grown from those early days in Red Hill to a new home in Dromana, but our ethos remains unchanged. Family-owned and fiercely independent, we continue to push boundaries in the Australian craft spirits industry. Our head distiller, Holly Klintworth, took over running Bass & Flinders from her father Wayne in 2016, marking the next chapter in our journey. Holly, now one of Australia’s few second-generation distillers, and first female president of the Australian Distillers Association has led us through exciting innovations, including our award-winning gins and fine aged brandies.
The heart of everything we do lies in our passion for quality and our connection to the land. Each of our spirits tells a story of the terroir, with botanicals sourced locally and thoughtfully chosen to complement our grape-based spirits. From our signature Single Vineyard Gins to our much-celebrated Ochre Brandy, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, always staying true to our roots.
As we celebrate 15 years, we are deeply thankful for the support of our local community, the visitors who have walked through our Distillery Door, and our dedicated team who share our love for crafting spirits with heart. We’ve grown from that small shed to a renowned distillery, but at our core, we’re still the same—a team of passionate spirit makers, committed to crafting products that embody the essence of the Mornington Peninsula.
This milestone is more than just an anniversary—it’s a testament to our journey, our people, and the quality that defines Bass & Flinders. Here’s to the next chapter of exploration, innovation, and spirit. Cheers to 15 years!
