Santa Rosa, California-based Foley Family Wines & Spirits announced its Lighthouse Gin has opened its new distillery at the company’s recently unveiled ‘The Runholder,’ a modern 19,000 sq. ft. facility on New Zealand’s North Island, which also houses local pioneering wineries Te Kairanga and Martinborough Vineyard. Rachel Hall, New Zealand’s first female head distiller, began production of Lighthouse Gin utilizing the all-new 700L copper hybrid column and pot still custom built by CARL – the oldest still manufacturer in Germany – as FFWS expands distribution for its flagship gin internationally.
Since it was founded in 2005, Lighthouse Gin has quietly built a reputation as one of New Zealand’s most innovative, New World craft gin offerings, particularly for its pronounced use of the famous Yen Ben Lemon. The all-new facility, including the distillery, bottling room and warehouse, will allow Rachel to maintain the same hands-on approach and meticulous process for producing Lighthouse Gin in small batches, preserving the integrity of the award-winning recipe as it moves into a more state-of-the-art home.
Lighthouse Gin re-entered the U.S. market in 2023, featuring a striking new bottle inspired by the Fresnel lens of its namesake, the famous Cape Palliser Lighthouse. The artisanal gin is made from high-quality Australian grain combined with pure spring water from Wharekauhau, Bill Foley’s country estate and sheep farm on Palliser Bay, that filters down from New Zealand’s spectacular Remutaka Ranges. 80-proof Lighthouse Gin features nine hand-selected botanicals, including the star of the show – Yen Ben Lemons, hand zested by Rachel herself. Lighthouse Gin was recently awarded a double gold medal at the TAG Global Spirits Awards and a gold medal at the ASCOT Awards.
“Our first distillery, which was cobbled together in an old orchard shed, was a true passion project and I am incredibly proud of what we were able to achieve from those humble beginnings,” said Hall. “This new distillery was purpose-built from the ground up, which is an incredible luxury for any head distiller, especially when handcrafting a clean, pure gin like Lighthouse.”
Through floor-to-ceiling windows, visitors to The Runholder will quickly spot the Lighthouse Distillery all-copper still, handmade by CARL. The hybrid still is the best of both worlds, offering the creativity and craft found in traditional pot distilling, matched with the precision and elegance of column distilling. Guests seeking an even more elevated and intimate experience can join Rachel in the distillery to see the still up close and hear more about the Lighthouse story, followed by a masterclass on the gin itself.
The Runholder is a new, iconic destination in Martinborough, a picturesque village slightly inland from Cape Palliser which is celebrated for its boutique wineries and epicurean producers. The venue, set on 38 breathtaking acres, opened last fall to showcase FFWS’s Te Kairanga and Martinborough Vineyard wineries, and features a tasting room, restaurant, private dining space and now, the Lighthouse Gin Distillery – all tying into FFWS founder Bill Foley’s ethos of blending wine, spirits and hospitality under one roof.
With its enviable position nestled between vineyard rows and the edge of the famed Martinborough Terrace, guests can enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine overlooking the valley beyond or cozy up beside the fire with a feast from noted Chef Tim Smith paired with an aged wine or gin from the cellar.
Lighthouse Gin is currently available in New Zealand and the United States. A 750 ml bottle retails for $49.99 in the U.S. It can be found at fine spirits stores and online at www.lighthousegin.com.