Dancing Sands Distillery in Takaka

During our journey around the Top of the South, one place we visited (and will visit many times again) is the Dancing Sands Distillery in Takaka, Golden Bay.

Ben and Sarah came to New Zealand in 2012, and after spending time travelling around the country, they ended up camping in Golden Bay where they fell in love with one of the most beautiful places in the country.

When they found a still for sale, the jumped at the chance to leave their corporate lives and start a new business venture in their few home. Along with the still they also purchased the existing rum stock with plans of becoming a rum distillery but the gins they created have been so popular, gin is now the bulk of their sales.

Quality is at the centre of everything they do. They focus on quality for their product, from the water they use, the hand selected ingredients, to the French imported glass bottles.

Their gin is made even more special by the fact that each bottle of Dancing Sands gin is blended with the water from the aquifer that feeds Dancing Sands Spring allowing them to make the best possible gin and perfect its taste.

Their showroom (and distillery) is located at 46A Commercial Street, Takaka, which is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm for free tastings.

Here you will be able to sample their delicious gins, vodka and rum. From Dry Gin to Wasabi Strength Gin, Chocolate Gin to  Sauvignon Wine Gin. Try it neat, or try it with a mixer – you’re sure to walk away with a least one purchase.

So pop in and say Hi to Sarah at the cellar door, and check out the distillery in progress through the glass window!

Alternatively, check out their website Dancing Sands Distillery Takaka