Maria River Distillery – A Spirit Worth Discovering

Nestled along a quiet country road just outside Crescent Head on the beautiful Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Maria River Distillery is more than just a place to enjoy exceptional craft spirits — it’s a destination where passion, sustainability, and local flavour blend into a one-of-a-kind experience.

Surrounded by native bushland, citrus trees, and rolling green hills, the distillery is a peaceful retreat for those looking to slow down, sip something extraordinary, and connect with a truly authentic Australian story. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast, a Limoncello lover, or someone who appreciates locally made, small-batch craftsmanship, Maria River Distillery is the kind of hidden gem that leaves a lasting impression — and keeps you coming back for more.

Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Maria River Distillery began with a single idea: to recreate the traditional Italian Limoncello experience, inspired by a trip to the Amalfi Coast. That idea quickly evolved into a full-blown passion project, combining old-world techniques with Australian-grown ingredients and a modern, sustainable mindset.

Today, Maria River Distillery offers a small but mighty lineup of premium spirits — each made with care, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence. From their flagship MRD Gin to their uniquely refreshing Ginello, every drop is a celebration of flavour, quality, and creativity.

But it’s not just about what’s in the bottle. It’s about the story behind each spirit, the ingredients sourced from their own property, and the experience of visiting a place where craft, sustainability, and hospitality are always on pour.

A Taste of the Range

Let’s talk about the stars of the show. Maria River Distillery currently crafts three signature spirits, each with its own unique character:

MRD Gin

This isn’t your average gin. MRD Gin is a well-balanced spirit that uses eight hand-selected botanicals — many of them grown right on the property. Expect floral and herbaceous notes with hints of citrus, a gentle sweetness, and a peppery finish that lingers just long enough to make you reach for another sip. Whether enjoyed in a classic G&T or shaken into your favourite cocktail, MRD Gin is sophisticated, refreshing, and proudly local.

Limoncello

A love letter to the Italian coast, Maria River’s Limoncello is zesty, aromatic, and delightfully smooth. Made in the traditional style but with Australian-grown lemons (many of which are grown right at the distillery), this lemon liqueur is best served ice-cold — straight from the freezer — as an after-dinner treat. It’s sunshine in a bottle, capturing the essence of summer with every sip.

Ginello

What happens when you mix MRD Gin with their house-made Limoncello? You get Ginello — a vibrant, citrusy spirit that’s exclusive to Maria River Distillery. Light, aromatic, and refreshing, Ginello is made for warm afternoons, garden parties, and coastal adventures. Serve it over ice with soda, tonic, and a sprig of mint — and let the good times roll.

Crafted With Care, Grown With Purpose

One of the most unique aspects of Maria River Distillery is their commitment to growing and sourcing as much as possible from their own land. Their distillery garden is more than a pretty backdrop — it’s an integral part of the process. Juniper, citrus, coriander, and other key botanicals are carefully cultivated on-site, ensuring freshness, quality, and a minimal environmental footprint.

For ingredients that can’t be grown locally, they partner with responsible suppliers who share their values around sustainability and ethical production. It’s a holistic approach to craft distilling that puts integrity first and results in spirits that truly reflect the land they come from.

This focus on sustainability doesn’t stop at the ingredients. The entire operation is designed to minimise waste and environmental impact — from solar power to biodegradable packaging and thoughtful reuse of by-products. It’s an ethos that resonates with today’s conscious consumers who want to feel good about the choices they make — and the businesses they support.

A Distillery Experience Worth the Drive

If you’re looking for a day trip with a twist — or something a little different to do while visiting the Crescent Head or Port Macquarie region — a visit to Maria River Distillery is an experience not to be missed.

Visitors can book private distillery tours and tastings by appointment, where you’ll get an inside look at the production process, walk through the aromatic gardens, and sample the spirits in a relaxed, welcoming environment. You’ll hear stories about how each product came to life, the thought behind the ingredients, and what makes their small-batch process so special.

For those who love pairing great drinks with stunning views, the distillery also hosts seasonal events like the Sunset Gin Cruise on the Hastings River. It’s a magical evening of cocktails, grazing tables, and live music — all set against the backdrop of a glowing sky and gently swaying palms. It’s elegant, laid-back, and uniquely local.

Whether you’re a local looking to explore your backyard or a traveller chasing new flavours, Maria River Distillery offers a chance to engage all your senses — and leave with a deeper appreciation for what it means to “drink local.”

Perfect for Gifting, Celebrating, or Stocking Your Home Bar

In addition to tastings and tours, visitors can shop the full range of products onsite or online through the Maria River Distillery website. Each bottle is beautifully packaged and makes an ideal gift for birthdays, weddings, thank-you’s, or festive celebrations. And with options like gift packs and limited-edition blends released throughout the year, there’s always something new to discover.

They also offer custom labelling for weddings and corporate events, making it easy to add a personal touch to a truly premium product.

Can’t make it in person? No worries. Their user-friendly online store delivers straight to your door, so you can enjoy a taste of the Mid North Coast wherever you are in Australia.