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Rifters Tasting Room

Exterior view of Arrowtown's Rifters Tasting Room.
Inside Arrowtown's Rifters Tasting Room.
A lineup of gin and other products at Rifters Tasting Room.
Gins on the barrel at Rifters Tasting Room.
Cosy chair at Rifters Tasting Room.
Welcome sign at Rifters Tasting Room.
Lineup of gins on a window sill at Rifters Tasting Room.
Interior view of Rifters Tasting Room.
Products at Rifters Tasting Room.
One of the owners in the doorway at Rifters Tasting Room.

MondayClosed.

TuesdayClosed.

WednesdayClosed.

Thursday12:00 – 4:00 pm.

Friday12:00 – 4:00 pm.

Saturday12:00 – 4:00 pm.

Sunday12:00 – 4:00 pm.

4 Buckingham St, Arrowtown

0210 299 5056

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Nestled in the historic (and utterly charming) Dudley’s Cottage on Buckingham Street in Arrowtown, Rifters Tasting Room is home to some of Aotearoa’s best small-batch spirits.

Founded in 2020 by Kiwi builders-turned-distillers Hamish and Stu, Rifters has grown from a hobby into an award-winning distillery. Their Original Dry Gin quickly won a gold medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Award, paving the way for over 50 more accolades worldwide. Today their collection includes six distinctive gins, smooth vodka and a locally crafted whisky – all inspired by the rugged landscapes and native botanicals of Central Otago.

In 2023, the Rifters Tasting Room opened its doors, offering visitors a warm and welcoming space to experience these world-class creations. Complimentary tastings around the barrel provide a relaxed introduction to the range, while masterclasses led by a Rifters distiller offer a deeper dive into the art and passion behind every bottle. These popular sessions include a delicious shared platter to complete the experience.

While the tasting room focuses on showcasing distilled delights, it’s conveniently located next to The Dishery, a beloved local café offering breakfast and lunch in a picturesque garden setting. Plus, Rifters’ proximity to the Historic Chinese Village adds a fascinating glimpse into Arrowtown’s gold rush era.

Sustainability is at the heart of Rifters’ ethos. The business has eliminated single-use plastics, champions eco-friendly practices, and supports initiatives like Love Queenstown Community Fund to help preserve the region’s pristine beauty.

Words by Maggie Worthington & Photography by Anna Briggs

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Location

4 Buckingham St, Arrowtown

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