Winestillery: The Gin That Comes from Wine

Hey, gin and wine fans! I just read some exciting news. In the December 2023 issue of Repubblica, there was an amazing piece about Winestillery, a gin producer located in Florence that specializes in making Gin with wine! If you are a gin lover and a wine enthusiast, this post is for you.

Winestillery is not your ordinary distillery. It’s the first and only craft distillery in the Chianti Classico region, where they make gin from wine. Yes, you heard me right. Wine. And not just any wine, but the finest wine from their own family vineyards, where they have been making wine for two generations.

Winestillery is a family affair, a dream come true for a family that loves wine and gin, and that wants to share their passion with the world.

Tuscany has undergone an incredible shift in its taste for alcoholic beverages. Known worldwide for its wine production, Tuscany now embraces other types of spirits such as gin – an increasingly popular spirit – as part of its diversifying beverage offerings. But its thirst for innovation does not stop there; Tuscans are open to exploring new opportunities within distillate production.

Winestillery is a project born from the passion of a family that has been in the wine world for two generations and that renews its passion every day among the vineyards.

Credit: La Repubblica. Enrico (on the left) e Niccolò Chioccioli Altadonna in their distillery

Unveiling Winestillery’s Heritage

Imagine gorgeous Tuscan rolling hills covered with vines stretching as far as the eye can see as a backdrop to Winestillery, a passion project created by two generations of family with deep roots in winemaking and tradition. Winestillery stands as the epitome of this family’s commitment to both traditional and innovative winemaking practices.

Gin from the Vine: The Distillation Process

What sets Winestillery apart in the craft distillery scene is its unconventional approach to gin production. They’ve turned to their own vineyards for inspiration, utilizing wine as the canvas for their distinct distillates. The magic begins in a copper still with a bain-marie system, where grapes from the family estate are meticulously transformed into the essence of Tuscan terroir.

As the liquid gold trickles through the still, it carries with it the essence of the sun-soaked grapes, creating a base for a gin that’s uniquely Tuscan. The aroma of juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, lemon peel, and carefully selected botanicals is infused, creating a symphony that captures the spirit of the Chianti Classico region.

The Duo of Distinctive Gins

Winestillery shares its story through two exquisite gins: Old Tom Gin and London Dry Gin. Old Tom Gin pays homage to classic 18th and 19th-century styles like Sweet Sherry Gin; its smooth profile calls back memories from another era. London Dry Gin brings us into the modern era, boasting crisp and dry characteristics reminiscent of its 20th-century predecessors embodying both tradition and innovation in every sip. 

Discovering the Tuscan Gin Culture

Winestillery is not only a distillery, but also a cultural hub that promotes the Tuscan gin culture and its connection to wine.

Winestillery uses a custom-made copper pot still named Bacco, which can distill both according to the Bennet method and the Carter Head method, enhancing the quality of the raw materials in every nuance.
Winestillery respects the naturalness of the ingredients, without adding or correcting anything, to maintain the maximum expression of purity.

If you would like to learn more about Winestillery, check this link at the company’s website. It describes the tours and tastings at its distillery in Gaiole in Chianti, where visitors can learn about the production process and enjoy the products, and savor some samples. 

How to Enjoy Winestillery’s Gin

Winestillery’s gin is an elegant spirit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways to suit any mood or preference. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks or mixed into cocktails to fully appreciate all its subtle flavors and aromas. Here are a few suggestions for you:

• Winestillery’s gin can best be appreciated by sipping it either neat or on the rocks with some citrus fruits added for an added zing. You will experience all its subtle notes such as wine, juniper berries and botanicals while feeling its warmth.
• Winestillery’s gin can be mixed with various ingredients to produce classic or creative cocktails, including: A Gin and Tonic, Martini, Negroni or Gin Fizz are among many possibilities; alternatively you may wish to create your own signature drinks using fresh fruits, herbs spices or syrups to customize its flavors and aroma. You’ll be sure to create refreshing and enjoyable drinks.
• Winestillery’s gin pairs perfectly with food. To achieve optimal results, choose dishes that enhance or contrast its flavors, such as cheese, cured meats, seafood salads, or desserts. Or follow the advice of Winestillery’s experts who have created menus showcasing Tuscan cuisine and culture – then experience its harmonious balance while enjoying an exquisite and memorable meal!

Now, you might be wondering, “How can I get a taste of this Tuscan elixir?” Fear not, dear reader! If you’re curious to try Winestillery’s gin, you can order it online or find it in selected bars and shops in Italy and abroad. If you want to learn more about Winestillery and its story, you can visit their website https://www.winestillery.it/en or follow them on Instagram [winestillery].

Cheers! 🥂