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The Victorian Farmers' Markets Association is a not-for-profit association. We develop, support and lead a network of farmers, makers and markets, contributing to thriving, sustainable communities.

 
 
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🍸 Double Shot Celebration – World Gin Day This Weekend!

Winter calls for cozy nights, crackling fires, and a perfectly crafted gin in hand! As we head into World Gin Day on Saturday, 14th June, our double-shot feature continues—this time highlighting Hillmartin Distillery, an exceptional father-daughter duo crafting award-winning botanical gins.

Hillmartin Distillery is family-owned and driven by a passion for one-of-a-kind flavors, making each bottle a testament to expert craftsmanship and a love of bold, standout botanicals. Their dedication to quality and innovation has earned them a reputation for distinctive, world-class gin.

Farmers markets aren’t just about fresh fruit and vegetables—they’re the home of artisanal food, farm fresh produce, and incredible local distillers. So, while you’re stocking up on seasonal produce, meats, pantry staples, and delicious homemade treats, why not grab a bottle of beautifully distilled, small-batch gin to enjoy by the fire this winter?

Head to your VFMA-accredited farmers market, meet the makers, and raise a glass to local excellence. Cheers to World Gin Day!

#WorldGinDay #SupportLocal #FarmersMarkets #HillmartinDistillery #ArtisanGin #VFMA #WinterWarmers

 

Meet the Makers: The Passion Behind Artisan Gin - Imbue Distillery🍸
 

Hillmartin Distillery – A Father-Daughter Duo Crafting Award-Winning Gin 🍸


 

What happens when a passion for flavor meets an extended family lunch? For Hillmartin Distillery, the journey began in 2020, during yet another lockdown in Melbourne. Gavin, a lifelong lover of wine, realised that making great wine required time—something he wasn’t sure he had entering his 60s.   

A mate (let’s call him Gary) suggested an alternative: spirits. With Gavin’s background in Applied Chemistry, the idea clicked, near the end of that fateful lunch.

Joined by his daughter, Amy, the duo started experimenting with distillation and flavor profiles in the family shed.  

Their first batch—Orange Squeeze—was an instant hit, convincing them their craft needed to be shared beyond just their circle of friends. Today, Hillmartin Gin stands as a testament to a shared father-daughter passion, blending their strengths into award-winning, standout spirits.

Bold Botanical Blends – Crafting Unforgettable Flavors
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Gin is famous for its botanical diversity, and Hillmartin Distillery prides itself on pushing boundaries. One of their most celebrated creations, Seven Spice Chai Gin, features a blend of seven warming spices, finished with raw wildflower honey from a fellow small business they met at Eltham Farmers Market. The gin has been crowned Australia’s Best Contemporary Gin at the World Gin Awards in London for two years running.

Distilling the Perfect Balance
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Distillers all have their favourite botanicals and their approach to flavour balance. At Hillmartin, the magic happens by carefully separating the process—some botanicals go into the pot for boiling, while others are vapour-infused in the botanical basket. This technique ensures maximum extraction and a clean, layered profile.

  

Sourcing Local – Supporting Victorian Growers 🍓

Hillmartin Distillery is deeply committed to local sourcing, with native botanicals such as anise myrtle and lemon myrtle featured across their range. Their Blushing Pink Gin gets its vibrant color and flavour from strawberries and raspberries sourced from local growers, and they’re always exploring new partnerships to keep their supply chain close to home.

Perfect Pairings – How to Enjoy Hillmartin Gin
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Each gin has an ideal serve, but Hillmartin prioritises approachability over complexity.
Their London Dry Gin shines in a classic G&T with a slice of orange, while their Seven Spice Chai Gin is best enjoyed in a Dirty Chai Martini—a bold twist on the Espresso Martini cocktail



                                                                                                                                                       Sustainability at the Heart of Hillmartin Distillery 🌏

Eco-conscious distilling is more than a trend—it’s a commitment. Hillmartin sources local ingredients, supports fellow farmers market vendors like Bizzy Beehive Honey, runs entirely on solar power, and even recycles all processed water through their sustainability system. Their dedication to reducing waste, lowering emissions, and supporting local businesses makes their gin not only delicious but also supports a locally based, sustainable circular economy!
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Find Hillmartin Distillery at VFMA Farmers Markets!

Stock up on fresh produce, meats, pantry staples, and special treats while discovering one-of-a-kind, locally crafted gin at a VFMA-accredited farmer’s market. This father-daughter duo is crafting award-winning spirits with heart and innovation—raise a glass to World Gin Day on 14th June and experience Hillmartin’s standout flavors for yourself!

You can also catch them on their socials
Web: Buy Australian Gin Online | Hillmartin Distillery
IInstagram (@hillmartingin) 
Facebook:@HMginexperience

#WorldGinDay #SupportLocal #HillmartinDistillery #ArtisanGin #FarmersMarkets #Sustainabilityity.

Raise a glass to artistry, local excellence, and ethical craft. See you at the markets!

 

World FMC 2025 Awards: Call for VFMA Nominations

Farmers' markets don’t just happen; they thrive thanks to dedicated people.  That’s why we’re celebrating the best of the best with the WorldFMC Awards! The VFMA, as a Member Association, can enter nominees in each of the three award categories.  The WorldFMC Awards are an international recognition celebration of the key players who make farmers' markets thrive!  These awards honour the best market manager, farmer, and city/shire demonstrating outstanding commitment to strengthening local food systems.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? If you have a farmer, market manager, or city/town you would like to nominate,
please email us your suggested nominee to [email protected]

We will take nominations until the 14th June 2025.

 

 

 

 



 
 

 

Connecting you directly with Victorian
Accredited Farmers' Markets 12 June - 19 June 2025

vfma.org.au/markets