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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 🌿
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 ⚗️
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 🍹
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!
.
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!
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World FMC 2025 Awards: Call for VFMA Nominations

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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.
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