New distillery to join agritourism trail

A NEW destination for award-winning spirits is set to join the Northern Rivers agritourism trail next year, with Winding Road Distilling Co. planning to open its cellar doors in Tintenbar.

Mark and Camille Awad, owners of the distillery, are finalising a construction certificate with Ballina Shire Council for a tasting room that will be open to the public.

The couple aim to share how they create their award-winning spirits, tapping into a growing agritourism industry.

Business NSW’s regional director for the Northern Rivers, Jane Laverty, said it was the perfect time for local businesses to explore agritourism, with the region experiencing its “Barossa moment.”

Visitors were keen to explore the towns and villages in the region, she said, with distilleries and cellar door visits high on the list of things to do.

“It’s celebrating what we make off the land and meeting the locals who are passionate about what they do,” she said.

“They are prepared to get out and about. The great road trip is back.”

Business NSW has encouraged councils across the Northern Rivers to collaborate in creating a seamless experience for visitors.

Camille said such support would help businesses like theirs encourage tourists to stay longer and explore what the region has to offer.

“We love Tintenbar. We’d love to share how beautiful it is,” she said.

“We’re here. We can hold people here. We just need that support.”

The couple plan to add their distillery to the visitor trail next year to showcase their spirits and the process behind them. Their Coastal Cane Pure Single Rum won Best Rum at the 2023 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards, and both their rum and Citrus and Sea Gin have featured on this year’s awards list.

“We want to show the process from start to finish,” Mark said.

The Northern Rivers had an opportunity to become an agritourism hub that promoted an environmentally-aware approach, he said.

“The more we do that, the more we will create a higher standard.”

While the process of establishing the distillery has been lengthy, Mark said he didn’t regret the journey.

“It’s been difficult, but it will be worth it in the end,” he said.

“It will be something to hang our hats on.”