Gilly’s new venture hits local pubs

Cricket legend Adam Gilchrist is heading to the region this weekend, bringing his new tequila venture to Grovedale, Barwon Heads and Torquay for a full day of appearances.

The former Australian wicketkeeper will start at the Grovedale Hotel from 10.30am, before heading to Barwon Heads Hotel from 12.30pm and finishing at Torquay Hotel from 4pm to 6pm.

Each stop gives locals the chance to meet him, grab a photo and sample his premium tequila, El Arquero.

Speaking on SEN Geelong’s The Run Home with Worlo and Moons, Gilchrist shared the story behind the brand and what fans can expect this weekend.

The name itself carries a personal meaning, with a subtle nod to his cricketing past.

“I thought if ever I do a tequila, I’ll call it El Arquero, which translates to ‘the keeper’.”

“It’s a nice little throwback.”

Gilchrist also joked the name was a little less obvious than some other cricket-branded drops.

“It’s a lot more subtle than Ponting just putting his name on a wine label. I’m making people work for it.”

El Arquero has been crafted in Mexico’s Jalisco highlands using traditional methods, with Gilchrist and his team partnering with a third-generation distillery to produce a premium, additive-free spirit.

“I only had a desire to have it made in Mexico, authentically, traditional methods,” he said.

The result is a cleaner, smoother tequila designed to be sipped, mixed or enjoyed over ice, a far cry from the quick shots many Australians associate with the drink.

“Don’t make it the last drink of the night that you can’t remember. Make it the first one you’ll never forget.”

Gilchrist’s visit comes as excitement builds for a huge upcoming summer of cricket, with the 2026-27 schedule released earlier this week.

“Unbelievable amount. There’s about 10 Tests in 14 weeks.”

“It’s going to be very fast and packed around Christmas.”

With a packed international schedule and a historic 150-year Test match celebration on the horizon, cricket fans have plenty to look forward to.

For now though, attention turns to the Bellarine and surrounding region, where fans can meet one of Australia’s greats in a relaxed setting.

“Looking forward to getting down around the Geelong and Torquay region. Can’t wait.”

Check it out for yourself – elarquero.com