Summer Road Trips and Tasting Sips: Visiting WA Distilleries Over the Christmas Break
Summer Road Trips and Tasting Sips: Visiting WA Distilleries Over the Christmas Break
Summer Road Trips and Tasting Sips: Visiting WA Distilleries Over the Christmas Break
Summer in Western Australia brings out the best of the state. Long daylight hours, warm nights and that familiar itch to hit the road make it the ideal time for a getaway.
When Christmas rolls around, life slows just enough for everyone to breathe out and enjoy the simple things: coastal drives, country bakeries, roadside fruit stalls and, more and more, distillery stops along the way. What used to be something only spirit nerds chased has become a favourite holiday outing for plenty of West Aussies.
St Duke’s Distillery has quickly turned into a regular stop on these trips. With its smooth whey based vodka, refreshing Harvey Dry Gin and focus on using local, sustainable ingredients, it stands out for anyone cruising through the region. Christmas in WA is all about sunshine, outdoor meals and cold drinks shared with family and mates, and St Duke’s spirits slot neatly into that picture.
1. St Duke’s as a must visit summer stop
St Duke’s has earned a name for itself by offering something that feels properly West Australian: warm, easygoing hospitality, a strong sense of place and spirits that speak to the local landscape. That mix makes it a natural stop for travellers keen to see where their drinks actually come from.
The crew at St Duke’s take the time to walk visitors through how they do things, including how a whey leftover from dairy is turned into a clean, silky vodka. Hearing the story straight from the people who make it turns a quick tasting into a real highlight of the trip. It feels personal, grounded and distinctly local, the sort of experience people chat about long after they’re back on the road.
2. Distillery road trips in WA’s summer culture
More travellers are chasing experiences that are relaxed, local and tied closely to the land, rather than ticking off big, crowded attractions. Distillery visits fit that shift perfectly. Warm weather, open roads and the slower pace of the festive season make it easy to detour through small towns and check out local producers.
A classic example is families or groups driving from Perth down to the South West. What used to be a straight run down the highway is now broken up with stops at distilleries, farm shops and cellar doors. Pulling in for a tasting at a place like St Duke’s turns a standard drive into a mini adventure and adds a bit of story to the bottles that end up in the esky.
3. Harvey Dry Gin and the taste of WA summer
Harvey Dry Gin has become a go to for summer drinkers thanks to its bright citrus notes and native botanicals. It suits WA’s coastal heat and works beautifully with simple mixers, which is exactly what most people want once the temperature climbs and Christmas gatherings kick off.
Plenty of travellers pick up a bottle after their visit to St Duke’s so they can keep pouring it throughout the holiday. A common ritual is a gin and tonic made with Harvey Dry Gin, a slice of lime and a bit of lemon myrtle while watching the sun slip down over a beach or campsite. It’s unfussy, refreshing and feels very much like a West Australian summer in a glass.
4. Whey Vodka and effortless festive cocktails
One of the things that really sets St Duke’s apart is its whey based vodka. The spirit is known for a smooth finish and lighter mouthfeel, which makes it perfect for fresh, fruit forward drinks over Christmas. When the weather’s hot, no one wants heavy, cloying cocktails; they want something bright they can sip all afternoon.
St Duke’s vodka delivers that while also making use of what would otherwise be waste, which appeals to travellers who care about how their drinks are made. A favourite over the festive break is a simple watermelon spritz: whey vodka, chilled watermelon juice, soda and plenty of ice. It’s easy to throw together after a day on the road and just right for backyard barbies or chilling out on the veranda.
5. A summer Christmas calls for light, bright drinks
Because Christmas lands in the middle of summer here, our festive traditions naturally look different to those in colder parts of the world. Instead of mulled wine or heavy cream based drinks, Aussies lean toward crisp, cold mixes they can enjoy around the pool, at the beach or under the patio fan.
St Duke’s spirits fit that style without any fuss. A simple Christmas Citrus Cooler using Harvey Dry Gin, fresh WA oranges and soda water is ideal for long lunches or evening get-togethers. It’s the sort of drink you can serve to a crowd without spending the whole day behind the bar.
Planning for a safe, enjoyable trip
Plenty of groups who visit St Duke’s choose a designated driver so everyone else can properly enjoy their tasting paddle. It’s a small decision that keeps the day relaxed and the memories good ones, especially during the busy festive period.
St Duke’s Distillery captures what people love about WA’s craft scene: innovative, local and proudly tied to its patch of country. Whether you swing past on the way to the South West or duck in specifically to stock up for Christmas, a visit adds something special to your summer. This holiday season, enjoy the open road, the warm evenings and the fresh, bright sips that show off the true spirit of Western Australia.