Discovering amazing new venues is one of the great delights of exploring the Mornington Peninsula, and if you haven’t yet discovered Penni Ave Distillery in Rye, there are a whole bunch of reasons why this may become your new favourite destination. Born from a love of vodka and native ingredients, the idea for this distillery came to owner and head distiller Genevieve Sullivan-Tailyour when she was on maternity leave and started creating vodka at home. Enlisting the help of her brother and a huge copper still named Walter, Penni Ave was born.

Specialising in unique vodkas flavoured with sustainably sourced native botanicals and no nasty chemicals or artificial flavours, Penni Ave Distillery delivers a special experience that goes beyond the typical distillery visit. With a welcoming atmosphere that artfully blends modern industrial design with a laid-back coastal vibe, this distillery is a perfect spot to spend a lazy afternoon or an exciting evening. Sample the expertly crafted cocktails made with the award-winning vodkas and enjoy the delicious range of food options available from the rotating food trucks throughout the summer. Three Little Chefs Catering, Mr. Pickles Deli, and Dum and Dumpling take turns serving up a range of culinary delights.

During the day you can stop by the café for a coffee and a pastry. This is a venue that is family-friendly with room enough for prams and a welcoming attitude to dogs, making Penni Ave a relaxed and happy place for everyone.

Twice a week in peak season you can enjoy the popular open stage nights. Like open mic nights but better, these evenings are a celebration of local musicians, poets, creative writers and comedians. There’s more live music to enjoy at the Sunday sessions.

Beyond all the good vibes, some serious work has been going on. Vodka this good doesn’t happen by accident, and the well-deserved win at the Australian Distilled Spirit Awards shows that others are taking notice too. The Barrel Aged Wattleseed and Burnt Honey Vodka took home the trophy for Australia’s Best Flavoured Vodka, and it’s easy to see why. This vodka, aged in ex-whisky, ex-stout barrels for 10 months, delivers rich flavours of baked fig, orange blossom, and buttery oak, creating a truly unique and luxurious drinking experience. Only one barrel was released of this limited-edition vodka, so if you’re looking to grab a bottle, you’ll need to be quick because it’s selling fast.

What truly sets Penni Ave apart is its commitment to sustainability and local ingredients. Using native Australian botanicals in its vodkas, the distillery has crafted a range of inventive flavours that are perfect for both traditional and modern cocktails. Whether it’s the Kakadu Plum Vodka with Lemon Myrtle and Ginger or the Pepperberry Vodka with Coastal Rosemary and Lemon, each drink offers a fresh take on classic vodka pairings. And if you’re heading to the beach or enjoying a casual day out, the new range of canned vodka and sodas are the perfect solution. These drinks are sugar-free, low calorie and vegan-friendly, with flavours including Strawberry Gum with Grapefruit and Soda, and Lemon Myrtle with Kakadu Plum. Each can is light, refreshing and made without artificial flavours or colours, ideal for summer sipping.

Whether you’re a vodka connoisseur or just looking for a cool, laid-back venue to enjoy with friends and family, Penni Ave Distillery offers a unique combination of award-winning drinks, excellent food and a vibrant atmosphere. If you haven’t yet visited, this summer is the perfect time to experience one of Victoria’s few dedicated vodka distilleries and see why this venue has quickly earned its spot as a local favourite.

Opening hours: café weekdays 6.30am-noon, weekends 7am-noon; bar Thursday and Friday 5-9.30pm, Saturday noon-9.30pm, Sunday noon-8pm.  Summer hours (December 27-January 26): bar daily noon-10pm, excluding New Year’s Day; see website for open stage dates and live music sessions

Penni Ave Distillery

2/43 Peninsula Ave, Rye

www.penniave.com.au

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