The Story
Seppeltsfield Rd Distillers is the creation of the musically minded, gin-loving duo, Jon and Nicole Durdin. It was an idea conceived in Winchester, cultivated in London, and brought to life in their hometown within the Barossa Valley. Seppeltsfield Rd Distillers brings together many things beloved by Jon and Nicole – travel, culture, music, food, and, of course, gin.
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Jon and Nicole are passionate about making small-batch Barossa gin in their purpose-built distillery, to be enjoyed by gin-enthusiasts near and far. They have created something unique in Seppeltsfield Rd Distillers with the tasting room designed in a way that visitors can witness the magic of distilling while undertaking a Seppeltsfield Rd Distillers gin tasting. After each tasting, guests are invited to stay a little longer and enjoy the view from the deck, while sipping on a refreshing G&T.
Nicole Durdin
Nicole is the gin distiller. She also happens to be a talented musician who loves to travel, following her senses around the world to appreciate wine, music, and culture. As a local Barossan, she brings her worldliness to Seppeltsfield Rd Distillers to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
Before reinventing herself as a gin distiller, Nicole worked for many years as a patrol officer in South Australia. She was introduced to the police fraternity through her love of music; joining the Band of South Australian Police after university, where she travelled the globe playing her instrument of choice, the French horn.
After close to a decade in the police force, Nicole dabbled in a few different things before pursuing one of her greatest passions – gin. While her career in distilling has only just begun, the drinkability of her gins suggests she’s a natural, and Seppeltsfield Rd Distillers is in good hands.
Jon Durdin
Jon is the general manager and luckily, he has a natural affinity for solving problems and thrives under pressure. His biggest challenge so far has been transforming an empty hillside into a creative, beautiful, and welcoming space.
Fresh out of university and with a commerce degree in hand, Jon was employed as an analyst at Deloitte in Adelaide and ended his time there as the corporate finance director. Jon left after ten years of service to start a financial consulting business and it was here he was poached by a UK defence company to help integrate a major acquisition project in Hampshire, UK.
Success seems to follow Jon, and the distillery is proof of Jon’s foresight and strong work ethic. Gin-enthusiasts can thank Jon for the conception and construction of Seppeltsfield Rd Distillers; an idea seeded in Winchester and a Barossa Valley venture allowing both Jon and Nicole to play to their strengths.
Bec Henderson
Bec is the tasting room manager. And entertainer. A self-confessed show pony, Bec has a natural affinity with people, fabulous service, and good times. Her impressive hospitality experience, local knowledge, and infectious personality mean those visiting Seppeltsfield Rd Distillers are in for a treat.
Bec has a genuine love of Barossa which intensified during her time as restaurant manager at Appellation. Originally from Adelaide, Bec spent close to ten years working in medical research before making a lifestyle change.
A fondness of open spaces, nature, and animals meant country living was on the cards, so Bec and her husband moved to the beautiful Barossa Valley where they embedded themselves into the local community. Passionate about family business, Bec’s newest challenge is her role as tasting room manager at Seppeltsfield Rd Distillers, where she will no doubt succeed in entertaining, educating, and befriending our visiting gin-enthusiasts.
Scott McCarthy
Meet Seppeltsfield Rd Distillers brand ambassador Scott, also known as the man behind the beard. Scott’s had a long love affair with Australian spirits, and you’d be hard pressed to find someone who knows more about the Australian distilling industry. The team feel lucky to have him on board.
At the ripe young age of 17, Scott took a shine to teaching adventure, working as a rock climbing, kayaking, and bushwalking instructor in various outdoor education programs in Adelaide. He quickly developed trust with his students, and perhaps this was a sign of things to come.
Somewhere along the way, Scott was introduced to the drinks industry, and he wasted no time learning more by becoming an Adelaide bar owner. He further developed his knowledge by completing the Fundamentals of Spirits Production at the Adelaide University.
Scott’s thirst for knowledge and hands on approach adds a unique element to the distillery, and the team have no doubt he will spread word about Seppeltsfield Rd Distillers far and wide.