More Than Great Gin

Meet the Heart Behind Mates Gin Distillery

Some people build a business to make a living.

Kim Richardson built one to make a difference.

Located just a short drive from Inverloch in neighbouring Wonthaggi, Mates Gin Distillery is proving that great gin and great community spirit can happily share the same bottle.

In fact, every time you enjoy a Mates Gin, you're helping someone else.

That's because founder and master distiller Kim Richardson made an extraordinary decision when she launched the business. Rather than simply creating another craft distillery, she created a social enterprise that donates 50% of its profits to charity.

It's a simple philosophy that sums up everything Mates Gin stands for.

Where Something for You Creates Something for Others.

Crafted with Purpose

Kim's journey began with a question.

"How can I create something that keeps giving back?"

The answer was Mates Gin.

Drawing on her New Zealand roots, her love of Bass Coast and a genuine passion for community, Kim built a distillery where every bottle supports something bigger than itself.

From local emergency services and community fundraisers to creating unforgettable experiences for children through the Dream Big Australia Foundation, giving back isn't an afterthought.

It's woven into everything Mates Gin does.

As Kim says,

"Community is at the heart of everything we do."

Award-Winning for All the Right Reasons

Purpose may have started the journey, but exceptional gin is what keeps people coming back.

At the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards, Mates Gin collected an impressive Gold, Silver and two Bronze medals.

Gold went to Sweet Surrender, a beautifully balanced gin featuring fragrant cardamom, fresh lemon and locally produced Bass Coast honey.

The rest of the range is equally distinctive.

Signature Bass Dry combines classic botanicals with cinnamon, elderberry and citrus.

Zesty Mates delivers bold pepperberry and local citrus notes.

Miners Pick offers earthy grapefruit and liquorice flavours, perfect for a classic martini or G&T.

Whether you're discovering gin for the first time or already know your botanicals, there's a flavour waiting to become a favourite.

Pull Up a Chair

The distillery itself feels exactly how its name suggests.

Friendly.

Relaxed.

Unpretentious.

Drop into the cellar door for a tasting paddle, settle in with a handcrafted cocktail or enjoy a delicious meal while chatting with the welcoming team. It's the kind of place where you can sit with your MATES or meet new ones over a shared drink.

Worth the Short Drive

As part of our Great Spots to raise a glass Around Inverloch series, Mates Gin is a reminder that some of the region's best experiences are only minutes away from Inverloch.

Combine a day exploring Inverloch with an afternoon at the distillery, discover award-winning gin, enjoy great food and support a business that's quietly making a remarkable difference in the community.

Because sometimes the best drink on the menu isn't just memorable for its flavour.

It's memorable because every sip helps create something good.