Tamborine Mountain Distillery Wins Tourism Gold Medal
Queensland Tourism Recognition Following the Tamborine Mountain Christmas Day Storms
Following the devastating Christmas Day storms that struck Tamborine Mountain, Tamborine Mountain Distillery had something significant to celebrate: a Tourism Gold Medal at the 2023 Queensland Starlight Business Excellence Awards.
The recognition provided a welcome moment of optimism after an exceptionally difficult period for businesses and residents across Tamborine Mountain.
Tourism Gold at the Queensland Starlight Business Excellence Awards
Tamborine Mountain Distillery received the Tourism Gold Medal at the 2023 Queensland Starlight Business Excellence Awards, with the award presented during a ceremony at Brisbane City Hall on 4 February 2024 as part of the Lunar New Year festivities.
General Manager Gordon Chalmers described what the recognition meant to the distillery following the storms:
"It's fantastic news after our worst month on record following the devastating Christmas Day storms that pummelled Tamborine Mountain."
The event brought together members of Queensland's business, tourism and government communities to recognise business excellence.
Celebrating Tamborine Mountain Tourism
For Tamborine Mountain Distillery, the award was particularly meaningful because of its connection to tourism.
Located on Tamborine Mountain in Queensland's Scenic Rim, the distillery has long welcomed visitors to discover its extensive collection of handcrafted spirits and liqueurs and learn more about the craft of distilling.
The Tourism Gold Medal recognised the distillery as part of the diverse visitor experience offered by the Tamborine Mountain and Scenic Rim region.
Nerissa Jiang, the distillery's International Sales Manager, accepted the award on behalf of Tamborine Mountain Distillery. It was presented by the Honourable Mark Furner, then Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries.
From Tamborine Mountain to International Markets
The award was followed by another significant milestone for the distillery.
The day after receiving Tourism Gold, Tamborine Mountain Distillery secured what was, at the time, its largest single international order for Davidson Plum Liqueur.
The order was destined for Asia and highlighted growing international interest in Australian-made products and flavours.
Gordon Chalmers said at the time:
"This one order to Asia was equal to a whole year of sales of this best-selling product. Again, what wonderful proof that every cloud has a silver lining."
► DISCOVER DAVIDSON PLUM LIQUEUR
Showcasing Australian Davidson Plum
The export success was particularly significant because Davidson plum is an Australian native rainforest fruit.
Known for its intense tartness and distinctive fruit character, Davidson plum has inspired several creations at Tamborine Mountain Distillery.
Taking a spirit made with an Australian native ingredient from Tamborine Mountain to customers overseas demonstrates the potential for distinctive Australian flavours to find an international audience.
Resilience After the Tamborine Mountain Storms
The Tourism Gold Medal arrived at an important moment.
The severe Christmas Day storms caused widespread damage across Tamborine Mountain and surrounding communities, affecting residents, tourism operators and local businesses during what would ordinarily be one of the region's important visitor periods.
For Tamborine Mountain Distillery, receiving tourism recognition soon afterwards provided a welcome reason to celebrate and look towards the future.
It was also a reminder of the resilience of the broader Tamborine Mountain tourism community and the importance of visitors continuing to discover and support the region.
Discover Tamborine Mountain Distillery
From welcoming visitors on Tamborine Mountain to sharing Australian spirits and liqueurs with customers overseas, the Tourism Gold Medal marked another chapter in Tamborine Mountain Distillery's story.
Visitors can discover our spirits and liqueurs, learn more about the distillery and experience a distinctive part of Tamborine Mountain's food and drink culture firsthand.
For trade, wholesale and international export enquiries, contact Tamborine Mountain Distillery directly.
► VISIT TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN DISTILLERY
► ENQUIRE ABOUT EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES
Frequently Asked Questions
What tourism award did Tamborine Mountain Distillery win?
Tamborine Mountain Distillery received a Tourism Gold Medal at the 2023 Queensland Starlight Business Excellence Awards. The award was presented at Brisbane City Hall on 4 February 2024.
Where is Tamborine Mountain Distillery?
Tamborine Mountain Distillery is located on Tamborine Mountain in Queensland's Scenic Rim, within the Gold Coast hinterland. The distillery welcomes visitors to discover its handcrafted spirits and liqueurs and learn more about its distilling heritage.
What is Davidson Plum Liqueur?
Tamborine Mountain Distillery's Davidson Plum Liqueur showcases Davidson plum, an Australian native rainforest fruit known for its intense tartness and distinctive fruit character.
Can Tamborine Mountain Distillery products be exported internationally?
Tamborine Mountain Distillery has supplied products to international markets. Trade, wholesale and export enquiries can be made directly through the distillery's contact page.
