A chance comment led to a new drinks business in South Australia.
Bremer Valley Agave has officially distilled the state’s first-ever artisanal agave spirit, handcrafted in the Bremer Valley at Callington, on the eastern slopes of the Adelaide Hills.
What began as a failed lavender trial and a wild idea over a couple of beers, has become a new business.
The spirit is being made from wild agave plants believed to be over 170 years old that were originally planted during the copper mining boom of the 1850s.
Founder Nathan Newell, whose family has owned the land for decades, says the discovery of the plants sparked something bigger than they ever expected.
“We knew of these wild plants on our land but never thought much of them. Geoff - or ‘Pa’ - casually mentioned they make spirits from them in Mexico,” says Newell.
“That offhand comment sparked something. A few conversations later, we were deep into research, and now we’ve made history.”
In partnership with Rob Watt of Route 9 Distillery, the team produced the inaugural small batch using traditional, labour-intensive methods: hand harvesting, roasting in an earthen horno (fire pit), natural fermentation, and copper still distillation, all techniques rooted in centuries of Mexican spirit craftsmanship reimagined for South Australian soil.
With agave spirits among the fastest-growing categories globally, Bremer Valley Agave is aiming to to lead Australia’s contribution to the booming movement — from paddock to glass.
Future plans include a boutique distillery, more agave plantations, a restaurant and accommodation, and immersive agave experiences - all rooted in sustainability, community partnerships, and storytelling.
“This is more than just a drink,” says Newell. “It’s a catalyst for regional tourism, job creation, and a whole new chapter in how we define South Australian spirits and land.
"It’s our proudest moment yet — and we’re only just getting started.”
A website will soon be up and running at https://bremervalleyagave.com/
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