In 2022, I made my first batch of Port style wine from my God-Parents veranda grapevine. We usually would get a big bag full of grapes to eat, but they said they’d been feeding them to the stock. I said ‘that’s a waste, you could make wine’. And so it began…

Since then, I have made a much larger batch of Port style wine from their grapes, and begun a small-batch Gin distillery in our garage. I love nature and the numerous ways in which we are given flavours. Our aim is to challenge the norm with our innovative botanics to create a truly unique Kiwi-as Gin. 

Our name “Pungent Pukeko” comes from inspiration at home - we have a friendly family of Pukeko that live by the pond at the bottom of the hill. Pungent - due to our desire to create bright, bold, and vibrant flavours to challenge your taste buds.