A shed-started gin story with a hilltop view. I love the welcome gin & tonic that kicks off the experience in a relaxed way, and I also like the behind-the-scenes production session that makes the whole thing feel real, not just promotional. One thing to consider: at 1 hour 30 minutes, it’s packed—great if you want action, less ideal if you’re looking for a slow, long meal day.

This is a small group experience (maximum 10 people) held at Never Never Distilling Co in McLaren Vale, so you get time with the gin expert and clear explanations from the start. In my notes, Jakeb stood out for how clearly he mapped the process to what you’re tasting. Just remember: there’s no lunch included, though you can pick something up nearby from Cucina di Strada.

Key highlights

• A welcome gin & tonic to set the tone right at arrival
• A seated look at the production facility and how their award-winning craft gin is made
• Core-range tasting plus seasonal/limited releases to compare styles side by side
• A cocktail made from your chosen product with help from the bar team
• A take-home goody bag filled with Never Never treats

McLaren Vale meets gin: what you’re really signing up for

This masterclass isn’t just about drinking. It’s about understanding how Never Never’s gin gets from botanicals to a finished spirit you can actually judge—aroma first, then flavor, then the finish.

McLaren Vale is a wine region with a reputation for great produce and big views, and Never Never leans into that. You’ll taste while looking out over the region, but you’ll also spend time in and around the production process. That mix is the whole point: you get to connect place, ingredients, and the final pour.

At $104 per person for about 1 hour 30 minutes, you’re paying for a fully hosted, guided session that includes multiple tastings and an expert-led cocktail component. It’s not a bargain-style tasting flight, but it’s also not a long, formal winery day with a huge price tag.

Your 11:00am start at 56 Field St: the flow of the experience

The experience begins at 56 Field St, McLaren Vale SA 5171, with an 11:00am start. It runs about 1 hour 30 minutes and ends back where you started.

The schedule matters because it keeps the momentum high: you’ll start with a drink, then move through an orientation/brand story portion, then shift into the production facility, and wrap with tasting and a cocktail. In other words, you won’t spend all your time walking around—you’ll spend it tasting and learning.

This is also built for interaction. With a maximum of 10 travelers, you’re less likely to get lost in a crowd, and your questions have a better chance of landing.

Welcome gin & tonic: why the first sip is part of the lesson

Right after you arrive, you start with a triple juniper gin & tonic. That’s included, and it’s more than a nice start. It gives you a baseline.

Here’s the useful way to think about it: you’ll taste more gins later, including seasonal or limited releases. Having that first reference point helps you notice how the botanicals and flavor balance shift from one expression to another. If you’re the type who likes to compare, you’ll appreciate that the masterclass doesn’t wait until the end to let you build your own tasting map.

And because it’s a gin & tonic, you also get a quick lesson in how citrus, carbonation, and dilution affect the gin’s aroma and bite. Even if you never become a spirit nerd, you’ll still walk away with practical instincts for ordering gin back home.

The Never Never story: three mates, big attitude, and a small beginning

Before you move behind the scenes, you’ll hear the brand story and how the people behind it pushed their boundaries. Never Never frames itself as a flavor innovation project driven by bold experimentation, and that mindset is woven into the tasting.

The company’s story includes a memorable origin: starting from 16 square metres in the back of a shed and growing toward a hilltop vista in McLaren Vale. That underdog scale matters because it explains why the gin focus is so ingredient-and-flavor heavy. You’re not just being told it’s good—you’re being shown how they think.

If you care about process, you’ll likely enjoy this part. If you’re purely there for drinks, it can still be fun, but keep your expectations clear: the masterclass uses the story to support the learning, not just to entertain.

Behind the scenes at the production facility: where the learning turns practical

This is the heart of the masterclass. After the initial welcome and orientation, you go behind the scenes of their production facility for a seated session focused on how their gin is created.

The key value here is the way the information connects directly to what you later taste. You get a guided explanation of gin making and processing in this specific setting—McLaren Vale, not a generic distillery story.

In the experience description, you’ll see a focus on experimentation and flavor innovation. In the notes I’d take from the way it’s described, it’s meant to feel visual and hands-on in spirit—especially through your interaction with botanicals and the sensorial side of tasting. You shouldn’t expect a theatrical stunt show. Instead, you’ll get a structured look at the production side, with the idea that the aromas and flavor notes don’t appear out of thin air.

Tasting the core range plus seasonal releases: how to make it feel worth it

After the production session, the masterclass moves into tasting. You’ll sample Never Never’s range of products, including the core range plus some seasonal and limited releases.

This format is smart because it prevents a common tasting mistake: tasting only one style and thinking you’ve seen the whole brand. Core range lets you learn the baseline style, while seasonal or limited releases show what changes when they shift ingredients or aim for different flavor outcomes.

Here’s how I’d approach it so you get more value out of the time:

• Start with the core-range bottles to calibrate your palate.
• When a seasonal or limited release appears, pay attention to what feels different first: aroma intensity, herbal edge, sweetness, or finish length.
• Try to connect your impressions back to what you heard about botanicals and how gin is built.

If you’re going to pay for a masterclass, you want more than “this one is good.” You want comparisons you can explain. This tasting structure is designed for exactly that.

Cocktail of your choice: a fun finish with real-world use

The masterclass ends with an indulgent cocktail made from your favourite product, prepared by the skilled bar team.

This is one of the most practical parts of the whole experience because it shows you how Never Never wants the gin to be served—not just how it tastes in a flight. Even if you don’t plan to recreate cocktails at home perfectly, you’ll leave with a mental recipe: what mixings suit the gin, and what balance feels right.

And you get to choose. That small bit of control makes the final stage more satisfying than a one-size-fits-all drink.

The goody bag: the small thing that makes the day feel complete

You’ll also take home a Never Never goody bag packed with Never Never treats. The importance of this isn’t about squeezing extra value out of the price—it’s about ending the day with something you can use or share.

For a masterclass, it’s a nice touch because it turns an informational experience into a souvenir with actual substance. If you like bringing back edible or drink-related keepsakes, this is the kind of ending that leaves a positive memory.

Price and value: is $104 a fair deal for what you get?

At $104 per person, the value depends on your style of travel.

If you like hands-on food and drink experiences, you’ll likely feel it’s fair. You’re getting:

• An included welcome drink (triple juniper gin & tonic)
• A fully guided tasting of the core range plus seasonal/limited releases
• A cocktail made from your choice
• A take-home goody bag

That combination is closer to a hosted tasting + cocktail class than a simple sampler flight. With small group size (max 10), the guidance is part of what you’re paying for, not just the alcohol.

If you’re mainly looking for a cheap drink and a quick photo, then yes, you’ll think it’s pricey. But if you want a structured afternoon of learning how gin works, you’re paying for time with an expert and multiple tasting opportunities in about 90 minutes.

Who this masterclass suits best (and who should consider alternatives)

This masterclass fits best if you:

• Like gin specifically and want to compare styles within one brand
• Enjoy learning through tasting (aroma, flavor balance, and how botanicals show up)
• Want a structured group experience that still feels personal (max 10 people)
• Are pairing a gin stop with a broader McLaren Vale food and wine plan

You might want to rethink it if:

• You hate any alcohol-focused schedule (this is built around tasting and cocktails)
• You want a full lunch-and-wine-day format
• You prefer unstructured tastings where you wander freely

Also note the practical reality: lunch isn’t included. If you’re hungry beforehand or after, plan a nearby meal. The experience mentions Cucina di Strada as a local option.

Practical tips before you go to Never Never

A few small things can make the day smoother and help you taste better:

• Show up on time: with a 1 hour 30 minute total run, late arrivals compress the whole experience.
• Take notes if that’s your thing: the tasting order moves quickly, and you’ll get more out of it if you track what you liked and why.
• Plan your day around the alcohol: you’ll have multiple drinks, including a cocktail at the end.
• Bring an appetite for learning: even if you just enjoy food and drink, the guided process is part of the fun.
• Use the mobile ticket: you don’t need to fuss with printing.

If you’re traveling with service needs, the tour info states service animals are allowed, which can matter for planning.

Should you book Never Never’s Premium Gin Masterclass?

I think you should book this if you want a compact, high-value gin experience in McLaren Vale that mixes a guided story, a real production look, and tastings that go beyond the basics. The small group size helps, the welcome drink gives you a solid baseline, and the final cocktail plus goody bag makes the experience feel complete.

Skip it if you’re after a long meal outing or a purely casual stop. This is a masterclass format: structured, focused on flavor learning, and designed to be finished in about 90 minutes.

If that sounds like your kind of day, you’ll likely have a lot of fun—and you’ll leave with both taste memories and something tangible to take home.

FAQ

What is the Never Never Gin Masterclass?

It’s a guided premium gin experience in McLaren Vale where you learn how gin is made and processed, enjoy tastings of Never Never products, and finish with a cocktail you choose.

Where does the masterclass start?

It starts at 56 Field St, McLaren Vale SA 5171, Australia, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How much does it cost?

The price is $104.00 per person.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What time does it start?

The start time is 11:00am.

How many people are in the group?

The masterclass has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is alcohol included?

Yes. You’ll have a welcome triple juniper gin & tonic on arrival, a guided tasting of core products plus seasonal releases, and a cocktail made from your favourite product.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch can be purchased from Cucina di Strada.

Do I need to print a ticket?

No. It uses a mobile ticket.

What if I need to cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid won’t be refunded.