Roiffé (86): Distill your gin and learn about distillation

If you’re into spirits and enjoy a bit of DIY, this gin-making experience in Roiffé catches your eye. We haven’t personally been, but from what we gather, it’s a solid choice for those curious about the art of distillation and wanting a memorable hands-on activity. The chance to distill your own gin and leave with a custom bottle is definitely a highlight. Plus, the mix of learning about history, botanicals, and cocktail-making adds layers to the experience.

One thing to keep in mind is that the session lasts about 2.5 hours, so it’s not a full-day affair but still packed with enough to keep you engaged. It’s best suited for adults who enjoy tasting and crafting spirits—note that kids under 18 are not allowed. If you’re an enthusiast or just looking for an unusual activity in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, this might be exactly what you’re after.

A potential drawback? For some, the workshop might feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re eager to spend more time experimenting. But if you’re keen on a focused, small-group experience with personal guidance, it’s a strong pick. This tour ticks the box for fun, education, and a bit of craftsmanship—you’ll leave with a story and your very own bottle of gin.

Key Points

• Hands-on distillation experience on your own mini copper still.
• Create a personalized 70cl bottle of gin, with the option for two people to share one.
• Learn about the history of distillation, botanicals, and gin styles.
• Enjoy a homemade cocktail featuring Wezenn gin during the session.
• Small group setting ensures personalized attention, limited to 7 participants.
• Suitable for adults only, with options to relax on site or stay nearby.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

What to Expect from the Workshop

The session begins at the distillery situated near the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, a location that’s easy to reach and quite scenic. As you walk into the distillery, you’re greeted by the friendly team of expert distillers who guide you through every step. What’s great about their approach is that they combine instruction with hands-on activity, so you’re not just watching but actively involved.

The core activity is distilling your own gin on a small copper still. You’ll learn how distillation works—an intricate process that transforms botanicals and alcohol into the flavorful spirit we love. The distillers share insights into how different botanicals influence flavor, and you’ll get to select your own botanicals to craft a personalized recipe.

Crafting Your Own Gin

Once you’ve understood the science, you’ll get to distill your gin. You’ll see the magic happen as the still heats up and the botanicals release their flavors. The process might take a little patience—you’ll need to wait for the distillation to complete—but watching the still work is pretty fascinating.

After the distillation, you can customize your label, making your bottle truly unique. Many participants enjoy personalizing their gin with fun labels or even adding a special message. The final product is a 70cl bottle—if you’re doing this with a partner, you can split your effort and end up sharing two 35cl bottles.

Learning and Tasting

Throughout the experience, your guides will share their knowledge on distillation techniques, the history of gin, and the different styles of gin available. It’s educational without feeling stuffy, and the staff seem genuinely passionate about sharing their craft.

At the end of the session, you’ll also taste a cocktail made with Wezenn gin—an excellent way to appreciate the nuances of your creation. Plus, if you’re hungry, the venue offers on-site food options to round out your visit.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Setting and Practicalities

The location is just across from the Domaine’s reception, with coordinates at 47.159095764160156, 0.044753700494766235, making it easy to find. The experience is limited to small groups—no more than 7 participants—ensuring plenty of personal guidance and interaction.

Pricing is reasonable when you consider you’re not only crafting your own gin but also gaining knowledge and leaving with a bottle. It’s an activity that offers good value for spirits enthusiasts and those eager for a memorable, hands-on experience.

Accessibility and Booking

The workshop is conducted entirely in French, so some basic understanding of the language helps, though the hands-on nature and visuals make it accessible even if you’re not fluent. You can reserve your spot with the peace of mind that there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Payment is flexible—reserve now and pay later, which is convenient if your plans change.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone fascinated by spirits, cocktails, or the scientific process behind alcohol production, you’ll find this experience rewarding. It’s also great if you appreciate local craft and want a unique souvenir to take home.

Travelers with a keen interest in learning about botanicals and distillation techniques will enjoy the detailed explanations. It’s especially suited for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for an educational activity. Keep in mind it’s not for children under 18, as it involves distillation and alcohol.

Final Thoughts

This gin-making workshop in Roiffé offers a hands-on dive into the art of distillation, combined with a chance to craft something truly personal. The small group setting ensures you’re not just a number—guides are attentive, and the experience is intimate enough to ask questions and get real guidance.

What really makes this experience shine is the excellent selection of botanicals and the opportunity to leave with your own bottle, customized and labeled by you. Whether you’re a spirits fan or simply someone looking for an unusual activity in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, this workshop provides a memorable, educational, and tasty experience.

Of course, it’s not a full-day event, so if you’re after an all-encompassing tour of the region’s wineries or historic sights, you might prefer other options. But for a focused, craft-oriented activity that’s both fun and informative, this is a good choice. Just be prepared to speak some French or enjoy the universal language of hand gestures and shared enthusiasm.

FAQs

Can I participate if I don’t speak French?
The workshop is conducted in French, but the hands-on nature and visuals make it accessible, even for non-fluent speakers. It’s helpful to know some basic French, but not essential.

Is this activity suitable for children?
No, because it involves distillation and alcohol, so it’s only for adults over 18.

How long does the workshop last?
Expect about 2.5 hours, which includes learning, distilling, and customizing your bottle.

Will I receive a physical product?
Yes, you’ll leave with your own 70cl bottle of gin, personalized with your label.

Can I reserve my spot later or cancel if needed?
Absolutely. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Is there an option to stay on site after the workshop?
You can grab a bite on site or stay at the Domaine de Roiffé if you wish to extend your visit.

This activity is a nicely balanced mix of learning, crafting, and tasting. Perfect for spirits enthusiasts or those seeking a unique, memorable experience in France. Just remember to pace yourself—after all, you’re making your own gin!

You can check availability for your dates here: