Walk & Talk: An Organic Journey – Farming, Distilling and Future Plans, Glenrinnes Estate, Nr Dufftown, Moray

Glenrinnes Organic Estate is a family-owned estate located in the heart of whisky country near Dufftown. Since 1994 it has been expertly developed with a focus on farming, and in 2001 the estate became an accredited producer of organic livestock.

The estate is spread over more than 6,000 acres of unspoilt Scottish countryside. It is the perfect environment for rearing their award-winning organic cattle, sheep and deer.

It is also the home of Glenrinnes Distillery, where they produce premium spirits using organic ingredients and an estate water source, inspired by the botanicals that grow naturally on the surrounding hills.

Members will have the opportunity to learn about Glenrinnes Estate’s journey into organic farming, rearing award-winning cattle, sheep and most recently deer. Hosted by Estate Manager, Alister Laing, the estate is the ideal backdrop to discuss the organic farming model in the context of rising input costs, the climate emergency, biodiversity loss and also, current consumer demand. SLE’s Policy Adviser for Agriculture, Paul Richardson, will also be on hand to discuss the current policy and regulatory context.

Members will also have the chance to visit Glenrinnes Distillery, opened in 2019, and learn about progress made since the launch of Eight Lands Organic Spirits as part of the estate’s broader diversification journey. Alister will also discuss the vision for the future development of this family-owned organic estate – management of the land, rearing livestock and other diversification projects in the pipeline.

This event is free of charge to SLE Members, but booking is essential through the SLE website.

Additional event information:

Format of the event:

• Participants will gather at the Estate Office where tea and coffee will be available on arrival.
• The Walk & Talk will open with an introduction to Glenrinnes Estate and the main business activities from Estate Manager Alister Laing.
• We will then get into cars to visit different parts of the estate, including a visit to the Shorthorn Herd, followed by Red deer and, time permitting, the site of the new diversification enterprise
• There will be a sandwich lunch from 1pm followed by tour of the Distillery with the distillery team
• Close at 14:00

Address for Glenrinnes Estate: Estate Office, Glenrinnes Lodge, Dufftown, AB55 4BS.

Other information: Since part of this event will take place outdoors, please bring suitable clothing and footwear.

Map: 

Booking information: Booking is essential. To secure your place please book online today.

Date: Thursday 22 September, 2022

Time: 10:00-14:00

Meeting point: Estate Office

Cost: Free for members