Tales from the Top Shelf

This journey takes us to Golden Bay at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, where Dancing Sands Distillery creates distinctive spirits inspired by place, people and botanicals. Co-founder Sarah Bonema shares the story behind the award-winning gin brand, the leap from corporate careers to craft distilling, and how a remote coastal community helped shape a globally recognised spirits producer. From wasabi gin to aged rum and fruit-driven vodka, discover how Dancing Sands blends innovation with a deep sense of location.

This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz

This journey, we venture to the South Island of New Zealand, visiting Joreg. Distilled in Queenstown, New Zealand, Broken Hearts award-winning spirits are created with the purest water sourced directly from Paradise in the Mt Aspiring National Park. Their range of natural fruit macerated gins are all born from the Original Gin and are made using locally sourced organic fruit, and these are bottles you'll want on the shelf!

This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz

This time, Suzie sits around the table with Caci to chat about Sip Distilling and their Shimmer gins.

This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz

Suzie uncovers the remarkable journey of Wills Cameron and the family-led brand Remarkable Cream. From childhood memories on the bottling line to building a flavour-forward liqueur range loved across Aotearoa, Wills reflects on standing out in a crowded market, embracing natural ingredients, and creating New Zealand’s most talked-about seasonal eggnog. A rich, personable conversation for anyone who loves craft spirits and Kiwi creativity.

This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz

Suzie talks with Arjun about Quick Brown Fox (the distillery not the phrase using every letter!) and coffee liqueurs!

This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz