Co-Founder and Head of Innovation at Dancing Sands Distillery, Ben Bonoma met his wife, and co-founder, Sarah in 2012. With Ben living in New York City and Sarah based in London, the couple decided to move to a new country, together. They decided on New Zealand and moved to Wellington in 2013. Despite a great life in Wellington, Ben and Sarah felt uninspired by corporate life, and within a few short months of seeing a still for sale in Tākaka, they had set up their own distillery.
Entirely self-taught in the art of spirits distillation, Ben and Sarah learned through trial and error, and getting their hands dirty. At Dancing Sands, Bonoma creates high quality yet unconventional tasting spirits, like the award-winning Wasabi Gin.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to travel extensively in my lifetime, and I’ve never been anywhere quite like Golden Bay. Golden Bay is this incredibly special place - full of natural beauty at every turn and it tends to attract people who are slightly left of centre. We want to take the uniqueness of Golden Bay and encapsulate it in our spirits.”
Since day one, innovation has been a core part of Dancing Sands. Combining sustainability and innovation to develop new products and continue to grow their brand, Dancing Sands have created their game-changing Sauvignon Blanc Gin, as well as Gin Jam and Upcycled Botanical Soap.
The Sauvignon Blanc Gin is a world-first gin flavour -and an idea that had been in the works for two years. Bonoma used the March 2020 Covid lockdown to work daily on a recipe marrying New Zealand’s iconic Sauvignon Blanc wine with the Dancing Sands Dry Gin. It was only after working with a vacuum-distilled wine that the vibrant flavours of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc were able to be fully preserved when blended with Dry Gin botanicals. Tasting just like Sauvignon Blanc wine, yet perfectly balanced with the underlying complexity of gin, the Dancing Sands Sauvignon Blanc Gin recently took home a Gold Medal at the London Spirits Competition.
Challenges have been faced in shipping delays due to the global pandemic, both in importing materials and supplies, and exporting goods overseas. Over the March 2020 lockdown, Dancing Sands saw an increase in online sales, remaining strong since then, whereas before the business relied upon brick and mortar stores and duty-free. Being his own boss, Bonoma recognises the risk and responsibility he takes on during uncertain times, but appreciates the flexibility it allows for spending time with his children.
Looking ahead, Dancing Sands has some “pretty cool” innovations in the pipeline, exporting to and growing markets in the USA, Canada and the UK.
Evolving sustainability practices see the distillery extend the life of their raw materials, with their “Made from Gin” product range. Consumers spreading Gin Jam on their morning croissant or washing their hands with the Upcycled Botanical Soap are helping take better care of their planet.
“We are located in one of the most pristine corners of the world, giving us an appreciation for how much our environment offers to us. It's our goal to ensure we have as little environmental impact as possible.”
The future will see Dancing Sands reduce their overall carbon footprint in their day-to-day production practices and shipping, reducing their plastic usage.
Dancing Sands distils award-winning gin from the heart of Golden Bay, NZ.
Shop online -delivery NZ wide. Visit the Cellar Door in Tākaka for free tastings.
