Maidenii

Victorian Vermouth Producers, Shaun Byrne & Gilles Lapalus of Maidenii Vermouth, Harcourt Victoria.

Maidenii Vermouth is a uniquely Australian aperitif crafted in Harcourt, Victoria, through a collaboration between French winemaker Gilles Lapalus and Australian bartender Shaun Byrne. Established in 2011, Maidenii combines traditional vermouth-making techniques with native Australian botanicals to create a distinctively local expression of this classic fortified wine.

The range includes three core styles - Classic, Sweet, and Dry - each featuring a base wine from Central Victoria and a blend of 34 botanicals, 12 of which are native to Australia. Key ingredients such as strawberry gum, wattle seed, river mint, and sea parsley contribute to Maidenii's unique flavor profile.

Named in honor of British botanist Joseph Maiden, a pioneer in cataloging Australia's native flora, Maidenii Vermouth reflects a commitment to celebrating and utilizing the country's botanical diversity.

Whether enjoyed neat, over ice, or as a component in cocktails like the Negroni or Martini, Maidenii offers a versatile and distinctly Australian vermouth experience.