In May, 1.9-million-case California wine player Bill Foley announced a move into spirits with the acquisition of the former Bently distillery in Minden, Nevada for an undisclosed sum.

Now, Foley Family Wines tells SND, it’s expanding its spirits range with a new upscale gin from New Zealand, while naming a veteran master distiller for the Minden distillery as it ramps up production. The renamed Minden Mill Distilling has annual capacity of six thousand barrels and will be expanded moving forward. Foley has appointed Joseph O’Sullivan as master distiller. O’Sullivan was previously master distiller for Oregon’s Clear Creek Distillery and Hood River Distillers. Under O’Sullivan, Minden Mill will develop new brands of Bourbon, rye, American single malt, and white spirits from locally sourced, sustainable grains. The spirits range will be launched through national wholesale markets and direct-to-consumer channels, including the tasting room. The Minden Mill guest experience center will have its grand opening September 9.

“We tested the water on spirits a bit but this is our first concerted venture into high-end spirits,” Bill Foley told SND. “Tracking how the market has changed, we’re always looking for places and avenues through which we can tell great stories. We found a tremendous fit in Minden Mill and will continue to look for opportunities as we grow our spirits business organically and potentially through acquisition.”

While Minden ramps up, Foley is introducing New Zealand’s Lighthouse Gin at the category’s high end. Retailing at $50 a bottle, Lighthouse was acquired by Foley in 2014 and will now become a “priority brand” in the U.S. portfolio, according to the company. Produced by head distiller Rachel Hall, it’s made with Yen Ben lemons, known for their strong lemon flavor and high acidity.

“We’re excited to begin distributing Lighthouse Gin to fine retailers in California, Florida, and Nevada and we will roll out nationally in early 2024,” Shawn Schiffer, president, Foley Family Wines, told SND. More broadly, Schiffer added in a statement that, “Spirits are increasingly important to our customers, and these are important steps in our strategic plan to launch a full range of global high-end spirits to complement our growing portfolio of luxury wines.”—Daniel Marsteller