As a distillery owner, you're passionate about crafting unique spirits and beverages, but along with your artisanal creations come unique risks. Distilleries face a variety of challenges that can put your business at risk, making insurance a crucial aspect of your operation.
At Midland, we have been providing tailored insurance cover to Australian distilleries for over 10 years. Over that time, we've developed and curated unique distillery insurance programs that allow us to tailor a policy specifically to your business' needs.
For some simple facts about insurance for distilleries, things to think about when starting a new distillery and how they'll impact your insurance premium, download our Distillery Fact Sheet here.
We are a full-service insurance brokerage for distilleries of all sizes. This means we can provide you with a full analysis and review of your operation, meet with you face to face, clearly explain all aspects of your policy, and even manage your claims.
Running a distillery operation presents several unique risks due to the combination of intricate processes, specialised equipment, and the production of alcoholic beverages. These risks can have significant financial, legal, and operational implications. Here are some of the unique risks associated with distillery operations:
When you choose distillery insurance, you'll have access to a range of coverage options tailored to your specific needs.
Coverage may include:
This provides coverage for your distillery's physical assets, including buildings, distillation equipment, tanks, barrels, and inventory. It typically covers losses due to fire, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
This coverage is designed to compensate for lost income when distillery operations are disrupted due to covered events, such as equipment breakdown, property damage, or a fire.
Distilleries can face product liability claims if their products are found to be defective or harmful. This coverage helps protect against legal claims related to product defects and their consequences.
This provides protection in the event of third-party injury or property damage claims arising from distillery operations or products. It covers legal expenses and potential settlements.
Distilleries rely on specialised equipment. Equipment breakdown coverage helps cover the cost of repair or replacement of essential distillation machinery if it fails or is damaged.
If a product recall becomes necessary, this coverage helps cover expenses related to the recall process, including notifying customers, retrieving products, and addressing public relations issues.
This is specific to the distillery industry and covers liability claims related to the distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages. It's particularly important if your distillery has a tasting room or conducts events.
This coverage helps protect against financial losses resulting from contamination or spoilage of raw materials or finished products, which could lead to significant waste and damage to your brand.
It's crucial for distillery owners in Australia to work with an experienced insurance broker who understands the unique risks of the industry and can help tailor a policy to your specific needs. The coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums can vary based on the size and scope of your distillery, location, and other factors.
Choosing the right insurance provider is vital to ensure adequate coverage and support for your distillery. Here's just a few of the services we offer to our clients:
We work with insurance providers that specialise in distillery insurance, and we have a deep understanding of the intricacies and unique risks associated with your distillery business
We can help you assess and understand the potential risks your distillery faces, and can provide advice on risk management strategies to minimise potential risks and losses.
We've developed custom insurance programs that can be adapted to your distillery's size, operations, and unique traits, ensuring all aspects of your business are covered.
We work for you, not the insurance companies. We provide objective advice and are motivated to find the best insurance solutions for your specific needs. We offer guidance based on our extensive knowledge of the insurance industry, helping you make well-informed decisions.
In the event of a claim, we act as your intermediary between you and the insurance company. We ensure that the claims process is smooth, efficient, and that you receive the compensation you're entitled to.
Whether you run a craft distillery or a large-scale production facility, securing the right insurance is not only a smart business decision but a crucial step in safeguarding your passion and livelihood. With the comprehensive coverage options available through our unique distillery insurance programs, you can protect your assets, reputation, and financial stability, ensuring that your craft remains uninterrupted.
Contact Midland today to discuss your distillery insurance needs. We specialise in tailoring policies to meet the unique challenges faced by distilleries, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Midland Insurance Brokers are proud members and sponsors of the Australian Distillers Association, Spirits Victoria, and the WA Distillers Guild.
Senior Insurance Broker
With 35 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Gary is a Senior Insurance Broker at Midland with extensive knowledge across a wide range of business sectors. He specialises in insurance for breweries, distilleries, cafés, restaurants, and manufacturing businesses, bringing a depth of practical insight to every client engagement.
Known for his thorough and considered approach, Gary takes the time to understand how each business operates before delivering clear, tailored insurance solutions. A committed professional, he has completed numerous industry qualifications and is a proud member of ANZIIF, maintaining his expertise through ongoing education and regular engagement with industry developments.
Outside of work, Gary is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys running, football, and cricket. He remains driven by a simple principle: continuous improvement and delivering the highest standard of advice to his clients.
Senior Insurance Broker
With more than 21 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Angus is a Senior Insurance Broker specialising in Road Freight Transport insurance. He is recognised for his deep understanding of the transport sector and his ability to deliver tailored risk solutions that address the operational and commercial challenges faced by transport businesses.
Angus takes an empathetic, client-first approach, investing the time to understand each business, its priorities, and its risk profile before providing advice. A committed professional, he holds accreditations with NIBA, ANZIIF, CIP, and QPIB, and remains actively engaged with industry developments through ongoing education and professional involvement. His focus is on delivering reliable protection that supports business continuity and long-term confidence.
Senior Insurance Broker
With more than 17 years’ experience in the insurance industry -including 16 years with Midland - Sarah brings deep expertise and a genuine commitment to helping clients protect what matters most. Having held a range of roles across the business, including management positions, she has a well-rounded understanding of both client needs and the broader insurance landscape.
Sarah specialises in small to medium-sized business insurance, with particular expertise in the film and television sector, self-storage, and, more recently, breweries and distilleries. Her approach is focused on making insurance clear, practical, and tailored to each client’s circumstances. Known for her approachable and solution-focused style, Sarah builds long-term relationships grounded in trust, reliability, and understanding.
She holds a Diploma of Insurance Broking and remains actively engaged in ongoing professional development to ensure her advice stays current and relevant.
Senior Insurance Broker
With close to 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Andrew is a Senior Insurance Broker at Midland specialising in heavy vehicle and equipment insurance, as well as cover for breweries and distilleries. He is particularly well regarded for his ability to secure tailored, cost-effective solutions for assets involving motors, wheels, or tracks, alongside his strong understanding of the risks unique to alcohol production businesses.
Andrew works with a wide range of clients, from sole traders through to large-scale operations, and is known for his clear communication, flexible approach, and commitment to personalised service. A QPIB-accredited broker and member of NIBA, he maintains high professional standards and remains focused on delivering practical, well-considered advice.
Outside the office, Andrew is a proud father of three and an active community volunteer. His interests in music, electronics, mechanics, and brewing reflect the same curiosity and hands-on mindset he brings to his professional work.
Senior Insurance Broker
Scott is a Senior Insurance Broker with over 12 years’ experience supporting Australian small and medium-sized businesses. He specialises in tailored insurance solutions across the Film & Entertainment, Transport, and Manufacturing sectors, delivering advice that reflects each client’s specific risks and operations.
With a strong focus on understanding how businesses work in practice, Scott provides clear, relevant cover recommendations backed by ongoing professional development and industry engagement.
Outside the office, he enjoys AFL, soccer, and music, and values building long-term client relationships founded on trust and reliability.
Senior Insurance Broker
Beau is a senior insurance broker at Midland with seven years of industry experience supporting businesses across Australia. He works across a broad range of sectors, with particular expertise in earthmoving, heavy equipment, trades, and the winery industry.
Known for his attention to detail and measured approach, Beau focuses on delivering insurance solutions that are clear, practical, and free from unnecessary complexity. He remains actively engaged in professional development, ensuring his advice reflects current industry standards and best practice.
Beau places strong value on collaboration and long-term client relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and football, reflecting his team-oriented mindset and active approach both professionally and personally.
Senior Insurance Broker | Development & Service
With 27 years of experience in the insurance industry, Alex is a senior broker at Midland, recognised for his depth of knowledge, attention to detail, and straightforward approach. While he works across a broad range of businesses, he has a particular focus on clients in the construction and building sectors.
Committed to keeping insurance clear and practical, Alex places a strong emphasis on honesty and client-first advice. He remains actively engaged with industry developments through ongoing professional development and research, and is also a natural mentor, regularly supporting and guiding emerging brokers within the team.
National Sales Manager
Joshua is Midland’s National Sales Manager, with more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry. His expertise spans a wide range of insurance solutions, with particular depth in the winery and brewery sectors.
Taking a considered, people-focused approach, Joshua works closely with clients to understand how their businesses operate and the risks they face, allowing him to deliver insurance solutions that are both practical and relevant. He is known for his ability to make complex insurance concepts clear and approachable.
Outside of work, Joshua has a strong connection to community, having spent several years coaching junior basketball and serving as Vice President of a children’s basketball club. Staying closely attuned to industry developments, he is committed to helping clients make informed insurance decisions that support their long-term success.
Director
Justin is a Director at Midland and has been part of the business since 2003. With more than two decades of experience, he works closely with small businesses across Australia, helping them secure insurance solutions that genuinely reflect the way they operate.
Known for his practical, solution-focused approach, Justin places strong emphasis on clarity, reliability, and long-term client relationships. His depth of industry knowledge and consistent, hands-on service have seen him become a trusted adviser to many business owners over time.
Director
Since 2001, Damien has been central to Midland’s evolution, bringing more than two decades of industry experience and a strong commitment to client-focused service. His expertise spans a wide range of sectors, with recognised depth in the brewery and distillery space.
Working with independent brewers across Australia, Damien helps clients navigate complex operational risks with practical, grounded advice. He is known for his industry knowledge, clear communication, and ability to build enduring client relationships.

