News & Media Mentions

Media Features

Orchard Spirit · On The Land · July/August 2025

After leaving Auckland for Central Otago, a young couple have taken the plunge into fruit growing, and have stumbled on some unique side-hustles along the way.

That’s the spirit in pip and stonefruit · Horticulture NZ Magazine · June 2023

Mentions the creation of Up A Tree Distillery at Coal Creek and its sustainability-driven mission.

Distilling the fruits of their labours · The News · 13 January 2023

It might not be fast, but turning fruit into alcohol is worth the wait, says a Roxburgh orchardist.

Orchardist makes move into brewing · Otago Daily Times · 31 December 2022

How Up A Tree Distillery was founded by Fairview Orchard owners, turning excess fruit into small-batch spirits.

When life gives you imperfect fruit, make spirits · The Central App · 20 September 2022

Jered’s grown-up version of “when life gives you lemons”, build a distillery and make schnapps, gins, liqueurs, apple ciders and brandy.

Technology helps capture yield potential · The Orchardist · August 2022

Interested in fruit brandy for years, Jered geared up in 2020 to produce commercial volumes, establishing Up A Tree Distillery.

Other Mentions & Industry Coverage

Shortage of pickers… · Otago Daily Times · 17 November 2021

Neighbours in the Teviot Valley collaborating when there’s too much fruit and not enough hands, keeping workers in the valley with continuous seasonal jobs.

Exports of cherries hit record high volumes · Otago Daily Times · 2 April 2025

Central Otago’s cherry sector hits a record-breaking season, celebrating when all the stars align.

NZ Cherry Industry Sees Record Export Season · SmartCherry · 4 March 2025

Overview of New Zealand’s international cherry market boom.

Cherries on top · NZ Herald · 20 January 2024

A lifestyle feature on cherry season, health benefits, and ways to enjoy this summer fruit.