Starward Distillery: History, Whisky Range and Visitor Guide
Updated: 3 days ago
Starward Distillery is a whisky producer in Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This Whisky Clan guide explores its recorded history, the people behind it, the whisky making process, notable bottles and practical visitor information, with research sources and image credits at the bottom.
In this guide
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Starward Distillery at a glance
Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
Distillery | Starward Distillery |
Location | Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
History | Founded as a whisky project in 2007 |
Founders or ownership | David Vitale |
Whisky | Starward Nova, Starward Two-Fold, Starward Fortis, Starward Solera |
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History of Starward Distillery
David Vitale created Starward to make whisky with a distinctly Australian identity. Melbourne’s wine industry and unpredictable weather provided ingredients and an idea: age whisky in barrels formerly used for local red wine.
The business evolved from its early whisky making years into a Port Melbourne distillery and bar. The name Starward now covers several whiskies whose grain types and cask histories are deliberately different.
Ownership and people
The people named in the distillery’s published history are David Vitale. The founders and early team should be distinguished from present shareholders, which can change.
How the whisky is made
Starward sources local grains and wine casks. Melbourne’s warm and cool periods make casks expand and contract, affecting maturation. A dynamic climate does not mean a fixed number of years in Australia equals a different number in Scotland.
Red wine casks are especially important to Nova; the Two-Fold recipe also demonstrates that Australian whisky is not restricted to single malt.
Whisky bottle range
The following are identifiable expressions, including historical and sometimes limited releases. Tasting descriptions here are based on published producer information, not an independent Whisky Clan tasting.
Starward Nova
Single malt matured using red wine casks.
Starward Two-Fold
A double grain Australian whisky, not a single malt.
Starward Fortis
Higher strength red wine cask single malt.
Starward Solera
An expression developed around wine industry cask influences.
The image above shows authentic producer-labelled whisky bottles, not unrelated stock glasses. Check the bottle label for the relevant year and edition.
Awards and notable milestones
Starward has won awards for individual whiskies and innovation. Compare the named expression and judging year when reviewing claims.
Visiting Starward Distillery
The Port Melbourne distillery bar offers tours, tastings and experiences. Session times and age restrictions vary.
Opening hours, tours, prices and product availability can change. Check current arrangements with the distillery before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Starward Distillery?
Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
When did it begin whisky production?
Founded as a whisky project in 2007
Who founded or developed Starward Distillery?
David Vitale
Which bottles are associated with this distillery?
Starward Nova, Starward Two-Fold, Starward Fortis, Starward Solera. Release availability and age statements vary.
Can you visit?
The Port Melbourne distillery bar offers tours, tastings and experiences. Session times and age restrictions vary.
Explore more Australia distilleries
Continue with other whisky producers across Australia.
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Sources and image credits
Research updated 23 October 2026. External reading and photo credit links are kept here at the end of the guide.
About the author
Whisky Clan researches whisky history, production and bottles and welcomes verifiable corrections from the community.
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