How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

California

Sabbatical Distillery and Tasting Room

Holt,

California

— Vodka, Gin, Whiskey

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

📞 (209) 452-9295

🌐 http://drinksabbatical.com/

📍 16021 CA-4, Holt, CA 95234, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Sabbatical Distillery sits in the small town of Holt, California, about 30 minutes north of Stockton in the San Joaquin Delta region. Founded by Mark and Kristin Shilling, this craft distillery opened its doors in 2019 after the couple decided to take their own sabbatical from corporate life to chase their passion for creating premium spirits. Mark left his career in technology while Kristin stepped away from marketing to transform a former industrial building into their dream distillery and tasting room. The couple spent over two years perfecting their recipes and navigating the complex world of distillery licensing before producing their first bottles of vodka, gin, and whiskey. Their 2,500-square-foot facility houses a custom-built 500-gallon hybrid pot and column still from Vendome Copper & Brass Works, along with a smaller 100-gallon still for experimental batches. The Shillings focus on small-batch production, typically making 200-300 bottles per run depending on the spirit. What started as a pandemic project has evolved into a legitimate craft distillery that’s earning recognition throughout Northern California. The tasting room features a rustic-industrial aesthetic with exposed beams, concrete floors, and a custom-built bar made from reclaimed wood, creating an atmosphere that’s both polished and approachable.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Sabbatical stands out for its founders’ willingness to experiment with unconventional botanicals and local ingredients. Mark sources specialty grains from California farms and has developed relationships with local citrus growers to create seasonal gin variations that reflect the agricultural richness of the Central Valley. Their signature gin features a blend of traditional juniper with California-grown meyer lemon, blood orange, and even locally foraged bay leaves. The distillery also operates on a completely transparent production philosophy—you can see the entire operation from the tasting room, and the Shillings are usually on-site to personally walk visitors through their process. Unlike many craft distilleries that focus solely on whiskey, Sabbatical has built its reputation on vodka and gin first, using their clear spirits expertise to fund their whiskey aging program.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

You’re greeted by either Mark or Kristin themselves most days, and the experience feels more like visiting friends than a formal tasting room. The space is compact but well-designed, with large windows looking directly into the production area where you can see the gleaming copper stills and fermentation tanks. Tastings happen at the reclaimed wood bar, where you’ll sample their current lineup while learning about each spirit’s production story. The atmosphere is relaxed and educational rather than flashy—expect genuine conversations about distilling techniques and ingredient sourcing rather than scripted presentations. On weekends, you might catch them running the still or bottling their latest batch, adding an authentic behind-the-scenes element to your visit.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

If you’re interested in craft spirits and enjoy meeting passionate producers, Sabbatical delivers an intimate experience you won’t find at larger operations. The setting isn’t going to wow you with scenic views or elaborate facilities, but the quality of the spirits and the genuine enthusiasm of the owners make up for any lack of polish. This is particularly appealing if you appreciate gin and vodka—their clear spirits are genuinely impressive and showcase real craft distilling skills. Skip it if you’re looking for aged whiskey or bourbon, as their whiskey program is still young. The location in Holt means it’s not a casual stop unless you’re specifically seeking out craft distilleries, but it pairs well with other Delta region activities.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their social media before driving out, as hours can vary depending on production schedules and the fact that it’s essentially a two-person operation. The GPS coordinates are accurate, but the building doesn’t have huge signage, so look for the address numbers on what appears to be a converted industrial space. Weekends are your best bet for catching both owners and getting the full story behind their operation. Ask about their seasonal gin releases if you visit during citrus season, and definitely try their vodka even if you don’t typically drink it—the quality might surprise you. Parking is easy with a small lot right in front of the building.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sabbatical Distillery and Tasting Room — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to make a reservation for tastings?

Reservations aren’t required, but it’s smart to call ahead since Mark and Kristin run the operation themselves and hours can vary based on production schedules. They’re usually there on weekends, but calling ensures you won’t drive out to a closed tasting room.

What makes their gin different from other craft gins?

They use California-specific botanicals like meyer lemon and locally foraged bay leaves, plus they create seasonal variations using fresh local ingredients. The citrus-forward profile is distinctly Californian rather than following traditional London Dry or American gin styles.

Can I buy bottles to take home?

Yes, they sell bottles on-site of whatever they currently have in stock. Selection varies based on recent production runs, but you can usually find their vodka and signature gin available for purchase.

GETTING THERE

Find Sabbatical Distillery and Tasting Room

📍16021 CA-4, Holt, CA 95234, USA

—

📞 (209) 452-9295

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