Our story
The story goes something like this: four farming families — families with a knack for spotting opportunity and the courage to back themselves— were sitting around a dinner table over a bottle of red wine talking through the challenges of growing cotton in the Riverina. The biggest issue on the table? There was no local cotton gin. Then came the question: Why can’t we just build one ourselves? It was the classic country mindset: if it’s to be, it’s up to me!
They didn’t have a background in cotton ginning — but they had what mattered most: practical know-how, deep roots in agriculture, and a belief in rolling up your sleeves and getting things done. A short time later, Southern Cotton was born — and with it, a world-class ginning facility that underpinned the cotton industry in the Murrumbidgee Valley and transformed opportunities for growers across southern NSW.
That same commitment to doing things properly and doing them together led to their next chapter. In 2019, Southern Cotton partnered with Voyager Craft Malt to support the development of a sustainable small-batch malting facility using locally grown grains — a way to keep value in the region and support Australian brewers, distillers and bakers.
Their next idea? That was to celebrate the region they love.
They envisioned a place where locals and visitors alike could gather to celebrate everything that makes the Riverina exceptional: the cotton, the grain, the food, the wine and whiskey and the people. A place built on the same values that shaped their farms and their friendships: integrity and innovation.
So they built it. That place is the Whitton Malt House.
Set beside the gin, the Whitton Malt House is a unique agri-tourism destination that brings together local food, craft beverages, luxury accommodation, and unforgettable events. Whether it’s a wedding, a whisky tasting, or a weekend away, every experience here is underpinned by the people and the produce that make this region so special.
When these four farming families ask, “why can’t we do that?” — we’re bound to end up with something extraordinary.
The Whitton Malt House is located at 783A Whitton - Darlington Point Road, Whitton, NSW 2705.
We are approximately 10km from Whitton, 18km from Darlington Point and short 30 minute drive to Griffith.
We would love to welcome you for coffee, lunch or dinner so please call our friendly team on 6955 2592 to book.
Our menus are subject to change due to seasonal produce; we are open for dinner only on Friday and Saturday nights.
At Whitton Malt House, our menus reflect the exceptional produce and people from the Riverina in New South Wales. Our experienced and creative kitchen team has carefully crafted menus featuring ingredients such as Voyager Craft Malt, Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, meat, fruit and vegetables.
Our food focus is on producing high-quality, seasonal dishes across all menu styles, served against a backdrop of different dining experiences within the cellar door — café-style, shared dining from casual to three courses, as well as restaurant shared menus on Friday and Saturday evenings.