Even as a little girl, Desiree Reid-Whitaker has always dreamed big. 

It was 10 years ago, those dreams sent Desiree from her South Canterbury dairy farm around the world, researching and learning the craft of making great whiskies and spirits. 

On returning to New Zealand, Desiree sold the dairy farm and set about making her dream a reality. 

Her story is brave, bold and inspirational. A local story of hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. It’s been documented in a new book, The Spirit of Cardrona. 

Founder and CEO of Cardrona Distillery, Desiree Reid-Whitaker joined Francesca Rudkin. 

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