The piece is a 200kg bespoke chandelier with 1000 hand-crafted glass feathers hanging over the distillery’s restaurant.
The piece is the largest one that has been created by the Crystal Chain Gang — Martinborough-based duo Leanne Williams and Jim Dennison.
Cardrona Distillery managing director Desiree Reid said the piece was not only beautiful but symbolic as well.
"This beautiful piece symbolises our connection to the kārearea, our hand-crafted process and our unique climate here in the Cardrona Valley, with our cold and snowy winters," she said.
The piece took about three days to install last month.
In addition to being a meaningful decoration, the piece also marks the beginning of the distillery’s expansion.
The design of the expansion is being led by architects Sarah Scott and the team at Condon Scott Architects in Wānaka.
The first phase will be the construction of new whisky warehousing, which is expected over the next three years.
Expanding the distillery’s visitor centre will be the next phase, which includes the cellar door and restaurant.
"Beginning a large-scale project with a bespoke statement piece like this chandelier is a unique experience for us," Condon Scott project manager Mel Mueller said.
The expansion is due to start very soon, and the chandelier is available for visitors to view and enjoy.
— APL
