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A Guide to Distillery Tours Near Loch Ness This Winter

Winter in the Highlands is a season of quiet beauty. Frosty mornings, lochside walks, and warm indoor comforts make it the perfect time to explore Scotland’s most cherished craft — whisky. Whether you are a connoisseur or simply curious, a distillery tour offers the chance to discover the rich heritage of Highland whisky making, all within reach of your accommodation at The Highland Club in Fort Augustus.

This guide highlights some of the finest distilleries near Loch Ness, each offering unique flavours, historic settings, and welcoming winter experiences. Paired with a cosy stay at Highland Club Direct, it’s the ideal way to soak up Highland culture during the colder months.

Why Visit a Distillery in Winter?

While summer draws the crowds, winter distillery visits come with a different kind of charm — fewer visitors, a more personal experience, and the opportunity to enjoy whisky in its most comforting form, warming your hands and heart after a bracing Highland walk.

Reasons to tour in winter:

Quieter visitor centres mean smaller group sizes and more in-depth conversations with expert guides
Seasonal drams and tastings that reflect the richness of Highland winters
Stunning winter scenery on the drive between distilleries
Short daylight hours encourage slow travel and whisky-themed days indoors

Distilleries Near Fort Augustus & Loch Ness

Highland Club Direct’s location on the southern tip of Loch Ness in Fort Augustus puts you within reach of several award-winning distilleries. Each one offers its own take on traditional whisky making, with visitor tours available throughout the winter months.

Tomatin Distillery (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes from Fort Augustus)

? Tomatin Distillery, Inverness-shire

Founded in 1897, Tomatin is one of the most accessible and highly regarded Highland distilleries. It offers a range of tours throughout the winter, from an introduction to whisky making to in-depth tastings for enthusiasts.

Winter Highlights:

Warm, wood-panelled tasting rooms
Signature expressions like the 12-Year-Old and smoky Cù Bòcan
Multi-level tour options including chocolate pairings

Visitor tip: Pre-booking is advised during winter due to reduced hours.

Glen Ord Distillery (approx. 1 hour 25 minutes from Fort Augustus)

? Singleton of Glen Ord, Muir of Ord

Located just north of Inverness, Glen Ord is the home of The Singleton. It offers immersive tours and tastings with a strong focus on craftsmanship. The recently refurbished visitor centre adds a modern touch to a centuries-old story.

Why visit:

Rare Highland distillery still malting its own barley
Welcoming staff and informative tours
Modern bar and shop for relaxed post-tour browsing

Winter hours: Reduced but open year-round, check times online before travel.

Dalwhinnie Distillery (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes from Fort Augustus)

? Dalwhinnie Distillery, Cairngorms

Set high in the Cairngorm mountains, Dalwhinnie is one of the coldest distillery locations in Scotland — ideal for maturing whisky slowly. Its setting is dramatic in winter, with snowy peaks and open skies adding to the experience.

Why it's worth the trip:

Renowned whisky and chocolate pairing tours
Home to Dalwhinnie 15-Year-Old, a smooth Highland favourite
Scenic drive through snow-dusted moorlands

Note: Roads can be icy, so check conditions before setting out.

Shorter Trips & Local Tastings

If you prefer to stay close to Fort Augustus, there are ways to enjoy Highland whisky without a long drive.

Great Glen Distillery (in Fort Augustus village)

? Great Glen Distillery

Just a few minutes’ walk from The Highland Club, the Great Glen Distillery holds the title of Scotland’s smallest craft gin distillery. While they don’t produce whisky, it’s still a fantastic stop for spirit lovers. Their gins are handcrafted using Highland-sourced botanicals and distilled in micro-batches on site.

Highlights:

Sample award-winning Highland gins in a friendly setting
Learn about botanical distilling in the heart of Fort Augustus
Ideal stop during a walk along the Caledonian Canal
Open year-round with a charming bottle shop for gifts

Planning Your Distillery Day from The Highland Club

Your stay at Highland Club Direct puts you in the perfect spot to begin or end a distillery-themed day. Enjoy breakfast overlooking Loch Ness, take a scenic drive through the Highlands, and return to the warmth of your self-catering apartment or cosy lounge.

Tips for a smooth winter whisky day:

Designate a driver or book a local tour service for multi-distillery visits
Check winter opening hours for each distillery in advance
Layer up as rural distilleries can be chilly inside and out
Pick up a bottle as a memento or festive gift

Stay Warm, Stay Local: Why Book with Highland Club Direct

Choosing Highland Club Direct means more than just a place to sleep. We offer a heritage-rich experience in the heart of Fort Augustus, with all the comfort you need after a Highland day out.

What you can expect:

Historic apartments in St Benedict’s Abbey, right on the shores of Loch Ness
Complimentary access to our indoor pool, sauna, and steam room
Cosy interiors with tartan furnishings and Highland character
Proximity to local distilleries and restaurants
Trusted for years by guests across the UK

We’re proud to be part of your Highland adventure, offering warmth, relaxation, and a taste of Scottish culture in every stay.

Ready to Explore Highland Whisky This Winter?

Distillery tours near Loch Ness offer a unique glimpse into Scotland’s spirit — both literally and culturally. From historic Highland houses to small-batch craft producers, the whisky scene here is as welcoming as the landscape is beautiful.

Book your winter getaway today and discover: