WR
WHITE RIDGE GIN Gold Medal Winner · World Drink Awards, London
An all-inclusive immersive retreat

Galichnik Gin &
Botanicals Retreat

September 28 – October 3, 2026  |  Galichnik & Bistra Mountain, North Macedonia

Six days of culture, nature, horseback exploration, wild botanicals and craft distillation. Maximum 8 participants.

€1,850 per person

The invitation

Where culture, nature and craft distillation meet

Join Mile Boshnjakovski, founder and master distiller of White Ridge Gin, in the mountain village of Galichnik. Explore one of the Balkans' most remarkable villages, ride across Bistra Mountain, discover wild botanicals, harvest juniper and craft your own gin inspired by the spirit of the place.

This is not a gin school. It is an immersive cultural and botanical retreat — culminating in a gin that reflects the character of Bistra Mountain and the centuries-old traditions of Galichnik.
A village like no other

Galichnik & Bistra Mountain

Mijak heritage

Stone houses, living architecture and centuries-old mountain traditions.

Wild botanicals

Juniper, thyme and herbs growing across the slopes of Bistra.

Untouched landscape

Forested ridges, open pasture and clean mountain air at altitude.

Detailed program

Six days, day by day

From arrival in Skopje to your own bottle — every day is planned, every detail included.

01
Arrival

Arrival in North Macedonia

  • Arrival in Skopje
  • Transfer to 4-star hotel in Skopje
  • Welcome dinner
  • Evening introduction & orientation
02
Galichnik

Discovering Galichnik

  • Transfer Skopje → Galichnik & check-in
  • Guided walk through the village
  • Mijak history, architecture & heritage
  • Traditional local lunch
  • Module 1 · Introduction to Craft Gin
  • Guided White Ridge Gin tasting & dinner
03
Bistra

Bistra Mountain & Juniper Harvest

  • Horseback ride toward Suvo Pole (beginner-friendly)
  • Module 2 · Wild Botanicals of Bistra
  • Module 3 · Juniper Harvesting & Field Interpretation
  • Mountain picnic lunch & coffee in nature
  • Return to Galichnik
  • Informal evening gathering
04
The recipe

Creating the Recipe

  • Module 4 · Botanical Selection & Maceration
  • Module 5 · Distillation Fundamentals
  • Module 6 · Preparing the Maceration
  • Outdoor barbecue lunch
  • Afternoon storytelling with Mile — books, history & culture
  • Dinner
05
Distillation

Distillation Day

  • Module 7 · The Distillation Process
  • Heads, hearts & tails · aroma & balance
  • Creation of the final retreat gin
  • Module 8 · Naming & Designing Your Gin
  • Final tasting session
  • Farewell dinner celebration
06
Departure

Departure

  • Breakfast
  • Transfer to Skopje
  • Departure
All-inclusive

Everything is taken care of

From your arrival in Skopje to your departure from Skopje.

A

Accommodation

  • 1 night, 4-star hotel in Skopje
  • 4 nights in traditional Galichnik guesthouses
T

Transportation

  • Airport & city transfers in Skopje
  • Group transfers to and from Galichnik
  • All local transport during the retreat
M

Meals

  • Daily breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Welcome & farewell dinners
  • Mountain picnic on the Bistra excursion
D

Distillation & take-home

  • All botanicals, neutral spirit & equipment
  • Your own bottle + personalised label
  • Certificate & digital photo package
Educational modules

Learn the full craft of gin

01

Introduction to Craft Gin

02

Wild Botanicals of Bistra

03

Juniper Harvesting & Field Interpretation

04

Botanical Selection & Maceration

05

Distillation Fundamentals

06

Preparation of the Maceration

07

The Distillation Process

08

Naming & Designing Your Gin

Your host

Mile Boshnjakovski

Founder & Master Distiller, White Ridge Gin

White Ridge Gin is a Gold Medal Winner at the World Drink Awards in London — internationally recognised for its quality and the distinctive character drawn from the wild botanicals of Bistra Mountain.

Throughout the retreat, Mile personally guides you through botanical exploration, recipe development, maceration and distillation — sharing the history, culture and philosophy behind every bottle.

🏅 Gold Medal · World Drink Awards, London
Who is this for

Made for the curious traveller

Craft spirits
Local culture & traditions
Mountain landscapes & nature
Botanical knowledge
Storytelling & authentic experiences
Small-group premium travel

No previous horseback riding or distillation experience is required.

Only 8 places

Reserve your place at the retreat

Participation is limited to 8 guests, ensuring a highly personal, hands-on and immersive experience.

€1,850
per person, all-inclusive
8
guests maximum
6
days · 5 nights

Or reach us directly · gspiritlab@whiteridgegin.com · +389 70 248 278

Galichnik Gin & Botanicals Retreat Sept 28 – Oct 3, 2026 · €1,850 · only 8 places
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