The Art of Fragrance, a Perfume Masterclass

A weekend masterclass in fragrance at Phytofarm Herbal Learning Centre, in the beautiful Banks Peninsula. Taught over two days, these workshops are hands-on and immersive learning experiences engaging all your senses. Come for a single day or join us for the weekend at a discounted rate.

Join us for a deep dive into aroma as we explore the many ways to create fragrance: from traditional perfume accords and ancient attars, to building perfumes in the still. And learn how to use the principles of perfumery in new ways - like to layer aromatics for contemporary gin blends, and to create aromatised wine.

Suitable for both beginners and experienced distillers. Jill Mulvaney from The Alembics Lab leads a small group through a comprehensive range of plant extraction and distillation techniques using seasonal organic botanicals.

Day One - Accords, attars and essential oils
- Create an eau de parfum: Learn to create perfume accords using the traditional pyramid structure.
- Create a perfume in the still: Using a 10L copper column still, we distil a selection of seasonal botanicals taken from our environment to create a ‘perfume of place’.
- Learn the ancient method of distilling attars (or ittars) using a copper alquitar still.

Day Two - Gin, quintessences and aromatised wine
- Create a gin based on the principles of perfumery.
- Using our single vapour-distilled quintessences, practice your blending skills and make your own 30ml shot for a pre-lunch G&T.
- Distil wine steeped with botanicals in the 3L alquitar, creating an aromatised eau de vie.
- Finish the day with a botanical cocktail.

Lunch is provided each day. You will enjoy a delicious, wholesome lunch sourced from the Phytofarm gardens matched with therapeutic, botanical beverages.