d'Arenberg McLaren Vale: Make Your Own Wine

McLaren Vale, Australia

One of the most significant wineries in McLaren Vale, d’Arenberg was established in 1912 when Joseph Osborn, a teetotaler and director of Thomas Hardy and Sons, sold his stable of prize winning horses to purchase the property that now houses the winery, cellar door and d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant. Today, fourth generation family member Chester makes distinctive wines using traditional methods both in the vineyard and the winery. With over 60 wines and 25 different grape varieties, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.

d'Arenberg is the only winery in Australia to basket press both white wines as well as reds, making for a labor intensive process, but the quality of the results makes this worthwhile as the action is controlled and extremely gentle.

This hands on, interactive experience allows you an experience like no other, the chance to play winemaker. A palette of wine parcels, each with distinctive flavors and textures, are melded in search of balance, fullness and finesse.

The physical work has been done for you – the picking, crushing, fermenting, foot treading, basket pressing and barrel ageing, and you get to create a wine that is truly unique.

You then bottle a 750ml sample to take home and show off to your friends.