An exclusive, hands-on winemaking experience enjoyed over five workshops throughout the year, where you will learn all there is to know about making your own wine. All workshops are fully catered and are offered as single or partner membership options.
Where: Sutherlands Creek, Geelong-Bellarine
#onehourout
The plan
Workshop 1 in March: Picking and Crushing
Tentative dates: Pinot Noir – March 20th*
, Chardonnay – March 21st*
Discover the vineyard and name your own row of vines. Craig, our vineyard manager will teach you the ins and outs of picking fruit and you will be handed your personal pair of secateurs to begin the task. Once the fruit is picked, head to the winery where you will discover the process from pressing to barrel. Taste the fresh pressings and enjoy a wine tasting over lunch.
Timing: 1.5-2 hours in the vineyard, 1.5 hours in the winery, followed by lunch.
Workshop 2 in May: Clone discovery and tasting
Dates: Pinot Noir – May 15th
, Chardonnay – May 16th
Clones, baume, oak and blending are all terms you may or may not be familiar with. In this interactive tasting session, you will learn about wine in an approachable manner and learn some wine terminology while you are at it!
You will discover what the different influences are in wine making and your preferred wine style.
Timing: .5 hours to visit your vine, 1.5 hours wine discovery followed by lunch.
Workshop 3 in July: Vineyard pruning
Dates: Pinot Noir – July 17th
, Chardonnay – July 18th
In this workshop you will learn how to prune your vines and the different methods which this can be done. This integral part of the viticulture process affects the amount and quality of fruit that will be produced in harvest.
Bring your coat and warm up afterwards tasting your wine straight from barrel.
Timing: 1.5-2 hours in the vineyard, .5 hours in winery, followed by lunch.
Workshop 4 in September: Barrel Tasting and Blending
Dates: Pinot Noir – September 4th
, Chardonnay – September 5th
Blending plays a vital role in winemaking, it improves the wine and adds complexity, balance or age-ability.
Blends can be made up wine from different barrels, different batches (alternate harvest times), different clones, different varieties (eg. sometimes white is used to soften a red) and different vintages.
In this workshop you will learn how to blend wine and choose your preference for your wine allocation.
Timing: 2 hours blending followed by lunch.
Workshop 5 in December: Celebration Party
Date: December 4th
Drinking the wine is arguably the best part, and what a way to celebrate the year! all rent a vine participants are invited to join us at the cellar door for a celebration party in the evening.. Austin’s is known for its events and this one will be the biggest [and best] on the annual calendar.
Come and hand label your wines with your custom labels and then toast a wine or two at our converted shearing shed cellar door.
Music, food and a great night of celebrations.
The fruits of your labour
Each workshop is a little different, and so is the food. All dietary requirements welcome and catered for.
The kit required
We recommend wearing closed toe shoes for all workshops. Hi-vis vests and equipment will be provided for picking, crushing and pruning workshops. We would strongly recommend wearing a hat and sun-smart t-shirt or top for workshops hosted outdoors.
