McLaren Vale wine blending class: Create your own Shiraz

Blend three vineyard Shiraz samples and bottle what you make

A 90-minute hands-on wine blending class at d'Arenberg in McLaren Vale where you work with three barrel samples of single-vineyard Shiraz, create your own blend, and bottle a 750ml sample to take home. The winery, established in 1912, works with over 60 wines and 25 grape varieties; a live English-speaking guide leads you through the blending process. Minimum age is 18.

The Experience

You start with three barrel samples of single-vineyard Shiraz, each with its own character. The guide walks you through the blending process—tasting, comparing, deciding how much of each wine goes into your final blend. This is the part winemakers do after the physical work is finished: the picking, fermenting, foot treading and basket pressing are already done. What's left is the creative decision, and it's yours to make.

Once you've settled on your blend, you bottle a full 750ml sample. That bottle goes home with you, labeled with what you created. d'Arenberg itself has been making wine since 1912, when Joseph Osborn bought the property to start the winery; today it's run by fourth-generation family member Chester, who uses traditional methods across the vineyard and cellar. The winery sits on the grounds with the cellar door and d'Arry's Verandah Restaurant, so you can explore before or after the class.

The whole experience runs 90 minutes. Wheelchair access is available throughout all areas and surfaces. The minimum age is 18.

What’s included

• Wine blending class with a live English-speaking guide.
• three barrel samples of single-vineyard Shiraz to taste and blend.
• bottling of your 750ml blend to take home.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by d'Arenberg

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads you through every step, so no wine knowledge is needed—you're making the decisions, not watching a demonstration. Book this if you want to leave with something you created rather than just a tasting experience.

Traveler reviews

4.56★★★★★★★★★★

25 verified traveler reviews

5 ★20

4 ★2

3 ★1

2 ★1

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What are the three wines I'll be blending at d'Arenberg?

You work with three barrel samples of single-vineyard Shiraz, each with distinctive flavours. The guide will walk you through tasting and comparing them so you can decide how to blend them into your own personalised wine.

Do I get to keep the wine I blend?

Yes. You bottle a full 750ml sample of your blend and take it home with you.

How long does the blending class take?

The class runs 90 minutes from start to finish, including tasting, blending and bottling your sample.

What is d'Arenberg and why is it significant?

d'Arenberg is one of the most significant wineries in McLaren Vale, established in 1912. It now produces over 60 wines from 25 different grape varieties and operates under fourth-generation family ownership, using traditional methods in both the vineyard and winery.

Is the blending class suitable if I have no wine experience?

Yes. The class is hands-on and interactive; the guide leads you through the blending process step by step. You don't need prior knowledge—the physical work of winemaking is already done, and you're creating the blend itself.

Can I visit the winery before or after the class?

d'Arenberg has a cellar door and d'Arry's Verandah Restaurant on the grounds, so you can explore the winery and its facilities before or after your blending class.