McLaren Vale Wine Blending Experience & Take-Home Bottle

Summary

Hands-On Shiraz Blending Workshop in South Australia

This is your chance to step into a real McLaren Vale winery and craft your very own Shiraz blend with expert guidance. Sample single vineyard wines, learn traditional blending techniques, and bottle up your personal creation to take home. Perfect for anyone curious about winemaking or looking for a hands-on experience you can actually taste later.

What’s the experience like?

“Try this one, it’s got a peppery kick,” our guide said, swirling a glass under my nose. We were already laughing at how different each barrel sample tasted—one bold, one soft, one almost floral. The room felt cool even though the sun outside was sharp, and there was this faint smell of oak and crushed berries in the air that made me want to linger.

I’d never realized how much goes into making a good blend until we started mixing tiny amounts together, adjusting by just a splash or two. Our host had stories about the Osborn family and how they still use old-school methods—no fancy machines humming here, just quiet focus and stained hands. At one point, I caught myself grinning as I tried to get my blend just right, hoping it would taste as good at home as it did here.

Bottling up my own creation felt oddly satisfying. There’s something about writing your name on a label and knowing you picked every drop inside. By the end, everyone was comparing their bottles like proud parents. It’s not just a wine tasting—it’s rolling up your sleeves and getting involved in the process, with plenty of laughs along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Winemaker Blending Experience

• Create your own Shiraz blend
• Bottle and take home your blend

Top questions

Is this wine blending experience suitable for beginners?

Yes, no prior knowledge is needed—the guides explain everything step by step and help you through the whole process.

Can I bring children or infants to the workshop?

Children can come along in a pram or stroller, but only guests aged 18+ can participate in the wine blending itself.

Do I get to keep the wine I make?

Absolutely! Each guest bottles their own 750ml blend to take home at the end of the session.

Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility?

The entire area is wheelchair accessible, including entrances and surfaces. Service animals are also welcome.

What’s included

Your visit includes a guided wine blending class where you’ll work with three different single vineyard samples, plus all materials needed for mixing and bottling your own Shiraz. At the end of the session you’ll take home a full-size bottle of your unique blend—so you can relive the experience later or share it with friends back home.