Have you ever dreamt of making your own wine?

Workshop 1 in March: Picking and Crushing

• 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.

Fitness required: To pick the vines some bending and lifting is required. This can be modified with staff to assist.

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

• 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 learn what the different influences are in wine making and your preferred wine style.

Fitness Required: Any fitness level

Timing: .5 hours to visit your vine, 1.5 hours wine discovery followed by lunch

Workshop 3 in July: Vineyard pruning

• 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.

Fitness Required: Pruning requires bending and some walking. Can be adjusted with assistance from staff.

Timing: 1.5-2 hours in the vineyard, .5 hours in winery, followed by lunch

Workshop 4 in September: Barrel Tasting and Blending

• Pinot Noir – September 11th
• Chardonnay – September 12th

Blending plays an absolutely 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.

Fitness Required: Any fitness level is suitable

Timing: 2 hours blending followed by lunch

Workshop 5 in December: Celebration Party

• December 4

Drinking the wine is arguably the best part, and what a way to celebrate the year! All Rent a Vine members 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.

More information about the workshops

• Due to weather conditions and other factors outside of our control these workshop dates may change but you will be advised well in advance.
• Little to no fitness is required as you can learn what you like and only do as much physical labour as desired.
• As areas are wheelchair accessible.
• Children are not allowed at the workshops, only participants above 18 years of age.
• Transport is offered from Geelong station for workshops 1 and 5, for workshop 2-4 we encourage participants to car pool or arrange their own transportation.
• All workshops are fully catered and no further purchases are required.
• If you are unable to make a workshop you can request to either attend another in it’s place ie: chardonnay if you are doing pinot noir or you can send someone in your place.