Make the most of your Barrel Tasting Weekend
You've got your Barrel Tasting Weekend ticket in hand, now it's time to get tasting! We've pulled together the 5 tips so you get the most of your Barrel Tasting Weekend.
1) Plan your timing between each winery
Check out the map below, we've provided the estimated drive times between each winery. Each Barrel Tasting session will run for 45 - 60 minutes.
2) Rug up for the weather
Our cellar doors are nice and toasty with heating and warming wood fires, but sometimes our barrel rooms can be a little chilly (just how the wines like it). Grab that extra jacket as you leave home for your Barrel Tasting Weekend.
3) Phone ahead if things change
We understand that sometimes things change on the day, so give the winery you're heading to a quick phone if you're going to be delayed. Here's our numbers:
Sutton Grange Winery - (03) 8672 1478
Mandurang Valley Wines - 0417 357 688
Sandhurst Ridge Winery - (03) 5435 2534
Balgownie Estate - (03) 5449 6222
Connor Park - (03) 5437 5234
Killiecrankie Wines - 0447 733 599
BlackJack Wines - (03) 5474 2355
4) Refuel with some food
There's some great food spots close to wineries so you can refuel during the day. Sutton Grange Winery and Balgownie Estate also have their restaurants open for lunch (but book ahead).
Sutton Grange Winery (Sunday only)
Balgownie Estate (Saturday only)
ASQ Skydancers @ Harcourt
Edwards Providore @ Kennington
Marong Family Hotel @ Marong
Spring Gully General Store @ Spring Gully
5) Enjoy the perks of barrel tastings!
One of the best parts about barrel tasting is that you get a firsthand sneak peak into what's to come and a look into how winemaking works. You're venturing into the barrel rooms to see where the magic happens. Feel free to ask lots of questions. Every winemaker does it differently and they all have a story, plus they love a good chat! If there's a wine you particularly like, talk to the winemaker about a pre-release price.
We encourage the responsible consumption of alcohol and recommend that if you’re planning to self-drive this weekend, choose a designated driver for your group.
