Penfold's Grange, arguably Australia's most famous red wine, is a Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon blend, made with grapes from a variety of South Australian wine regions. Every vintage the composition of the final wine will be altered according to the fruit and how it works in harmony.

The purpose of blending is to enhance the flavour, aroma, complexity and balance of a wine. Winemakers are striving to produce a wine that has something to offer from the front to the back of the palate with the right balance of fruit, acidity, alcohol and tannins.

Wines can be blended from: multiple vintages of the same grape from the same vineyard; the same grape variety from a different region; two or more different grape varieties; or a combination of red and white grapes. However take note: only a combination of different grapes is classified as a ‘Blend’, while a combination of the same grape variety, regardless of age or origin, is known as a ‘Varietal’.

In Australia, among the most popular red wine blends are Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon and GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvèdre) while the most commonly seen white wine blend is Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. Occasionally red and white grapes are blended for example Shiraz Viogner is gaining popularity.

So you see there is much to learn in the art of wine blending which is why we are pleased to refer you to the experts. The winemakers at our member wineries are always eager to impart some wisdom and, at these Australian winery experiences, while you may not be ready to blend the next Grange, you’ll at least have a bottle of your own unique blend to take home.

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WINEMAKER'S SECRET ART

Learn the secret art of wine blending at Tahbilk

Guided by a Wine Ambassador you will start with individual wines and blend them to create a wine that is truly yours. A 750ml bottle of your blend will be yours to take away.  

THE BLENDING BENCH

Play winemaker at d'Arenberg and take home a sample

The Blending Bench is a hands on, interactive experience where you play winemaker.

A palette of wine parcels, each with distinctive flavours and textures, are melded in search of balance, fullness and finesse. We did the physical work – picking, crushing, fermenting, foot treading, basket pressing and barrel ageing, and you get to create a wine that is truly unique.

You then bottle a 750ml sample to take home and show off to your friends. 

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Wine blending also forms part of the Brown Brothers Gourmet Discovery Day and 3 Day Mid-week Immersion Package as well as the Leeuwin Estate Platinum Experience.