The McWilliam’s Wines Barrel would sing tales of 50 golden years if walls could talk. On August 11, the stories resume, as one of Australia’s most cherished wine destinations, the iconic barrel-shaped Hanwood Cellar Door, welcomes wine enthusiasts through its newly polished doors.

Initially designed by the visionary Glen McWilliam half a century ago, this renowned landmark replicates the exact scale of a wine barrel. Overlooking this marvel stands a proud fig tree, planted at the dawn of the Barrel’s inception. While these landmarks remain untouched, a rebirth echoes, courtesy of the Calabria family’s meticulous renovation, led by Bill Calabria himself.

McWilliam’s Wines holds a venerable position in Australia’s rich winemaking tapestry, especially renowned for its expertise in fortified wines. The adjoining Hanwood Estate, with roots tracing back to 1913, was pivotal in putting the Riverina wine region on the world map.

McWilliam’s Cellar Door tasting bar.

Bill Calabria, AM, the second-generation Winemaker & Managing Director, reminisces, “The Barrel has been the heart of the McWilliam’s legacy. Its walls have witnessed countless memories of wine aficionados indulging in our rich fortifieds. With its doors reopening, we usher in a new chapter, replete with riveting wine experiences, awaiting old friends and new.”

Step inside, and the aura is akin to an upscale lodge. The McWilliams team likes to call it their ‘fortified house’. The heart of this house is a striking 360° Cheminee Cast Iron Fireplace from Sculpt Fireplaces, ideal for sipping on a classic Shiraz. The interiors boast spacious seating, with plush leather lounges and a majestic 16-seater table, ensuring a snug ambience for up to 35 guests.

For those seeking an exclusive affair, the ‘Friar Room’ nods to the winery’s vintage Friar mascot. This private space, alongside the revamped tasting bar, promises an immersive journey through McWilliam’s diverse premium wine collection.

McWilliam’s Cellar Door

But what’s wine without the right pairings? The enhanced cellar door menu is a haven for connoisseurs. There’s a sip for every palate from the family winery’s stellar collections like the 660 and 1877 to the crowning jewel, Eliza Jane Shiraz. Not to forget the aged fortified and cellar door exclusives like the Topaque and Ruby Reserve. And for those nibbles in between, an array of gourmet snacks and delectable cheese platters await.

But the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the immersive experience on offer. Dive deep into the ‘Fortified Discovery Tasting Experience’, led by the winemakers themselves, as they walk you through the notes of aged tawny ranging from 5 to 30 years. The ‘Fortified Cocktail Made to Mix Experience’ is a revelation for cocktail enthusiasts, while the ‘Fortified & Cuvee Chocolate Flight’ promises a sweet surrender.

Located on Jack McWilliam Road, the refreshed McWilliam’s barrel is all set to enthral visitors on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Make sure to pre-book your unique tasting experience on mcwilliams.com.au.

To delve deeper into the McWilliam’s Wines saga, visit www.mcwilliams.com.au.

Written by: Octavia Koo

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