From a private fly-fishing lesson and wine-matched lunch to a behind-the-scenes peek into how wine barrels are made at a working cooperage, these five fabulous winery experiences will trump that bottle of wine you’d planned to give to dad this Father’s Day.
1. Cooperage Tour at Yalumba, Barossa Valley SA
Could there be a more dad-friendly combination than woodwork and wine?! With Yalumba’s Cooperage Tour, give dad a glimpse into the craft of wine barrel making; a tradition that’s still upheld at Yalumba – Australia’s oldest family-owned winery and the only producing cooperage attached to a working winery in the Southern Hemisphere. After an in-depth explanation of how a barrel is crafted from scratch, dad will have the chance to engage with the master cooper and watch as he performs part of the barrel making process. He’ll then be guided to the Yalumba Wine Room to enjoy a tasting flight of wines aged in Yalumba-coopered barrels, along with an introduction into Yalumba’s rich history and family owners the Hill-Smiths.
- Where: Yalumba, Barossa Valley – one hour from Adelaide
- When: Monday – Friday, 10am
- Cost: A$60 per person
2. Private fly-fishing and degustation at Printhie Wines, Orange NSW
For those dads who are keen – or just curious – fishermen, what better gift than a private fly-fishing experience at the peaceful Printhie Wines in Orange. At Printhie’s own private lake (which is jam-packed with rainbow trout), your dad will learn the art of fly fishing under the expert guidance of a private instructor who’ll take him through how to rig the rod, cast and reel in a fish. All experience levels are catered for, and the experience culminates in a four-course degustation lunch with matched wines at Printhie Dining, where the head chef consciously crafts menus that showcase premium local produce and Australian native botanical flavours.
- Where: Printhie Wines, Orange – four hours from Sydney
- When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10:30am
- Cost: A$495 per person
3. King Valley Esperienza at Pizzini Wines, King Valley VIC
Dad may think he’s full bottle when it comes to his wine knowledge, but an insight into lesser-known Italian wine varietals will add another string to his bow. From Nebbiolo to Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Nero D’Avola, the King Valley Esperienza at Pizzini Wines is a rare opportunity to taste aged Italian wine varieties alongside their current release examples. As he settles into the light-drenched Kiln Tasting Room, your dad will be taken on a journey of discovery through the Pizzini family’s pioneering journey of the growing and making of northern Italian wine styles in King Valley since the mid-1980s. After the tasting, dad can choose a glass of his favourite wine to enjoy with an Italian-style grazing platter in the cellar door grounds.
- Where: Pizzini Wines, King Valley – three hours from Melbourne
- When: Daily at 12:30pm
- Cost: A$145 per person
1. The Cellar Experience – Vasse Felix, Margaret River WA
If your dad loves the ocean as much as he loves wine, then a trip to Margaret River will go down a treat. Give him a reason to plan a visit to this famous Western Australian wine and surfing hotspot with the ultimate gift – a private guided experience at the region’s founding winery. The Cellar Experience at Vasse Felix takes dad on a stroll through the area’s oldest vines, planted in 1967 by pioneer and Vasse Felix founder Dr Tom Cullity, before gaining exclusive access to The Vault – home of the historic Vasse Felix wine museum – for a special private tasting of Margaret River’s leading varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Dad’s wine journey continues upstairs in the award-winning Vasse Felix restaurant for the ultimate treat of a five-course menu of local produce paired with Icon wines.
- Where: Vasse Felix, Margaret River – three hours from Perth
- When: Saturdays and Sundays at 10am
- Cost: A$350 per person
2. Helicopter and blending bench at d’Arenberg Wines, McLaren Vale SA
Dads with a sense of adventure will be chuffed to be gifted a Helicopter and Blending Bench experience at d’Arenberg in McLaren Vale. He’ll meet his private pilot at the d’Arenberg Heli pad and take in the magnificent coastal and regional views from the air on the 30-minute scenic flight over the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. Then head to Level 4 of the iconic d’Arenberg Cube for the hands-on, interactive Blending Bench experience where dad has the chance to play winemaker, creating a unique wine that he gets to bottle, name and label to take home and show off to his friends. This experience is for two people minimum, so you can go along for the ride and enjoy some fatherly bonding time, VIP-style.
- Where: d’Arenberg Wines, McLaren Val – 45 minutes from Adelaide
- When: Daily at 9:30am
- Cost: A$1500 for two guests
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