d'Arenberg McLaren Vale: The Blending Bench

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

One of the most significant wineries in McLaren Vale, d’Arenberg was established in 1912 when Joseph Osborn, a teetotaler and director of Thomas Hardy and Sons, sold his stable of prize winning horses to purchase the property that now houses the winery, cellar door and d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant. Today, fourth generation family member Chester makes distinctive wines using traditional methods both in the vineyard and the winery. With over 60 wines and 25 different grape varieties, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum age is 18 years

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Sample bottle of your blend

Wine blending class

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transportation to/from attractions

What To Expect

A hands on, interactive experience where you play winemaker, then take home a bottle of your favourite blend. Working with three barrel samples of single vineyard wine, each with distinctive flavours, you are guided through the blending process to create your own personalised Shiraz. The physical work is done, the picking, fermenting, foot treading and basket pressing, now you have the opportunity to create something truly unique. Once you’ve selected your final blend, you bottle a 750ml sample and take home to show off to your friends.

Sample Menu

main

Wine

Wine Tasting

Options

10:30am Session

A hands on, interactive experience where you play winemaker.

Reviews

4.45

20 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Wine and art , Quirky and fun experience in the Fleurieu
Sharon G,
May 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We started at the blending bench with our host Mike which was fun then headed to to the next floor to have some lunch and cocktails and wine we then went to check out the art museum on the first floor which was educational. And finished our day walking out with some bottles of wine. Th views are wonderful and the cube is quirky, fun and unique with a really good vibe. The toilets are definitely a talking point 😊
Very average service
stevejredman,
Feb 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
We got told when we booked D Arrys restaurant we’ve booked you complimentary wine tasting for 1pm -so we went an hour before our restaurant reservation and stood there for 5 min whilst no one attended us -we went downstairs and looked around and went back and again no one said can I help you as they were all busy.So went over to the guy washing glasses and said we have booking and have waited 2 x whilst no one says can I help you and he said yes you have to wait for a server to free up What ? A terrible system !! Don’t book me make me come and then make me wait 2 x over an hour please -booking under Redman
Loved it
Isabel10222222,
Sep 15, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The d'Arenberg is quirky, all round great place to visit. We booked online, so a small queue on arrival. Wine tasting was great and we even bought some bottles, we also pre-booked a two course lunch, fabulous food and the the Dali exhibition is excellent. Everywhere you look at d'Arenberg there is something to see. Pre book, it was really busy. We loved it.
Fun and sooo interesting
RosemaryLT,
Nov 16, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our facilitator, Kim, was knowledgeable, fun, complimentary and generally made the blending experience fun! Who knew how hard it w Luke be to blend three nice wines into one great wine? Kudos to winemakers everywhere 🍷🍷🍷. Great experience and so much fun to do with friends.
Something Different
887traciet,
Oct 10, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
What an unexpected quirky place to visit!! My family and I enjoyed our time at d'Arenberg. The kids enjoyed looking around whilst hubby and I did the wine tasting. Only downfall was not being able to have a tasting platte in the restaurant as the menu had recently changed and there wasn't a great deal on there that interested us at the time.
It’s randomly remarkable and a must visit
639abbie,
May 31, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It’s one of those creations of a genius that had shown persistence against the norm. The service, the food and quality of ambiance is exceptional. Tip, you have to have a meal here and spend at least 2 hours to truly enjoy the place.
A must!
Amanda B,
Mar 23, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This place is amazing. Great wine tasting, but the whole experience is something else! Quirky, interesting sights at every turn. Definitely recommend!!! And the morning tea was fab!
Wine Blending
lovinit007,
Feb 14, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
We attended the Wine Blending experience and it was an amazing experience from the top of the Cube. The view was amazing and it was interesting to learnt he history of the company and site whilst learning a little about the art of wine blending. I think we came away with 3 nice wines that were perfectly suited to our individual tastes - time will tell! Quirky and fun location
Great experience with some operational flaws
Catalina G,
Jan 24, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
Great building, superb decor, great wines. Amir was fantastic in the delivery of the tasting and customer service. I would just say that the $15 tasting not spendable on product is a highly priced for the experience. Yes there’s the museum but it’s not an aspect that enhances the dining experience enough to overcharge. Also the supervisor Emma is quite rude.
A day at the blending bench
sueoH4634KE,
May 16, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience to take part in the Blending Bench. It was a different experience instead of just going to the tasting room and sipping wines. Lets hope our bottles are as good when we open them at home.