Christmas shopping could look a little different this year, with more of us shopping online than ever before. While festive socks and novelty mugs are always good for a laugh, make this Christmas one to remember with a gift card for a meaningful experience at one of Australia’s premium wineries.
Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia is a curated collection of world-class wineries that offer memorable, immersive winery adventures that go beyond the cellar door for deep explorations of our diverse wine regions and iconic Australian wines.
From yoga in the vines to outstanding culinary experiences, read on for eight winery experiences that can all be purchased online.
Seppeltsfield – Taste Your Birth Year
Barossa Valley, SA
At the Seppeltsfield Centennial Cellar, Dad can taste Tawny made in his birth year directly from the barrel. Discover why sometimes in life it is best to be the oldest in the group! This is a fascinating insight into the aging process of premium fortified wine, with Seppeltsfield being the only winery in the world to release a 100-year-old single vintage wine each year. $99 per person
Josef Chromy: Yoga in the Vines
Launceston, TAS
Yoga is for everyone and who doesn’t like a glass of wine? Balance is the key, and you can erase the guilt of wine and a sumptuous two course meal after stretching and strengthening, all whilst soaking up the picturesque vineyard and lake views. Enjoy a personalised yoga session tailored to the group, including modifications for all levels. $165 per person
Yalumba: The Signature Tour
Barossa Valley, SA
This journey into the provenance of one of Australia’s most iconic wines begins with an introduction to the story of Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz and the sentiment it holds for the people of Yalumba. Next, you’ll be escorted to the Signature Vineyard at Lights Pass, home to the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown for The Signature, for an unforgettable tasting among the vines, overlooking spectacular views of the Barossa Valley.
Upon returning to Yalumba, your experience continues with a private tasting of a yet to be released, current release & a Museum Release of The Signature before a tour through the Hill-Smith family’s private museum cellar. Round off a captivating morning with lunch prepared by a local chef, paired with Yalumba’s Rare and Fine collection in one of Yalumba’s iconic dining spaces. $550 per person.
Montalto: Estate to Plate – A Gourmet Indulgence
Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Take a guided exploration of the 75-acre Montalto estate on an Estate to Plate experience. This immersive adventure includes a stroll with the chef through the expansive kitchen gardens and a seated tasting in the Alto room, with panoramic views overlooking Montalto’s Red Hill vineyards. Next, experience Montalto’s estate to plate philosophy in action, with a stunning 5-course tasting experience with award winning wines. After lunch, continue your exploration of the property, with a self-guided tour of the estate’s natural wetlands, olive grove and extensive permanent sculpture exhibition. From $210 per person.
Printhie Wines: Sparkling Masterclass
Orange, NSW
Take an immersive journey to discover the art of méthode traditionnelle sparkling, from base wine to the disgorging and ageing process. Awarded Best Sparkling at the NSW Wine awards in 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Swift Sparkling reflects exceptional cool climate craftsmanship that continues to raise the bar for Australian sparkling. The Sparkling Masterclass includes a private tasting of the Swift Sparkling range and a delightful three-course alfresco lunch in the rustic Chaff Shed. $240 per person
Vasse Felix: Cape to Vine Day Trip
Margaret River, WA
Experience the power of the Indian Ocean and the unique and pristine flora and fauna of the Margaret River region on this walking tour with award winning track specialists, Cape to Cape Explorer Tours. After working up an appetite exploring the wonders of the track, indulge the senses at Margaret River’s founding wine estate, Vasse Felix.
Go behind the scenes to meet a winemaker and enjoy a tasting of the Vasse Felix Collection. Your experience also includes a walking journey through the original vineyards of Margaret River, learning about the unique geology and climate of the region that defines the wines of Vasse Felix.
Take your new wine knowledge with you into the world of food and wine pairing at the Vasse Felix Restaurant where you’ll meet the Chef while enjoying a five-course tasting menu paired with wines, before selecting your choice of a bottle of Vasse Felix Premier wine to take away and share with your friends and family. $560 per person.
Mandoon: Bush Tucker Tasting
Swan Valley, WA
The Swan Valley region holds a truly unique history influenced by the traditional owners of the land Mandoon Estate is located on Noongar land. In keeping with its indigenous heritage, Mandoon Estate offers Bush Tucker Tasting, a unique opportunity to listen to the stories of this area and learn about local indigenous food and culture from Noongar Elder, Dale Tilbrook. Starting with a glass of sparkling wine, taste some traditional bush food with Dale and listen to stories from decades past about indigenous farming methods and the history of the Noongar peoples from this ancient land. $59 per person (for groups of 3 adults or more).
Audrey Wilkinson: Picnic Among the Vines
Hunter Valley, NSW
What could be better than a summer picnic among the vines? At Audrey Wilkinson in the Hunter Valley, your picnic is preceded by a self-guided tour of the onsite museum, followed by a master class and premium tasting. Then, collect your bottle of handpicked wine along with a picnic hamper and select a scenic location on the 270-acre property to enjoy the picturesque view as you savour artisan goodies and impeccable wine. $80 per person.
Discover more winery experience gift ideas here: www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au