Get a Grape Education at Hunter Wine Theatre

The fun side of seeing a winery in action is when the grapes are being picked and put through the crusher at the winery – which for the Hunter Valley happens mostly in January and February. For the rest of the year action in the winery is generally pretty quiet. Luckily, you can experience a whole year of winemaking condensed into a short 15-minute visual presentation at the Hunter Wine Theatre at Hunter Resort.

The presentation gives the audience an insight into the Hunter Valleys wine heritage, grapevine maintenance and the steps in the winemaking process. After the presentation, you are invited to a 15-minute wine tutorial with the Cellarmaster.

What’s the difference between a wine tutorial, and a wine tasting?

A wine tasting is where you taste various wines and hopefully like them, and purchase a few to take home with you, whereas a wine tutorial takes participants on a learning experience with a bracket of four wines. The Cellarmaster will teach you how to taste front palate sweetness, acidity, and back-palate tannins, and most importantly exercising your nose to appreciate the bouquet of the wine you are tasting.

The full half hour experience is just $30pp, and the Hunter Wine Theatre is open every day at 10am and 3pm. Individual bookings are not required, however, numbers are limited for each show and times may vary so be sure to check the website at www.hunterresort.com.au/wine-theatre. Of course, if you have a group, you will definitely need to book your own private viewing time by calling (02) 4998 7777 (ext 5).

Once you have been fully educated in the winemaking process, the Hunter Wine Theatre also offers a more hands-on education with their Hunter Valley Grape Stomping and Barrel Rolling experiences.

There is nothing like the feeling of grapes between bare toes. Jump in the oak barrel to experience the age-old tradition of pressing by foot or “grape stomping”.

There is also the opportunity to get a group of friends or colleagues together for the fun experience of Barrel Rolling!

Costs for the Grape Stomping and Barrel Rolling Experiences are subject to grape availability, and minimum numbers do apply, so booking is essential. Visit www.hunterresort.com.au