Tasting from the barrel

LOCAL wineries are opening up their barrel rooms for a unique tasting weekend next month.

Visitors to several of the region’s top wineries will be invited to sample wine straight from the barrel and get up close and personal with the art of making wine.

Bendigo Winegrowers Association president, and winemaker at Mandurang Wines Wes Vine said the special event has sold out in previous years and is a great way for winemakers to gain awareness.

“It gives people an insight into how the year’s vintage is made, and how that compares with different vintages both in the barrel and in the bottle,” Mr Vine said.

“The events are generally small and intimate, and people are guided by the winery owner or winemaker.

“People can step into the shoes of the winemaker and learn the tricks of the trade and taste wine straight from the barrel.”

Participating wineries are Mandurang Valley Wines, BlackJack Wines, Connor Park Winery, Sutton Grange Winery, Sandhurst Ridge Winery, Balgownie Estate and Killiecrankie Wines.

The wine on offer will be at different stages of maturation, allowing for visitors to taste the differences between bottled wine and wine stored in barrels.

The event takes place on the weekend of 10 July and 11 July with tasting sessions at 11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm on each day. Tickets are available at bendigowine.org.au.