Winemaker for a Day - Harvest Edition

Winemaker for a Day 

Ever dreamed of making your own wine? Well, now’s your chance! At Winemaker for a Day, you’ll step into the boots of a real winemaker (grape-stained feet and all) and experience the magic of winemaking from vineyard to glass. Start your morning with grape picking in our beautiful vineyard, followed by a well-earned breakfast to fuel the adventure ahead. Then, it's time to get hands-on with grape processing and even a bit of traditional foot stomping—just like the old-world winemakers used to do!

After all that hard work, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch with a guided wine tasting to reward your palate. But the experience doesn’t stop there! A special guest presenter will lead a masterclass, sharing insider knowledge about winemaking, tasting techniques, and what makes great wine truly special.

As the sun starts to set, we’ll wrap up with cocktails, nibbles, and plenty of good company. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just here for the fun (and the wine), this is a day you won’t forget. So roll up your sleeves, grab a glass, and let’s make some wine together!

Your Winemaking Adventure

Vintage season is a wild, unpredictable time in the winery—every day brings something new. We won’t know the exact lineup of activities until closer to the date, but here’s a sneak peek of what a day in the life of a winemaker might look like:

⭐7:30 AM – Meet at the brand-new Bent Road Wine School for first breakfast (yes, there are two!) and a much-needed coffee while we brief you on the day ahead. Crash course in grape picking included.

⭐7:45 – 9:45 AM – Head to our vineyard (or a short self-drive to a nearby vineyard) and get picking! We’ll fill a couple of bins—about a tonne of grapes—while soaking up the crisp Granite Belt morning.

⭐10:00 AM – Back to the winery for second breakfast (because winemakers get hungry!) and a behind-the-scenes tour to see how we turn grapes into the good stuff.

⭐10:30 – 11:30 AM – Time to process the grapes, which includes a chance to get very sticky with some good old-fashioned foot stomping!

⭐12:00 – 1:00 PM – Freshen up and join us at the Wine School for a delicious lunch, paired with Junger Wein—young, partially fermented wine straight from the vats and barrels.

⭐1:00 – 4:30 PM – The afternoon is all about learning, tasting, and exploring. You’ll enjoy expert-led masterclasses and tastings, featuring the Bent Road team and guest presenters.

⭐4:30 – 5:30 PM – Cocktail hour! After a full day of winemaking, sometimes you need something other than wine. We’ll serve up refreshing cocktails, local beers, and nibbles in the cellar door.

⭐From 5:30 PM Onwards – You’re free agents, but the wine team will likely end up at the pub for post-vintage drinks and dinner—open invite if you’re keen!

What’s Included?

✔️ Two breakfasts (because one is never enough)
✔️ Vineyard and winery experiences
✔️ Lunch with Junger Wein tastings
✔️ Masterclasses and expert-led tastings
✔️ 6 bottles of your personally labelled wine (delivered later)
✔️ A Bent Road wine glass to take home
✔️ Tasting notes, curated materials, and insider knowledge
✔️ Cocktail hour drinks and nibbles

What’s Not Included?

❗ Transport – You’ll need to get yourself to the Wine School and possibly a nearby vineyard. (Please let us know if you’ll be driving during or after the event.)
❗ Accommodation – We recommend staying in Ballandean, ideally within walking distance. Let us know if you need suggestions!
❗ Dinner – Not included, but you’re welcome to join us at the pub after!

Further details will be sent via email upon booking and as the event approaches.

Come for the grapes, stay for the wine… and the cocktails… and the memories.✨