Icons of McLaren Vale

The ultimate McLaren Vale experience - Visit 3 of the McLaren Vale's most iconic vineyards - Hardy's Tintara, Gemtree and d'Arenberg

Hardy's Tintara - Discover the rich history of Thomas Hardy and his wine empire. The story of Hardys begins with the very man who gave us his name, Thomas Hardy. From the moment he arrived in Australia in 1850, his ingenuity, determination and hard work built a business that has lasted 170 years and continuing. 

Gemtree - At Gemtree we have been gifted the opportunity to work a unique patch of earth in South Australia's McLaren Vale. By respecting and nurturing this land we harvest high quality, flavoursome grapes each and every vintage from vineyards farmed with care.

d'Arenberg - The idea to build the d'Arenberg Cube came to Chester Osborn in 2003. Inspired by the complexities and puzzles of winemaking, Chester created the idea of a cube-shaped building. Each of the five levels have been carefully designed to entice and excite the senses, including features such as a wine sensory room, a virtual fermenter, a 360degree video room, and many other tactile experiences.

ITINERARY

11:00 AM -  HARDY'S TINTARA, HIDDEN SECRETS TOUR

Discover the rich history of Thomas Hardy and his wine empire, and how Eileen Hardy became the matriarch of the family she married into and became the First Lady of Australian Wine with an intimate guided tour through the historic Hardys Tintara property.

Meet your host at the Hardys Tintara Cellar Door for ‘elevense’ before you begin your guided tour around the charming, yet captivating property.  Visitors will share in the rich tapestry of the Hardy family history and stories, while exploring unique treasures and memorabilia around the Tintara property that has become synomous with Hardy Wines and remains the home of Hardys.

From the moment Thomas Hardy, our pioneer and founder arrived in Australia in 1850, his ingenuity, determination and hard work built a business that has lasted 170 years.

Your tour concludes with a tasting of four iconic Hardys wines and a Rare Fortified with a taste of locally sourced produce.

1:00PM - GEMTREE, BEING BIODYNAMIC

The moon and nature are key contributors to Gemtree’s wines. Take a walk as we demystify biodynamics with a bite to eat and a glass of wine – of course! Learn about biodynamic grape growing and wine making during a relaxing guided tour of Gemtree’s Biodynamic Hut, and see firsthand how this philosophy is applied in the vineyards. Enjoy a tutored tasting of their certified organic and biodynamic wines as you take in unparalleled views over their vineyards and beyond to the sea.

Complete your tour with a delicious regional platter featuring some of the Vale’s finest produce, cheeses, condiments and locally baked breads along with a glass of Gemtree Regional Wine.

3:00PM - D'ARENBERG, DEAD ARM DISTINCTION TASTING + ACCESS INTO THE SALVADOR DALI EXHIBITION

The d’Arenberg Cube is a five storey multi-function building set among Mourvèdre vines. The building has the optical illusion of floating in a vineyard, each level with spectacular views over-looking the rolling hills of Willunga. Inside you’ll find a cellar door, Singapore Circus Restaurant, and numerous artworks and features throughout curated by chief winemaker and fourth generation family member, Chester Osborn.

Since its release in 1993 The Dead Arm Shiraz has received hundreds of accolades from wine critics and judges all over the world. This self-guided vertical journey offers the opportunity to taste the history of this outstanding wine. With four vintages to explore including the current release vintage and three treasures from the d’Arenberg cellars. Find out why the esteemed Langtons Classification names The Dead Arm Shiraz among Australia’s most collected wines, showcasing “the best of Australian winemaking practices, vineyard provenance and regional voice”.

Salvador Dalí (1904 –1989) is regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Art Evolution is proud to work with The Dalí Universe in Switzerland who are the official publishers of the Salvador Dalí Sculpture Collection. Dali is the most famous of all the Surrealist Artists, an iconic figure and a titan of Modern Art. The exhibition in the d’Arenberg Cube features 25 sculptures and graphics valued at approximately twenty million dollars.

ITEMS TO NOTE:

Dates are subject to availability - final confirmation within 72 hours.
Transfers not included however can be added on during the booking process.