Urban Winery Sydney: Wine Blending Session

If you’re looking to get closer to the art of winemaking without leaving Sydney, the Urban Winery Sydney offers a wine blending session that’s as educational as it is enjoyable. Nestled in the Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park, this two-hour experience combines a guided tour of a modern winery with a chance to craft your own signature blend, sample regional wines, and enjoy some local cheeses and charcuterie.

For about $118.79 per person, you’ll spend time with knowledgeable hosts—like Issy, who gets rave reviews for her friendly and relaxed style—and learn how wines from three different NSW regions are made and tasted. Two specific things we love: first, the hands-on blending activity that turns wine tasting into a creative experiment; second, the delicious pairing of wines with local cheeses and charcuterie, making the whole experience more flavorful and social.

A possible consideration: this experience takes place in a winery setting that’s somewhat intimate and relaxed, so if you’re someone who prefers larger, more fast-paced tours or isn’t keen on tasting multiple wines, it might feel a bit slow or intimate for your taste.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers eager to understand the process, those interested in blending their own wine, or anyone wanting a fun, relaxed activity during a Sydney visit. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate good food, local craftsmanship, and unique experiences that go beyond just sipping wine.

Key Points

• Hands-on blending activity makes this experience interactive and memorable.
• Tour of urban winery facilities offers insight into modern winemaking techniques.
• Tasting six regional wines broadens your palate and understanding of NSW wine regions.
• Complimentary cheeses and charcuterie enhance the tasting experience, adding local flavors.
• Take-home souvenir bottle provides a tangible memory of your personal blend.
• Private tour ensures an intimate, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for learning and fun.

In-Depth Look at the Urban Winery Sydney Experience

Location and Setting

Located within the lively Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park, the Urban Winery Sydney offers a convenient and appealing spot for this short yet engaging activity. Its proximity to public transportation makes it accessible without the hassle of navigating Sydney traffic—ideal for visitors who want a well-organized, comfortable experience.

What the Tour Includes

The experience begins with a warm welcome, where you’ll meet your guide, likely someone like Issy, described by previous participants as friendly, knowledgeable, and easy-going. Following this, a short tour of the winery’s facilities introduces you to the state-of-the-art winemaking equipment and the process behind regional NSW wines. This behind-the-scenes look offers practical insight into how grapes transform into bottles, which is perfect if you’re curious about the technical side of winemaking.

After the tour, you’ll settle among barrels and sample six wines from three distinct NSW regions. Each wine has a story, and you’re encouraged to explore the aromas, textures, and flavors, which are complemented by a thoughtfully curated assortment of NSW cheeses and charcuterie. These local snacks are not just filler—they elevate the tasting, allowing you to focus on how each wine pairs with regional flavors.

The Creative Blend

The highlight of the session is when your group receives measuring cylinders and half an hour to create your own blend. This is where the experience turns playful: you’ll experiment with proportions, blending different wines to suit your palate. Many reviewers find this part particularly fun, especially as it transforms wine tasting from passive sipping to active creation.

Once your blend is ready, it’s judged in a blind tasting, with everyone having a say. This judging element adds a friendly competitive edge that enhances the social aspect of the session. As one reviewer noted, the staff like Issy are not just guides but educators who help you understand what makes a balanced wine, which elevates the experience beyond just drinking.

Take-Home Memories

After the tasting and blending, you have the option to purchase additional wines from the cellar door, but the free souvenir bottle of A. Retief wine—your own blend—makes for a lasting memory. If you wish, the staff can bottle and label your creation, with delivery arranged for the following week at an extra cost.

Food and Beverage Quality

The complimentary cheese and charcuterie platter is carefully curated, adding an authentic local touch. It’s a nice accompaniment that balances the tannins and acidity of the wines, making the tasting more enjoyable and satisfying. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and variety of the snacks, making this part of the experience feel well thought out.

Timing and Logistics

Tours run weekly on Tuesdays at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, as well as on the second Sunday of each month from 3:00 pm. The two-hour duration ensures you get enough time for a tour, tasting, blending, and socializing without feeling rushed. The private group setting enhances the relaxed atmosphere, allowing for questions, conversation, and genuine interaction.

Cost and Value

At just under $120 per person, this experience offers considerable value. You get a guided tour, six regional tastings, a personalized blending activity, cheeses, and a souvenir bottle—all in a well-organized, friendly environment. Compared to other wine experiences, this is accessible, fun, and very practically designed for a memorable outing.

What Reviewers Say

Nadean_T summed it up perfectly: “Issy was friendly, knowledgeable, and easy-going. It was a fabulous thing to do if you enjoy your wine—we learnt so much about tasting wine, and it was great fun to blend our own.” The combination of learning, fun, and tasting makes this experience appealing to a broad range of visitors.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour suits travelers who want an interactive, educational, and social activity. It’s perfect if you enjoy local wines and good food, or if you’re simply curious about the art of blending. It also appeals to those who appreciate small, intimate groups and a relaxed environment where they can ask questions and explore their palate.

If you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even solo but looking to meet like-minded wine enthusiasts, this activity offers a warm and welcoming space to do so. It’s especially suited for adults over 18 who want to learn about NSW wines while having a fun, hands-on experience.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
Children are permitted within the winery, but the tasting and blending activities are for guests aged 18 and over. Service animals are allowed.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about two hours, starting at 3:00 pm on the specified days.

Can I purchase additional wines?
Yes, extra wines are available for purchase at the cellar door if you want to take some home.

Is the experience private?
Yes, this is a private tour, so only your group will participate, making it more comfortable and personalized.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the experience is usually booked 11 days in advance on average, and booking ahead guarantees your spot.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine. Since part of the experience involves standing and sitting among barrels, dress comfortably.

Can I bottle my own wine?
Yes, your blend can be bottled, labeled, and delivered to your address for an additional cost, usually the following week.

To sum it up, the Urban Winery Sydney wine blending session offers a well-rounded, engaging way to experience wine in a relaxed, friendly setting. It’s perfect for those curious about the process, who love to taste regional wines paired with local cheeses, and enjoy a bit of creative fun. Whether you’re a wine novice or an enthusiast, this activity provides a meaningful taste of NSW wine culture, topped with a memorable personal touch.