On Sunday afternoon (7 May 2023) we opened the vineyard gates and hosted an intimate winery experience, as a part of Taste Great Southern 2023.

 It was a cool and overcast afternoon in Denmark when our 14 guests arrived at Castelli Estate.

 Corralling in the alfresco area, everyone was treated to a glass of our Crescendo Methode Traditionelle Sparkling NV to kick off the afternoon.

 Our Chief Winemaker Andrew Vesey and Andrew Potter from the Castelli Group welcomed everyone, before heading down the hill to the vineyard.

 Amongst the vines, an overview of our family, our history and philosophy was followed by the expert insights of Andrew Vesey who guided the group through our freshly harvested Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blocks, discussed the clones we use and explained the final wines they produce.

Celebrating the end of the 2023 vintage, we then showed our intimate group through the winery where they got up close and personal with the tanks and winemaking process.

 Into the barrel room we headed for a vertical tasting of Rieslings. The 2022, 2017 and 2016 vintages were sampled to highlight the differences in vintage and properties of aging. Andrew Vesey then opened up the tank of 2023 Riesling so guests could try the current vintage mid-process.

Following the Rieslings the group tasted the current vintage Il Liris chardonnay (2020), museum release (2013), and were treated to a barrel sample of the 2022 Chardonnay which is still being aged on wood.

 As a group we made our way back up the vineyard to the cellar door and enjoyed a vertical tasting of red varietals, followed by a grazing table of Italian delights.

It was a delightful and intimate afternoon at the vineyard - showcasing more than 13 of our current release and museum wines to our guests.

The Taste Great Southern festival takes place each year and boasts a line up of long lunches, unique dinners, degustations, premium pairing events, markets, music events, wine sessions & masterclasses and more in the region.