Meet Your Maker
History
The Meet Your Maker program was created by a handful of McLaren Vale wineries who believed that combining their efforts would not only benefit their own wines but the region itself. Over the years the program has grown from strength to strength with 2011 being our most successful year so far. Due to this success we now have over 28 McLaren Vale wineries participating this year to host over 120 interstate key trade accounts.
Purpose
The Meet Your Maker program is designed to provide key trade influencers an understanding of what makes McLaren Vale such a beautiful place to visit, grow produce and make outstanding wine. Each year we hand pick thirty guests from each of Victoria, New South Wales/ ACT, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia to visit McLaren Vale on a two day intensive tour of the region to experience our wine and people.
Two Days
Throughout the two days guests are greeted by local winemakers at a series of intimate wine varietal tastings designed to provide an enjoyable learning environment where the winemakers showcase their wines and share their experiences and knowledge of the region.
It’s not all serious though, guests are treated to dinner at the famous Russell’s, breakfast on the beach, a tour through some of our best vineyards and a helicopter flight which highlights the beauty and diversity of the landscape.
Feedback
“Not only was it extremely educational but it was a lot of fun. I certainly had a great two days and got a lot out of it. … The wineries we visited now have increased representation here at Five Way Cellars. Over the weekend just gone we featured 12 McLaren Vale wines in our Saturday tasting which received a positive response…” Ches Cook, Five Way Cellars, NSW
“thank you for an enlightening, adventurous and most enjoyable 2 days in the McLaren Vale... The experience has revived my passion for the McLaren Vale and its wine region & I feel very honoured to have shared in such an experience” Gio Musolino, Portobello, SA”
“I have been to the McLaren Vale region previously but now I have a much better understanding of not only the wines, but the terrior and characters that make the wines. Please feel free to send in your Queensland reps and I'll look at ranging more McLaren Vale vino.” Jason Kaeser, Harry Browns, QLD
“Thank-you for the opportunity to explore the terroir of the McLaren Vale. I now have a much better understanding of the geology and geomorphology and am armed with plenty of info to support the products which we sell. The trip was very well organised and very professional. It surely exceeded every body's expectations. I think you now have many new ambassadors for McLaren Vale”. Jack Nolan
Invitation only
Attendance is by invitation only. If you are a wine buyer for a restaurant or retail premise please speak to your McLaren Vale wine distributor who may be able to put forward your name for nomination.
Further information is available by contacting Stacey Richardson, Marketing Coordinator, McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association, 08 8323 8999 or email at Stacey@mclarenvale.info
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