Palm & Vine
  • Home
  • Free Resources
  • About Me
  • Press & Portfolio
  • Services
  • Contact Me
  • Wine
    • Tastings & Events
    • Wineries
    • World of Wine
  • Rare Varieties
  • Food & Wine
  • Musings

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
 

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Social Links

Free Resources
Contact
Palm & Vine
Palm & Vine
  • Wine
    • Wine Tastings & Events
    • World of Wine
    • Wineries
  • Rare Varieties
  • Food & Wine
  • About
    • My Wine Lifestyle
    • Contact Me
  • Press & Portfolio
  • Services
    • Find Your Marketing Flavor Profile
    • Free Resources
  • WineComm 365
d'Arenberg Cube
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

Why visit d’Arenberg?

  • You want the ultimate wine tasting experience in South Australia
  • You appreciate art and architecture
  • You long for a wine tasting experience showcasing variety
  • You’re in search of the best views in McLaren Vale and/or some Instagrammable scenes
  • You want to be wowed

d’Arenberg -The Winery

d'Arenberg

Established in 1912, d’Arenberg has always been a pioneering force amidst the McLaren Vale wine scene. The winery’s origins can be traced back to some seriously successful horse bets, a failed attempt at a medical degree, and a generous father.  The short of it goes a little something like this – Frank Osborn gets sick during university and fails to obtain his medical degree. Frank’s dad, Joseph Osborn, is balling out following significant success at the horse race track. He decides to purchase the d’Arenberg property, then known as Bundarra, and encourages his son to take up the land. The family soon plants the first vineyards – 8 acres of Shiraz, of course! Frank’s first vintage yields 100 tons which sell for an ‘outrageous’ price (ha!) of 20£ per ton.

d'Arenberg Wines
Two of d’Arenberg’s flagship wines

Frank eventually marries Helena d’Arenberg and, after much encouraging, his wine industry mentor/brother-in-law convinces Frank to start making wine and build a winery of his own. In 1928, Frank begins sales with a dry red table wine and a port style wine intended for the export market. The business continues to grow over the next 15 years. When Frank never fully recovers his health following the Great War his son, Francis d’Arenberg Osborn, a.k.a. d’Arry, leaves school at the age of 16 to work at the winery full time. Decades later, d’Arry launches his own wine label under the name d’Arenberg with the winery’s signature red stripe inspired by his school uniform from Prince Alfred College. Today, current winemaker and 4th generation vintner Chester Osborn (d’Arry’s son) continues the family affair producing interesting Australian wines under traditional, labor-intensive methods.

d’Arenberg produces a massive range of wines from Riesling to Rhône, Bordeaux, Spanish, and even some Italian varieties. Over the years, the wines have received international recognition and awards. The winery is one of few in Australia to find success in exports to the European market. For more on the d’Arenberg story or the numerous accolades the wine, restaurants, and the Cube have garnered, click here.

The Cube

d'Arenberg Cube

Standing as a beacon for the South Australian wine industry and South Australian tourism in general, the Cube offers a wine oriented experience unlike any other. The Cube itself is a multi-level, multi-function building set amongst the d’Arenberg vineyards. You can literally spot it from a mile away beckoning you to come play.

d'Arenberg Cube
Welcomed by Salvador Dalí walking into the cube

The experience begins upon approaching the Cube’s entrance as ambient, sonic-sounding music floats up from the surrounding vines. After being warmly greeted by staff and paying the $10 entrance fee, you are escorted into the sensory room. The walls of this room are dreamily covered in beautiful faux flowers setting an enchanting mood. Glass jugs attached to the walls of the room are filled with different scents of specific aromas you are likely to discover in wine. Guests squeeze the rubber ball to emit the aroma from a small horn attached to the top of the jugs. Then smell aromas of currants, coffee, lemon, vanilla, violets, plum, etc.

The first floor also houses the Alternate Realities museum and a 360 degree video viewing room that details the history of d’Arenberg with some eccentric twists. The other Cube experiences are just a short elevator ride away. The second floor houses the winery offices, function spaces, and is currently home to an authentic Salvador Dali sculptural art exhibit for a limited time.

d'Arenberg Cube
d’Arenberg & Dalí

On the third floor you’ll find the d’Arenberg Cube Restaurant which sort of has this cubic, minimalist vibe that flows with the venue’s other design elements. Michelin starred chefs and husband-wife duo Brendan Wessels and Lindsay Durr have created an exquisite nine or five course degustation menu. Guests can also opt for a more intimate dining experience at the chef’s table.

The cellar door tops the Cube on the fourth floor. Guests are invited to choose from an expansive tasting list of 30+ wines while bellying up to the wrap around bar in the center of the room. And when I say expansive, I mean expansive. Think Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Chardonnay, Riesling, Mencía, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sagrantino, Cinsault, and more! Not to mention dessert and fortified wines. Decorated with whimsical artwork and topped by a screen with moving imagery, this is no regular bar. And not your average tasting list to match.

d'Arenberg Cube
The wrap around bar in the Cube’s 4th floor cellar door

The best part of the Cube’s cellar door are the views! Stepping out onto the balcony on the west side of the building gives the ultimate photo-op with a gorgeous view from d’Arenberg’s estate vineyards all the way to the sea.

d'Arenberg Cube
The gorgeous view from the Cube’s 4th floor cellar door

A second balcony on the opposite side of the Cube provides just as gorgeous views of McLaren Vale’s surrounding vineyards. Even without going outside, you can take in the views through the artistically cut windows while sipping on your vino.

d'Arenberg Cube
Enjoy the vino and the view on the balcony of the Cube

In addition to tastings at the bar, the Cube has a lovely area reserved for seated tastings and a private tasting room for their premium wine flights.

d'Arenberg Cube
Space for seated tastings in the Cube’s 4th floor cellar door

The design is definitely unique and I enjoyed spotting all the details. I especially loved how the elevator doors were framed by an arch of colorful winery pump hoses reminiscent of a rainbow.

d'Arebnberg Cube
Polly – d’Arenberg’s sparkling wine made in the traditional method with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier

The Cube is quite the experience and definitely a must see when visiting South Australia. The eccentric and quirky elements give the venue a unique personality that begs to be experienced. I can’t say I have ever been to a winery quite like this one. 

  • d'Arenberg Cube
    2017 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay – an essential tasting
  • d'Arenberg Cube
    The Twenty Eight Road 2016 Mourvèdre

Tasting & Dining Experiences

The d’Arenberg Cube Entrance & Tasting – $10 per person. Explore all the Cube has to offer and enjoy a tasting with panoramic views in the cellar door. 

Premium Wine Flights – $40 per person. Discover the range of d’Arenberg’s premium wines and explore regional terroir and winemaking techniques in a private hosted tasting.

The Blending Bench – $90 per person. Become a winemaker for a day with this hands on experience where you create your own blend. Then take home a bottle of your favorite creation. 

The Dead Arm Shiraz Vertical Masterclass – $200 per person. Explore six vintages of d’Arenberg’s flagship wine paired with a cheese plate. Take home a bottle of the current vintage release. 

Varietal Discovery Masterclass – $75 per person. Learn how to taste and identify classic grape varieties while enjoying a selection of cheeses.

The d’Arenberg Cube Restaurant Degustation Dining – Open for lunch Thursday – Sunday. $210 per person for the seasonally changing degustation menu. Optional wine pairings available for $95. Extensive wine list features a selection of imported wines along with d’Arenberg’s current vintage and museum releases.

The d’Arenberg Restaurant Chef’s Table – Enquire for Pricing. Offers an extended tasting menu and dedicated sommelier. Enjoy exclusive views into the dynamic, state of the art kitchen. Room for up to six guests.

d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant – Open for lunch daily. Draws inspiration from local and seasonal produce to complement d’Arenberg’s award winning wines and a selection of international treats. 

Polly’s Wine Lounge – Open daily 11am-4pm. No bookings required. Located in the same 19th century homestead housing d’Arry’s Verandah. Enjoy made-to-order platters alongside wines by the glass or bottle. Soak in the views of McLaren Vale from the deck or lawn, or cozy up by the fire.

For more on McLaren Vale, click here.

Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Related Topics
  • Australian Wine
  • McLaren Vale
  • Wine Tasting
  • Wine Travel
  • Winery
Previous Article
Paxton McLaren Vale Shiraz
  • Tastings & Events

2016 Paxton Jones Block Shiraz, McLaren Vale

View Post
Next Article
Paxton Wines
  • Wineries

Paxton Wines – Premium Vineyard Sites in McLaren Vale

View Post

You May Also Like

Zenato Winery Italian Wines
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Wineries

Zenato Winery: Italian Wines in the Heart of Lugana & Valpolicella

Oddero winery in La Morra
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Wineries

Oddero – Barolo Legend Sets the Bar High

Ferraris Ruché
View Post
  • 6 min
  • Rare Varieties
  • Wineries

Discover Ruché with Ferraris Agricola

VikeVike
View Post
  • 5 min
  • Wineries
  • World of Wine

VikeVike Winemaker Simone Sedilesu Was Destined for Wine

Thacher Winery
View Post
  • 7 min
  • Wineries
  • World of Wine

Winemaker Interview: Sherman Thacher of Thacher Winery

Cantina Barretti
View Post
  • 9 min
  • Wineries
  • World of Wine

Cantina Berritta – Exquisite Cannonau in Dorgali

Cantine di Orgosolo
View Post
  • 5 min
  • Wineries
  • World of Wine

Cantine di Orgosolo Produces My Favorite Cannonau Yet

Giuseppe Sedilesu
View Post
  • 6 min
  • Wineries
  • World of Wine

Giuseppe Sedilesu – Experience Cannonau In Barbagia

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Discover Your Digital Marketing Flavor Profile

Winery digital marketing, wine social media marketing, winery brand messaging
about

About

Hi, I’m Nikki. Welcome to Palm & Vine – a wine blog for the adventurous at heart. Allow me to guide you into the world of wine, help you create unforgettable wine pairings, and inspire your wine travels to far off destinations. I can’t wait to savor, sip, and wander together.
Read More

Let’s Connect!

Free resources
Subscribe & Get Access To My Exclusive Digital Wine Resource Library!
Marketing by
ActiveCampaign

Rare Varieties

  • Freisa, italian wine, red wine, piedmont, piemonte italy
    • Rare Varieties

    Freisa – A Rare Italian Red Related to Nebbiolo

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Roero, Arneis, Piedmont Italy, Italian wine, wine region
    • Rare Varieties

    Arneis: Piedmont’s Great White Italian Wine

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Verduno Pelaverga, Piedmont, Cuneo
    • Rare Varieties

    Pelaverga a.k.a. One of Piedmont’s Most Delicious Rare Varieties

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Timorasso, Derthona, Walter Massa
    • Rare Varieties

    Timorasso – From Nearly Extinct to Cult Classic

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • slarina, Italian red wine, Monferrato
    • Rare Varieties

    Slarina: Almost Extinct Age Worthy Red Wines in Monferrato

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post

Watch Wine Masters TV

wine masters TV, wine documentary, learn about wine, wine movies, gaja, mastroberardino, antinori, italian wine, french wine, spanish wine

Instagram

If you’re a wine brand or business struggling with digital marketing and breaking through the noise on social media, I get it.
If you’re slinging wine, then you need to know how to write about it! Nothing groundbreaking, but at the very least you should be able to write enticing tasting notes...
📣📣 Calling all wine brands, wineries, wine shops, and wine businesses! I'm excited to share something I've been cooking up for you...
✨ Save this post for a must-try restaurant for the next time you find yourself in 📍Nuoro, Sardegna…
Are you ready to visit one of the world's most renowned wine regions with me?
Feels like it’s time for a little reintroduction 😊
Follow

Posts You’ll Love

  • aromas in wine, wine tasting, red wine aromas, primary aromas
    Aromas in Wine: 25 of the Most Common Wine Aromas Explained
  • Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
    Exclusive Look Inside Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
  • Bud Break in Burgundy
    Bud Break, Flowering & Fruit Set – Nature’s Gift to Wine Lovers
  • Cannonau
    Sardinian Cannonau is a Global Contender
  • Vernaccia di Oristano
    Vernaccia di Oristano – Sardinia’s Most Fascinating Wine
Palm & Vine Wine Blog

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
 

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Featured Categories

Crostini Appetizer
Food & Wine
53 Posts
View Posts
Yarra Valley Wine Region
Musings
21 Posts
View Posts
Veraison Grapes
Rare Varieties
51 Posts
View Posts
Palm & Vine
Tastings & Events
19 Posts
View Posts
winemaking, wine country, wine region, vineyards
Wine
23 Posts
View Posts
Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
Wineries
35 Posts
View Posts
Vigne Surrau Barrel Room
World of Wine
38 Posts
View Posts
If you’re a wine brand or business struggling with digital marketing and breaking through the noise on social media, I get it.
If you’re slinging wine, then you need to know how to write about it! Nothing groundbreaking, but at the very least you should be able to write enticing tasting notes...
📣📣 Calling all wine brands, wineries, wine shops, and wine businesses! I'm excited to share something I've been cooking up for you...
✨ Save this post for a must-try restaurant for the next time you find yourself in 📍Nuoro, Sardegna…
Are you ready to visit one of the world's most renowned wine regions with me?
Feels like it’s time for a little reintroduction 😊
Subscribe & Get Access To My Exclusive Digital Wine Resource Library!
Marketing by
ActiveCampaign

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Free resources

Pinterest Profile

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

This website uses cookies to function and to track how you interact with the website. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Read More Cookie settings Accept
Cookie Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser, as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Advertisement

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.

 

Loading Comments...