Chance to learn from top Bay vintners

Two of Hawke's Bay's leading winemakers are preparing to open the cellar doors to provide a rare insight into the art of blending red and white wines at two one-off workshops later this month.

They may even let on the odd "secret" when it comes to perfecting a fine wine.

Tim Turvey, co-founder and winemaker at Clearview Estate Winery at Te Awanga, along with his leading winemaker Matt Kirby, are set to stage two three-and-a-half hour specialist workshops - with a spot of long-table lunch in between.

One session will focus on blending red wines while the second will look at chardonnay.

"These are exclusive workshops that will be both interactive and fun," Clearview Estate events manager Kirsty Paddick said.

Mr Turvey said he wanted to share the winemaking process with people who were looking to develop winemaking skills or who were simply curious about what went into the whole blending process.

"We live and breathe winemaking here, so it's a blast to have others share our passion."

Mr Kirby said the workshops were designed to show people what went into making an individual wine unique. "It won't be intimidating or even too serious - the Clearview style is pretty laid back."

People wanting to take part can take in a red or a white session as well as lunch, or put in plenty of time and enjoy both sessions and the midday meal at the Red Shed restaurant.

Those attending the morning red workshop would get to taste their blended efforts over lunch, while those arriving for lunch and the afternoon chardonnay session would sip from a magnum of the acclaimed Reserve Chardonnay, which has won gold or five star awards since first being rolled out 25 years ago.

Tickets for the August 29 events were now available at $199 and $249, depending on the workshop, and can be bought at events@clearviewestate.co.nz.