Site 5: Slate Tank – Constructed from Mintaro Slate
As you continue walking towards the vines, you’ll notice a large Slate vessel on your right.
While today’s production of wines is predominantly modern, we continue to practice many traditional winemaking techniques, including Slate fermentation.
Slate tanks like this were historically valued for their excellent temperature regulation, helping to maintain a steady environment crucial for the production of high-quality wines. The neutral surface ensures the pure fruit characteristics shine through, without adding any unwanted flavours or aromas. Durable, these tanks were built to last—and they certainly have!
Today, we use six of these vats every year to produce our premium, small-batch red wines.
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Watch the Video
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For the Kids
Q: At Sevenhill we’ve used Slate for building and in these fermenters. Do you know a popular game that is played on a Slate table? A: Pool, Billiards and Snooker are all played on Slate tables!
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Fun Fact
Unlike modern tanks that use machines to push down the grape skins, or cap, into the juice, these tanks are completely handled by hand. Twice daily, a cellar hand has to climb scaffolding (in harness) and plunge the cap down under the juice using a heavy metal plunger. This is laborious work, but traditional to Sevenhill, and ensures adequate flavour, colour, and tannin development from the skins.
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Directions
To go to Site Six: Old Vines, continue walking to the West towards the vineyards. When you pass the carport, follow the path to the right, then follow the vines around to your left as you reach the junction. You will notice some rows come out closer to the road; these mark the beginning of the old vines.
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