Winemaking: behind the scenes

A new calendar for 2013 offers a behind the scenes glimpse of life as a winemaker.

Compiled by TheCellarHand.com, which acts as a forum for flying winemakers and people looking to work a vintage, the calendar features snapshots and profiles of individuals working – and playing – at wineries around the world.

Read on for a preview, or to order your own copy of the calendar, priced at £7.99, visit TheCellarhand website.

February 2013: Domaine Yves Cuilleron, Chavanay, France

Domaine Yves Cuilleron, Chavanay, France

Name: Louise

Origin: Lyon, France

Describe Domaine Cuilleron in three words: a CDR highlight

Favourite wine: L’Amarybelle

Next destination: Chile

March 2013: Brancott Estate, Marlborough, New Zealand

Brancott Estate, Marlborough, New Zealand

Name: Cecilia

Origin: Argentina

Describe Brancott in three words: huge, cold, wet

Favourite wine: the late harvest

The best thing about working a vintage: The people, the money, the sunny days, the hours on top of tanks or tankers waiting for them to fill up which give you great personal insight, the “smokos”, the ping pong, how fit you get, how satisfied you fill after setting up a whole line, doing things you never thought you were able to do.

Next destination: any opening will be considered

May 2013: Stonestreet, Healdsburg, US

Stonestreet, Healdsburg, USA

Name: Lizemari

Origin: South Africa

Describe Stonestreet in three words: Quality, elegance, great

Favourite wine: 2007 Legacy

Best single experience at Stonestreet: I had the opportunity to learn more about the different vineyard blocks and varieties that are planted by Stonestreet

Next destination: Australia/New Zealand

July 2013: Matua Valley, Waikoukou Valley, New Zealand

Matua Valley, Waikoukou Valley, New Zealand

Name: Benjamin

Origin: Chile

Describe Matua Valley in three words: fun, great atmosphere

Favourite wine: Sauvignon Blanc

Best single experience at Matua: they gave us some grapes to make one barrel of our own wine

Next destination: Mornington Peninsula, Australia to learn more about cool climate Syrah

October 2013: Henschke, Keyneton, Australia

Henschke, Keyneton, Australia

Name: Josh

Origin: Barossa Valley, Australia

Describe Henschke in three words: quality without compromise

Favourite wine: You can’t go past the Hill of Grace

The best thing about working a vintage at Henschke: working with such old vines – up to 152+ years old on the Hill of Grace vineyard!

Best single experience at Henschke? Tasting the 1962 Hill of Grace

Next destination: Burgundy

November 2013: Quinta de Roriz, Douro, Portugal

Quinta de Roriz, Douro, Portugal

Name: Eurico

Origin: Douro, Portugal

Describe Quinta de Roriz in three words: professionalism, quality, happiness

Favourite wine: Chryseia