Plymouth’s Largest Winemaker Opens Doors to Small Group Tours and Tastings

Robert Mullaney, Vintner and co-owner of the 1620 Winery in Plymouth will begin offering the public a behind the scenes look at his award-winning winemaking operation at Plymouth’s historic Cordage Park. The once-monthly events dubbed “The Vintner’s Experience” will be a combination winery tour and tasting hosted by the winemaker himself. Visitors (21 and older) will have the opportunity to learn about the art and science of winemaking direct from the expert, witness the bottling process, visit the winery’s private barrel room where they can sample from an array of Mullaney’s own 1620 Winery vintages, many of which have medaled in regional wine competitions.

Mullaney, a third generation winemaker in the Sicilian tradition plans to host just one of these tours and tastings per month beginning January 24^th and will cap attendance at 20 people per event.

“The structure of the Vintner’s Experience is intimate by design. I want to ensure that people who enjoy wine and are curious about winemaking can really take something away from the experience of getting up close to the process. As a winemaker I am obviously passionate about the enjoyment of wine. I want to create a space where anyone from novice to expert can learn and ask questions about all aspects of wine, from harvesting and aging to bottling and pairing and then enjoy a glass or two together at the bar. I think it’s the ideal mix of educational and social.” Mullaney said.

Winery Co-owner and the winemaker’s wife, Raquel Mullaney says these events at their rustic winery are ideally suited for social couples looking for a different kind of night out, small groups of friends or an offsite gathering of colleagues from work.

“The 1620 Winery is more than just the home of our winemaking operation, it’s also a one of a kind event venue that just makes people’s jaws drop the first time they enter. With soaring ceilings, exposed beam and brick, roaring fireplace and incredible rustic charm our fully restored historic winery is a wonderful place to spend any kind of evening. Attending the Vintner’s Experience can just be a great excuse to come down and hang out.” Raquel Mullaney said.

Mullaney comes from a long line of winemakers. The tradition started with Mullaney’s Sicilian grandfather. Though he passed before Robert could be trained by him directly, Mullaney grew up surrounded by uncles who were carrying on the family tradition, from whom he learned a great deal. Robert began making wine on his own while in his early twenties. It became a lifelong obsession.

His first winery was a modest one, occupying a section of the basement of his home. But just like his passion for the craft, the winery grew quickly and soon encompassed the entire basement plus a 3 car garage. His only assistants in those days were his four young children.

Years later, after he and Raquel sold their successful home health business, Robert saw an opportunity he could not resist when both a small winery on Plymouth’s waterfront and a larger mill building in Cordage Park both became available. The couple leased the buildings with a vision to turn the smaller space into a cozy wine bar and the bigger building into a large scale winery and event venue.

Today, the 1620 Winery and Wine Bar stand as the fulfillment of that dream. With nearly 30 different vintages under the 1620 label, Robert’s distinctive wines have medaled Gold, Silver and Bronze in competition. The winery and the wine bar now have a staff of 8 including an assistant winemaker.

For schedule information and to purchase tour and tasting tickets visit https://1620winery.com/events