Tahbilk

One of Australia's oldest continuously operating wineries, Tahbilk sits on the banks of the Nagambie Lakes in central Victoria, where vines have been growing since 1860. Few wineries anywhere in the country can match that kind of history, and fewer still have remained in family hands throughout. A visit here is as much about stepping into living wine history as it is about what's in the glass.

The Wines

Tahbilk's signature variety is Marsanne, and it's the wine most closely associated with the estate. The Nagambie Lakes region — with its lakeside location, moderate climate, and well-suited soils — provides conditions that produce an elegant expression of the variety. Marsanne from this site is known for developing complexity with age, and Tahbilk's museum wine collection is a testament to just how well their examples can evolve over decades.

Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon round out the core range. Both reflect the region's capacity to produce structured, refined reds without the weight that warmer climates tend to bring. If you're tasting across the range, the contrast between the delicate Marsanne and the more substantial reds gives a good sense of what the Nagambie Lakes can do.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door at Tahbilk carries the weight of its age well. Heritage buildings and a traditional winery atmosphere set it apart from more contemporary cellar doors, and there's a tangible sense of place that comes from tasting wines in a facility that has been operating continuously for over 166 years.

Tastings of the core range are available at the cellar door. Current tasting fees, formats, and any booking requirements aren't confirmed here, so it's worth checking Tahbilk's website or contacting them directly before you visit — particularly if you're coming with a group.

Organised winery tours are also on offer for those who want to go deeper into Tahbilk's winemaking history and techniques. Given the age of the property and the extent of their museum wine collection, a guided tour is worth considering if time allows.

Food and Dining

There's an on-site restaurant where you can dine with views over the winery. It's designed to complement the wine range, making it a practical option if you're planning a full day visit rather than a quick tasting stop. Current menu details and reservation requirements will change seasonally, so check the website or call ahead to confirm availability and book a table.

History

Tahbilk was established in 1860, which places it among the oldest family-owned wineries in Australia. Continuous operation across generations in the same region is unusual in Australian wine, and Tahbilk's longevity reflects both the quality of its site and the commitment of the families who have managed it. The winery's museum collection — holding vintage wines spanning many decades — is one of the more remarkable aspects of the estate, offering a rare window into Australian wine history.

Getting There

Tahbilk is located in Tabilk, near the town of Nagambie in central Victoria, roughly two hours north of Melbourne via the Goulburn Valley Highway. It's a straightforward drive and a reasonable day trip from the city, though the region has enough wineries to justify an overnight stay.

Public transport options to the area are limited, so driving is the most practical approach for most visitors. The property has on-site parking and is noted as caravan-friendly, though it's worth confirming dedicated caravan facilities or coach parking arrangements directly with the winery before arriving.

Visitor Tips

• Check the website for current cellar door hours and restaurant booking availability before setting out — particularly on weekdays or in quieter seasons
• Autumn (March–May) coincides with harvest, bringing vineyard activity and vintage events
• Spring (September–November) offers pleasant weather and generally smaller crowds
• Allow enough time to explore the historic buildings and vineyard rather than treating it purely as a quick tasting stop
• Tahbilk sits within the broader Nagambie Lakes wine region, so combining the visit with other local wineries along a planned route makes for a well-rounded day or weekend trip