Tahbilk Winery

Tahbilk Winery sits on the banks of the Nagambie Lakes in central Victoria, about 90 minutes north of Melbourne — and with a founding date of 1860, it carries more history than almost anywhere else you'll visit on the Australian wine trail. Established during the Victorian gold rush era, it has been in continuous production for over 160 years and remains family-owned, which is reflected in both the atmosphere of the property and the care taken across its wine range.

History

Tahbilk's origins predate Federation, placing it among a small group of Australian wineries that have operated without interruption across multiple centuries. The winery was founded in 1860 and has been closely connected to the Nagambie region ever since. One of its most significant contributions to Australian wine culture has been the early adoption and championing of Marsanne — a white variety that Tahbilk helped establish as a serious proposition in this country long before it gained broader recognition. The heritage buildings on the property have been preserved and add genuine character to a visit.

The Wines

Marsanne remains the variety most closely associated with Tahbilk, and for good reason — the Nagambie Lakes terroir suits it particularly well. The region's clay loam soils and the moderating influence of the nearby lakes create conditions that produce wines with elegance rather than weight. Marsanne typically presents with restrained, honeyed complexity that develops further with age, and Tahbilk's cellar door is one of the few places in Australia where you can taste older vintages of this style.

Alongside Marsanne, the winery produces Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon as signature red varieties — both well suited to the continental climate of central Victoria. The wine shop at the cellar door stocks older vintages and exclusive releases not widely available elsewhere, which makes it worth spending some time browsing beyond the standard tasting range.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door is housed in a historic stone building that reflects the age and character of the property. It's open daily — Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Tastings are available throughout opening hours, though bookings are recommended for groups, particularly on weekends and during school holidays.

The format of tastings and any associated fees should be confirmed directly with Tahbilk via their website or phone, as these details can change. Tasting older vintages and exploring the winery's museum-quality collections are among the signature experiences on offer.

Food and Dining

An on-site restaurant serves food designed to be paired with Tahbilk wines, and platters are available alongside more substantial dining options. Picnic areas on the grounds make this a practical stop for families and groups. As menu details and BYO policies can vary, it's worth checking directly with the winery before your visit.

The Vineyard

Tahbilk is located within the Nagambie Lakes wine region, a sub-region of the broader Goulburn Valley in central Victoria. The lakes play a meaningful role in moderating temperatures, and the clay loam soils across the property provide a stable foundation for the varieties grown here. The result tends toward wines with structure and longevity rather than immediate fruit-forward approachability — a profile that suits Marsanne in particular, as well as the estate's longer-aged red wines.

Getting There

From Melbourne, take the Hume Freeway north and then the Goulburn Valley Highway towards Nagambie. The drive is approximately 90 minutes. The nearest major town is Seymour, about 15 minutes away. Public transport options to the winery are limited, so a private vehicle is the practical choice for most visitors. The address is 254 O'Neils Road. On-site parking is available for standard vehicles, and caravan and coach parking is also present — confirm capacity and access with the winery directly ahead of a larger group or caravan visit.

Visitor Tips

• Allow two to three hours to properly explore the cellar door, restaurant, and grounds — the property rewards a slower visit
• Book ahead for tastings on weekends and during school holidays
• Browse the wine shop for older vintages and limited releases not available in retail
• Autumn (March to May) is the most active time to visit, with harvest and vintage activity adding to the atmosphere; spring (September to November) offers pleasant weather
• Combine with other Nagambie Lakes wineries for a full day in the region
• Caravan parking is available — confirm facilities and access with the winery before arrival
• December to February can be hot; if visiting in summer, plan accordingly