Central Victoria’s Nagambie Lakes is a less trodden wine region, and that’s part of what makes it a beauty of a place. With the glistening reservoir of its namesake and the Goulburn River running through, it sure is serene. Add to that the extensive offerings of its wineries, and you have all that you need for a spectacular retreat.
Fowles Wine
If you like the idea of slowing down the pace and experiencing the connection to the land that farm life provides, Fowles Wine delivers. As part of the cellar door experience here, a focus is ensuring you see the place from vine to glass – and from farm to plate – through the eyes of the producers. Taste the seasons at the Cellar Door Cafe, stop by the Farm Store to gather up some local goods to take home or back to your stay, and enjoy sampling the wines with as much or as little guidance as you’d like. There’s plenty of land surrounding the winery for families to relax and play, and beyond its perimeters, you can explore Ned Kelly country, the Avenel Maze and more.
Perfect for: an overarching view of the region’s wine and produce, all with an inviting country style. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
On pour: sparkling, arneis, vermentino, riesling, rosé, pinot grigio, chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz.
fowleswine.com | 1175 Lambing Gully Rd, Avenel | 03 5796 2150
Mitchelton
The Mitchelton name will be nostalgic for some drinkers, with its wines in production since 1969. Icons such as the Print Shiraz and Blackwood Park Riesling still stand proudly among its range, but there’s a lot that looks different too. The recent revitalisation of the winery has seen it become a bucket-list destination, with its Hecker Guthrie-designed hotel and day spa (including a 20-metre infinity pool), cellar door, restaurant, produce shop and Aboriginal art gallery secluded in the stunning Goulburn Valley enough to entice wine lovers from around the country. Once you’ve had your fill of wine tastings, you can satisfy your appetite with regionally inspired dishes at the excellent Muse Restaurant, grab some gourmet snacks from The Provedore for a picturesque picnic by the river, or head up the Ashton Tower to watch the sun sink below the vines.
Perfect for: a luxe place to base yourself for a weekend of exploring. Open Sunday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, and Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
On pour: sparkling, prosecco, riesling, pinot grigio, chardonnay, marsanne, vermentino, fiano, rosé, pinot noir, sangiovese, nero d’Avola, grenache, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz.
mitchelton.com.au | 470 Mitchellstown Road, Nagambie | 03 5736 2222
Tahbilk
This historic winery is the oldest in Victoria and one of the great names of Australian wine. The original buildings and grounds, established in 1860, have been lovingly maintained, giving you the chance to look back through time. With five generations of Purbricks behind the winery, the family-run element is clear from the experience – expect to be warmly welcomed at the cellar door, and enjoy the award-winning wines without any fees. In addition to the family’s focus on producing consistently exceptional wines, they’re also committed to conservation efforts, with the property providing eco-trails through the wetlands and a cafe on the backwaters of the billabongs where you can spend some time appreciating the views and quiet. For a unique memoir of your visit to the region, book in to blend a red wine and then take your creation home.
Perfect for: soaking up the history and hospitality of this highly awarded winery. Open 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, and 10am to 5pm on weekends.
On pour: marsanne, riesling, pinot gris, chardonnay, viognier, roussanne, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, grenache.
tahbilk.com.au | 254 O'Neils Road, Tahbilk | 03 5794 2555
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