Starting with a glass of brandy but going on to establish a lasting presence in the annals of Victoria’s glorious and rich winemaking history, Tahbilk Estate, located in the Nagambie Lakes wine region in central Victoria, is proudly celebrating 100 years.
Famed for its iconic, full-bodied Marsanne, youthfully intense with citrus, maturing into a serenade of honeysuckle and marmalade, Tahbilk is not only home to one of the world’s largest single holdings of the varietal but is also a renowned vigneron with a diverse portfolio of signature wines.
The estate’s story is deeply intertwined with a family legacy as rich and distinctive as each generational leader. In 1925, Reginald Purbrick purchased Tahbilk after being offered a memorable glass of Chateau Tahbilk brandy, along with the words, “This might be of interest to you, Purbrick.”
That initial spark of interest ignited a five-generation family enterprise, one that has not only left an indelible mark on winemaking but also emerged as a leader in sustainability and heritage preservation.
The legacy continued with Reg’s son, Eric, who revitalised both vineyards and winemaking practices, introducing a focus on table wines and varietal labelling. His son, John, expanded the estate’s marketing and distribution networks, paving the way for Alister, Tahbilk’s first qualified winemaker. Alister served as CEO from 1978 until his semi-retirement in 2022, modernising the winery and its facilities during his tenure.
Since the early 1990s, Tahbilk has been at the forefront of sustainable wine tourism. Alister’s daughter, Hayley, was heavily involved in Tahbilk became an accredited carbon-neutral winery in 2013, achieving a 45 per cent reduction in its greenhouse gas footprint.
As the Purbrick celebrates a century of exceptional wine making, the family remains deeply committed to the long-term sustainability of the Australian wine industry, working tirelessly to ensure it remains responsible, dynamic and supportive for generations to come.
