Hidden Gems: Uncovering Wineries in the Boutique Nagambie Lakes Wine Region

Written by: Matthew Raica

|

|

Time to read 4 min

Victoria, Australia, is renowned for its illustrious wine country with dozens of the top grape-growing regions in the country garnering worldwide acclaim. 


One of the hidden gems in the heart of this fertile land is the breathtaking Nagambie Lakes wine region. With its rich history and spectacular landscapes, Nagambie Lakes is home to several top-class wineries that have garnered recognition and awards beyond the borders of Australia. 


Located just a short drive north of Melbourne, Nagambie Lakes wine region is always the first choice for a wine country weekend.  You neeed to change this thinking and move it to the top of your list!  A beautiful, calm region with amazing wine and delicious food should be reason enough to skip the Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula for one trip and try out Nagambie...

In this adventure, we’ll take you on an exciting journey to discover the extraordinary wines of Mitchelton Wines, Tahbilk Winery, and Baptiste/David Traegar, and explore the stories behind their success.

Please note: some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we may get a small commission if you click through and purchase (at no extra cost to you). We only ever promote products we love and use ourselves. Thanks for your support!

Exploring the Nagambie Lakes wines!

Mitchelton Wines

The tower at Mitchelton Wines, a premium Nagambie Lakes Wine producer

Nestled on the banks of the Goulburn River, Mitchelton Wines Estate has been crafting exceptional Nagambie Lakes wine since the 1970s. The estate boasts sustainable vineyards that produce classic varieties like Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, as well as exotic cultivars such as Vermentino, Fiano, Marsanne, and more. 


One of the unique experiences of Mitchelton Wines is their iconic 55 meter tall Ashton Tower. Recently remodeled and reopened, this is a unusual and special tasting location with gorgeous vineyard views. 


The cellar door also offers a range of culinary experiences, including wood-fired pizzas and grazing platters, matched with their finest wines.  If you make the trek to Nagambie in the colder months, a seat next to their massive fireplace makes for a cozy and romantic tasting seat.


Mitchelton’s cellar door is open 7 days a week. Bookings are essential.

Join us on YouTube to see our Nagambie Lakes wine tour!

Tahbilk Winery

Tasting the new release and a museum release of Tahbilk Marsanne, a top Nagambie Lakes wine

Founded in 1860, Tahbilk Winery is one of Australia's oldest and most iconic wineries. The winery is recognized globally for its flagship Marsanne and Shiraz wines, amongst other varieties. Owned by the Pubrick family since 1925 when it was purchased sight unseen, it wasn’t until 1931 the family began renovating the property into the wine powerhouse it is today.  The family continues to honor the legacy of the site, preserving its history, whilst also constantly improving the winery facilities and winemaking styles to ensure they stay on the top of their game as well as the top of many wine lists worldwide.


The estate features a beautiful historic cellar door that overlooks the Tahbilk Wetlands, showcasing the breathtaking natural environment that is unique to this region. Touring the original cellars below the cellar door is amazing as you wander past wine casks dating back to the founding of the winery. Make sure to also wander around the cellar door and, if open, visit the on site museum to delve into the history of the site, the winery, and the Pubrick family.


Tahbilk produces excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz (some of our favourites at this pricepoint in Australia!), but is most well known for its focus on Marsanne; a white variety from the Rhone Valley in France. Known to age well, Tahbilk has one of the largest plantings of this grape outside of France and routinely has museum vintages open for you to try and compare to the news offering.


Tahbilk’s cellar door is open 7 days a week. Bookings are highly recommended, but they will accommodate walk-ins to sample their Nagambie Lakes wine when able. Or book in to the restaurant and enjoy an amazing meal seated next to the Tahbilk billabong!

I love everything that is old; old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wines.

Oliver Goldsmith, 'The Vicar of Wakefield'

Baptiste/David Traegar Wines

The front of David Traeger

David Traegar Wines is a boutique family-owned winery that embodies the true essence of Nagambie Lakes wine. Since its establishment in 1996, the winery has been producing premium quality wines using sustainable and holistic viticultural practices. Their range of wines includes crisp Viognier and Muscat, elegant Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir, and full-bodied Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. 


One of the most charming aspects of this winery is the cellar door experience situated in the cellar of the building, the rustic charm of the brick arches combined with the ornate furnishings gives an old-world feel to the surroundings.


Bookings are required and normally only available on week-ends; however they will accommodate as the winemaking calendar allows!

Some of our favorite products!

Nagambie Lakes wine region creates some highly-regarded and award-winning wines. The region's heritage is steeped in tradition, unique winemaking techniques, and spectacular natural surroundings that make for an unforgettable wine-tasting experience. And just a short drive north of Melbourne makes it an easy day trip to explore this boutique Australian wine region.


If you're a wine lover or traveler planning a visit to Victoria, Australia, make sure to add a visit to Nagambie Lakes to your itinerary. Experience the distinct character and flavors that these three wineries, as well as many other notable wineries in the region, offer in their charming and authentic tasting rooms. 


Nagambie Lakes wine region is waiting to be discovered, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts on this quaint little wine region!

Related Readings

Chloe and Matthew Travel Logo screen