Nagambie Lakes Wine Region

Technically this is a subregion of the Goulburn Valley Wine Region. To the west is the Heathcote Wine Region, and the Strathbogie Ranges and Upper Goulburn regions are to the east. It is centred around the lakes and billabongs of the Goulburn River around the township and Lake Nagambie.

The centrepiece of the region is the historic Tahbilk Winery, until a few years ago it was styled as Chateau Tahbilk. This winery has been in operation since 1860, and for many years was the only winery in the region.

The establishment of Mitchelton in 1969 heralded the renaissance of the wine industry in this region and in Australia generally.

The terroir of the region is well suited for viticulture. Its inland location ensures a high seasonal and diurnal temperature range. Water is available for supplemental irrigation from the river. The soils are varied, but on the sandier soils shiraz was able to withstand the Phylloxera plague of the nineteenth century. Tahbilk has some shiraz vines that were planted in 1860 that are still in production.

For many years Tahbilk's planting of Marsanne was the largest in the world. Now over seventy wineries throughout Australia use this interesting Rhone Variety. Roussanne and Viognier, another two Rhone white varieties, are also favoured in the region.

More recently Tahbilk has broadened their range of varieties to include Pinot gris, Sangiovese and Tempranillo. Among wineries to visit in Australia the beautiful timber building and cellars at Tahbilk are a must see. It is located right on the banks of the Goulburn river and you can see the wharf where wine would have been loaded onto paddlesteamers in the past.

Mitchelton Winery also has a striking building on the banks of the river. Goulburn Terrace use the local favourite Marsanne to make an impressive sparkling wine.

Planning a wine tour to The Nagambie Lakes wine region is easy. The region is about an hour and a half by freeway from Melbourne and is thus an ideal day trip destination. You might like to check out some brochures from tour operators who can help plan your trip.

Here is a map of the region

Some wineries producing wine from alternative varieties in the Nagambie Lakes wine region include

• Dalfaras Marsanne, Verdelho
• David Treager Verdelho
• Goulburn Terrace Marsanne
• Kirwans Bridge Wines Grenache, Marsanne, Mourvedre, Roussanne, Viognier
• McPherson Wines Marsanne, Mourvedre, Verdelho, Viognier
• Mitchelton Grenache, Marsanne, Mourvedre, Roussanne, Viognier
• Tahbilk Grenache, Malbec, Marsanne, Mourvedre, Pinot gris, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Verdelho, Viognier

The Nagambie Lakes Wine Region features in the Victorian Wine Regions Showcase Series