05 FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 565 | FREE
GOULBURN RIVER & RANGES
CELEBRATING A CENTURY
OF FAMILY LEGACY AT
TAHBILK WINERY TAHBILK WINERY MARKS 100 YEARS OF PURBRICK FAMILY OWNERSHIP IN 2025
The Purbrick family’s legacy continues to thrive as Tahbilk Winery, Victoria’s oldest family-owned winery, prepares to celebrate a remarkable 100 years under family stewardship. Founded in 1860, the winery will ring in its centenary of ownership with an exciting year of festivities, featuring over 100 events throughout 2025. As the winery embraces this significant milestone, fourth-generation winemaker Alister Purbrick reflects on nearly five decades of leadership and the journey that brought Tahbilk to this notable juncture. Having taken charge in 1974, Alister has been instrumental in transforming Tahbilk into a pioneer of sustainable winemaking, gaining international recognition for its unique varietals, particularly Marsanne and Shiraz. One of the wine industry’s most enduring contributors, Alister is keen to reflect on his almost 50 years as part of the business, what he considered as he has appointed a CEO (Ross Sudano) and Chief Winemaker and General Manager (Joanne Nash) from outside the family and how this impacts the future business direction. “When I took over running the estate in 1978 from my father John, I was a passionate 24-year-old keen to make a mark. Over almost 50 years, working with my incredible team and family members, I have left a distinctive mark however, it's time for others to take the lead as we head into our second century of ownership, Alister said. “From the improvements to our winemaking practices in the 70s and 80s to the extensive environmental regeneration of our wetlands, my inaugural stint and founder of Australia’s First Families of Wine to our achievement of Carbon Zero status in 2012, and there is much to look back on proudly. “However I am most proud of my family’s custodianship of Tahbilk over a century. From my great grandfather’s daring and confidence in buying the estate sight unseen whilst living in England to the vision, commitment, hard work and ability to weather the storms of
the generations that followed him to create the Tahbilk we know and love today. This is an incredible tale of family trials, tribulations and successes. Quite a story!” With Alister now retired but still actively involved in the winery's future through his position on the Board and Family Council, leadership has transitioned to new faces. CEO Ross Sudano and Chief Winemaker Joanne Nash, both hailing from outside the family, bring fresh perspectives while respecting the traditions that have defined Tahbilk. In recognition of his significant service to the wine industry, Alister was awarded an Order of Australia medal (AM) in the General Division in 2025’s Australia Day Honours. The prestigious accolade acknowledges his lifelong dedication to the industry, having served in over twelve roles with numerous wine industry peak bodies as founder, chairman, director, president, and member. Adding to the excitement, Tahbilk has partnered with the Western Bulldogs Football Club, which is also celebrating its centenary in 2025. Collaborative events, product giveaways, and shared values around family involvement underscore the spirit of community that defines both organisations.
With an extensive program of events planned - 100 events for 100 years - wine lovers around the country can join in the celebrations. A new limited-edition range of wines has been released to mark the milestone, so there will be something for everyone. Named the Centennial Range, the range features limited museum releases, including a Sparkling Marsanne, Riesling, Marsanne, Old Block Cabernet, Old Block Shiraz and a fortified Shiraz, highlighting the varieties that the estate does best, with Marsanne and Shiraz at its heart. The estate boasts one of the largest plantings and oldest Marsanne vines (1927) in the world, rivalling many in its spiritual home of the Rhone Valley in France. The year ahead will be a tapestry of stories, events, and shared memories, reflecting a century of hard work and dedication. For the latest information on events and special releases, community members can join the Tahbilk Wine Club, ensuring they stay connected with all the festivities planned for this momentous occasion. The legacy of the Purbrick family and the continued evolution of Tahbilk Winery serve as a proud reminder of Nagambie’s rich viticultural history. Here's to 100 more years of winemaking excellence!