Tahbilk Winery

Located on stunning river frontage in the Nagambie Lakes region, Tahbilk Winery encompasses vast river flats and eight kilometres of wetlands. Established in 1860, the property takes its name from the local Taungurong people’s word for the area: “tabilk-tabilk”, or “place of many waterholes”. The winery includes a restaurant and outdoor deck area, plus a cellar door that offers regular guided sessions.

The aptly named Wetlands View Restaurant has a spacious dining room with rafter ceilings and billabong views. To really soak up the day, beeline to the deck that juts out over the water. The menu rotates; depending on the day of the week, it might include small plates such as mushroom and truffle croquettes, or small-batch salami from Kilmore’s Meat Room and pickles. The heartier à la carte menu is on offer for much of the week, spanning “seacuterie” spreads to a hefty chargrilled lamp rump with pumpkin puree, lentils and rosemary jus. The day doesn’t end after your meal – you can wander among the vineyards or head over to the cellar door for a tasting.

The 19th-century space feels like a step back in time, with red-gum pillars, handmade bricks and mudstone still intact. Take a wander downstairs to the underground cellars and smell the history (and of course the wine).