victoria & tasmania

CONTENTS

Includes: Sparkling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Other White Varietals & Blends, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Shiraz & Blends, Sweet Whites & Fortifieds.

CELEBRATIONS ON HOLD, BUT OUTLOOK BRIGHT
The Victorian year in review, by Winsor Dobbin.

We now have a fighting chance to compete with better-known visitor destinations.

WHAT was supposed to be a special year for two of Victoria's landmark wine producers turned instead into 12 months of disappointment and cancellations.

For both Tahbilk and Baileys of Glenrowan important milestones had to be put on the backburner as COVID-19 forced closures of cellar doors, bars and eateries throughout the state.

Tahbilk, Victoria's oldest family owned winery, was established in 1860 on the banks of the Goulburn River in the Nagambie Lakes region. Birthday celebrations were moved to 2021, but fourth-generation CEO Alister Purbrick said the winery had enjoyed a good vintage before lockdown.

"Clearly the pandemic has affected Tahbilk from a travel and tourism perspective, but the Tahbilk team is completely confident that these unforeseeable circumstances will see Tahbilk come back stronger than ever,” he said. "What we have noticed is a shift towards the purchase of our premium portfolio, with our iconic 1860 Vines Shiraz and Old Vines Cabernet Shiraz being particularly popular."

The 160th anniversary event is now due to be held on February 22-23, 2021.

Bailey's of Glenrowan, in the north-east of the state, was to have marked its 150th birthday, dating back to 1870 when Varley Bailey and his family established Baileys Bundarra Vineyard and Winery. Baileys remains a boutique winery that showcases