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Celebrating 20 Years of the Tahbilk Estate Restaurant
A place where wetlands, wine, and family vision come together
Twenty years ago, Tahbilk set out to create a space that would gently connect two sides of the Estate: the historic winery and Cellar Door on one side, and the flourishing Wetlands on the other. The result was the Tahbilk Estate Restaurant, a warm, inviting building designed to sit comfortably between heritage and landscape.
At the same time, Robert “Bobo” McMaster was actively shaping in the development of the Wetlands, restoring habitat, laying boardwalks, and helping to establish the re-vegetation corridors that now link farmland and vineyards. The electric-powered Eco-Cruise boat had begun operating, giving visitors a quiet way to explore the waterway. People were slowing down, staying longer, and clearly needed somewhere to eat, recharge, and take in what they’d just experienced.
A Building That Bridges Two Worlds
To bring this vision to life, the family turned to local architect and builder Alby Richardson, the talented mind behind Moncrieff’s Winery in Nagambie and the distinctive OzPak bottling line. He understood regional character and had a knack for creating buildings that settled into place rather than demanded attention.
The resulting design, with its sweeping roofline and ironbark cladding, created a natural, grounded presence overlooking the Wetlands. It’s a structure that quietly links Tahbilk’s 19th-century story to the landscape that continues to evolve around it.
Opened With Heart
On 16 December 2005, the restaurant was officially opened by Lois McMaster, marking a milestone in Tahbilk’s continuing story. A plaque commemorating the occasion is set into the wall, a gentle reminder of the people and moments that shaped this part of the Estate.
A Home for Dalfarras
From the beginning, the restaurant was also designed to showcase Dalfarras wines, the label carrying the maiden name of artist Rosa Purbrick. A dedicated tasting area was included in the original layout, and Rosa’s artworks, many created for Dalfarras labels, still grace the walls today. They add colour, energy, and a lovely insight into the family’s creative side.
Sustainability in the Fabric of the Place
The restaurant emerged during a period when Tahbilk’s environmental work was becoming more defined. That early momentum is now carried forward by Hayley Purbrick, who has continued to champion sustainability and thoughtful land stewardship across the Estate.
And in a fitting full-circle touch, Robert McMaster, who helped shape the Wetlands in its earliest days, now captains the Eco-Cruise boat, sharing not just the landscape but the legacy behind it.
Twenty Years of Good Food and Good Company
For two decades, the Tahbilk Estate Restaurant has welcomed families, friends, travellers, locals, wine lovers, long lunches, and those simply searching for a quiet meal by the water. It has become a place where celebrations unfold, conversations linger, and the view does half the talking.
This 20th anniversary belongs to everyone who has supported the restaurant, those who’ve worked within its walls and those who’ve filled its tables with warmth and memory.
Marking the 20-Year Milestone
To celebrate this special anniversary, guests dining with us on Saturday, 20 December will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, a small gesture of thanks to everyone who has supported the restaurant over the past two decades.
