Winter Walk About at Tahbilk: A Seasonal Escape

Winter Walk About at Tahbilk: A Seasonal Escape

Winter has a way of slowing things down—and at Tahbilk Estate, we embrace that rhythm. Mornings begin with mist lifting gently from the wetlands, the vines rest under grey-blue skies, and native birdlife flits between reeds and red gums. It’s the perfect time for a Winter Walk About—a seasonal experience designed for those who enjoy life’s quieter pleasures: good food, time in nature, and the rich warmth of a glass of wine.

Start with Brunch by the Fireplace

Your day begins at the Tahbilk Estate Restaurant, where the fire is lit, the coffee is brewing, and the scent of toasted sourdough and simmering mushrooms welcomes you in from the morning chill. From 8:30am to 10:30am every weekend, the menu celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with a distinctly regional flair.

Savour the Tahbilk Breakfast—a generous plate of poached eggs, smoked bacon, Swiss brown mushrooms, avocado, and slow-roasted tomato on sourdough, finished with soft garden herbs. Or opt for something lighter, like fruit toast with mascarpone and orange marmalade, or a bowl of house-made grain-free granola with blueberries and yoghurt.

Vegetarian favourites, such as the thyme-roasted Avenel mushrooms with taleggio and crispy sage, or the pea, parmesan, and truffle croquettes with poached egg, offer rich, earthy flavours perfect for the season. There’s something for every appetite, whether you’re fuelling up for a long walk or simply lingering over a second cup of tea.

Into the Wetlands: A Winter Wonderland

After brunch, set out on foot into the heart of the Tahbilk Wetlands. A network of walking trails—more than 8 kilometres in total—meanders across timber boardwalks, through river red gum woodlands, and along the water’s edge. In winter, the wetlands take on a soft, quiet magic.

Keep your binoculars close: this is prime birdwatching season. White-faced herons stalk the shallows, while black swans glide in stately pairs across still waters. You might spot a wedge-tailed eagle soaring overhead, or hear the call of a kookaburra echoing through the trees. Each turn in the path reveals something new—a sudden rush of ducks, a shy echidna at the edge of the trail, or the sculptural beauty of a sun-bleached log.

Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or simply in search of fresh air and stillness, this walk offers a rare sense of peace.

Taste the Story of the Land

After your walk, return to the heart of the Estate for a guided wine tasting at the historic Tahbilk Cellar Door. Here, you’ll explore wines that speak of place and patience—from crisp whites with mineral purity to the rich, earthy depth of our aged reds. Your host will guide you through the range, sharing the stories behind our vineyards and the Purbrick family legacy.

Then, step beneath the surface for a guided tour through Tahbilk’s underground cellars—cool, quiet spaces carved out in the 1860s. This is where time slows even further, where barrels rest in silence, and where the spirit of generations past lingers in stone and oak.

Your Winter Walk About Experience

What’s included:

• Seasonal brunch at Tahbilk Estate Restaurant

• Self-guided wetlands walk

• Guided wine tasting at the historic Cellar Door

• Guided underground cellar tour

Price: From $50 per person
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Availability: Saturdays and Sundays throughout winter
Location: Tahbilk Estate, Tabilk

Make a Day of It

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Tahbilk offers a true winter escape—one where time stretches, nature speaks, and history comes alive underfoot. Whether you come for the food, the birds, the wine, or the sheer beauty of the landscape, your Winter Walk About promises a day well spent.

Book