2025 marks an extraordinary milestone for one of Victoria’s most treasured wine institutions. Tahbilk, the state’s oldest family-owned winery (est. 1860), will celebrate 100 years under the stewardship of the Purbrick family. Five generations strong, the Purbricks have dedicated themselves to preserving, evolving, and enriching the estate, and this centenary will be commemorated with over 100 celebratory events throughout the year.
“When I took over the estate from my father John in 1978, I was a driven 24-year-old, eager to leave my mark,” reflects fourth-generation winemaker Alister Purbrick. “Nearly five decades later, I’m proud of the legacy my family and I have built with the help of our passionate team. As we step into our second century, it’s time for others to guide Tahbilk into its next chapter.”
Alister Purbrick
Alister’s leadership has been transformative, from pioneering winemaking innovations in the 1970s and 1980s to spearheading extensive environmental restoration of Tahbilk’s wetlands. Under his guidance, Tahbilk became a founding member of Australia’s First Families of Wine and, in 2012, achieved Carbon Zero certification—a first in the Australian wine industry.
Yet, amid the celebrations, Alister and the family are deeply focused on the responsibilities of land custodianship and the long-term future of Tahbilk. Now retired from day-to-day operations, Alister remains an active board member and part of the Tahbilk Family Council, helping shape the winery’s future while living on the estate that has been his home for decades.
In a significant generational shift, Tahbilk has recently appointed Ross Sudano as CEO and Joanne Nash as Chief Winemaker and General Manager—both coming from outside the Purbrick family. “While this marks a new direction for the business, I’m most proud of how our family has safeguarded this estate for over a century,” says Alister. “From my great-grandfather’s bold decision to purchase the property sight unseen from England to the resilience and vision of each generation since, it’s a story of perseverance and passion.”
Recognising his lifelong service to Australia’s wine industry, Alister was recently awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2025 Australia Day Honours. His contribution spans more than a dozen leadership roles across key wine industry bodies, from founder and chairman to president and director.
To celebrate this historic year, Tahbilk has launched its limited-edition Centennial Range—a collection of special museum releases that showcases the estate’s signature varietals. Among the highlights are a Sparkling Marsanne, Riesling, Marsanne, Old Block Cabernet, Old Block Shiraz, and a fortified Shiraz. Marsanne and Shiraz, in particular, hold a special place in Tahbilk’s history, with the estate nurturing some of the world’s oldest Marsanne vines, planted in 1927, rivaling even the Rhône Valley’s storied vineyards.
Wine lovers across Australia are invited to join in the festivities. With 100 events planned—from exclusive tastings and winemaker dinners to behind-the-scenes experiences—there’s something for every enthusiast.
For those wanting to stay connected during this special centenary year, joining the Tahbilk Wine Club offers early access to news, events, and releases. Membership is free, and sign-ups can be completed at tahbilk.com.au/register.
The Purbrick family’s story is one of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, a true testament to Australia’s rich winemaking heritage.
2025 marks an extraordinary milestone for one of Victoria’s most treasured wine institutions. Tahbilk, the state’s oldest family-owned winery (est. 1860), will celebrate 100 years under the stewardship of the Purbrick family. Five generations strong, the Purbricks have dedicated themselves to preserving, evolving, and enriching the estate, and this centenary will be commemorated with over 100 celebratory events throughout the year.
“When I took over the estate from my father John in 1978, I was a driven 24-year-old, eager to leave my mark,” reflects fourth-generation winemaker Alister Purbrick. “Nearly five decades later, I’m proud of the legacy my family and I have built with the help of our passionate team. As we step into our second century, it’s time for others to guide Tahbilk into its next chapter.”
Alister’s leadership has been transformative, from pioneering winemaking innovations in the 1970s and 1980s to spearheading extensive environmental restoration of Tahbilk’s wetlands. Under his guidance, Tahbilk became a founding member of Australia’s First Families of Wine and, in 2012, achieved Carbon Zero certification—a first in the Australian wine industry.
Yet, amid the celebrations, Alister and the family are deeply focused on the responsibilities of land custodianship and the long-term future of Tahbilk. Now retired from day-to-day operations, Alister remains an active board member and part of the Tahbilk Family Council, helping shape the winery’s future while living on the estate that has been his home for decades.
In a significant generational shift, Tahbilk has recently appointed Ross Sudano as CEO and Joanne Nash as Chief Winemaker and General Manager—both coming from outside the Purbrick family. “While this marks a new direction for the business, I’m most proud of how our family has safeguarded this estate for over a century,” says Alister. “From my great-grandfather’s bold decision to purchase the property sight unseen from England to the resilience and vision of each generation since, it’s a story of perseverance and passion.”
Recognising his lifelong service to Australia’s wine industry, Alister was recently awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2025 Australia Day Honours. His contribution spans more than a dozen leadership roles across key wine industry bodies, from founder and chairman to president and director.
To celebrate this historic year, Tahbilk has launched its limited-edition Centennial Range—a collection of special museum releases that showcases the estate’s signature varietals. Among the highlights are a Sparkling Marsanne, Riesling, Marsanne, Old Block Cabernet, Old Block Shiraz, and a fortified Shiraz. Marsanne and Shiraz, in particular, hold a special place in Tahbilk’s history, with the estate nurturing some of the world’s oldest Marsanne vines, planted in 1927, rivaling even the Rhône Valley’s storied vineyards.
Wine lovers across Australia are invited to join in the festivities. With 100 events planned—from exclusive tastings and winemaker dinners to behind-the-scenes experiences—there’s something for every enthusiast.
For those wanting to stay connected during this special centenary year, joining the Tahbilk Wine Club offers early access to news, events, and releases. Membership is free, and sign-ups can be completed at tahbilk.com.au/register.
The Purbrick family’s story is one of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, a true testament to Australia’s rich winemaking heritage.
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