As more and more wine-lovers become curious about the Indigenous history of the land upon which their favourite grapes are cultivated, a growing number of Australian wine producers are collaborating with their local traditional owners to provide experiences that connect visitors with Aboriginal culture and provide a historical context for the land.
Read on for three Indigenous immersions to enrich your next visit to an Ultimate Winery.
Bush Tucker Tasting, Mandoon WA
The Swan Valley region holds a truly unique history influenced by the traditional owners of the land Mandoon Estate is located on Noongar land.
In keeping with its indigenous heritage, Mandoon Estate offers a unique opportunity to listen to the stories of this area and learn about local indigenous food and culture from Noongar Elder, Dale Tilbrook.
Taste some traditional bush food with Dale and listen to stories from decades past about indigenous farming methods and the history of the Noongar peoples from this ancient land.
Start off with a glass of sparkling wine in Cellar Door whilst a wine educator runs you through the interesting history of Mandoon Estate. Did you know that The Wadjuk had lived in “Man-done” – a woodland or place of tree thickets – and harvested the wealth of this valley for thousands of years?
Tahbilk Eco Trail and Tabilk-Tabilk Indigenous Flora Trail, Tahbilk VIC
Established in 1860, Tahbilk comprises some 1,214 hectares of rich river flats with a frontage of 11 kms to the Goulburn River and 8 kms of permanent backwaters and creeks.
In 1995 the first steps were taken to regenerate the Tahbilk Eco trail area. Additional understory vegetation was planted to provide habitat necessary to attract greater numbers of native birds and animals. Prior to opening in 2005, these efforts were complemented by nature walking paths, timber boardwalks, docking points for the Eco Trails boats and two bird hides. An ongoing works program continues to maintain and enhance the area as an important conservation area.
The Tahbilk Eco Trail can be explored by visitors via a range of walking paths and boardwalks along a 6km circuit. In 2013 Tahbilk became carbon neutral, an extension of the work already completed by the Purbrick family to restore the delicate balance once known by the Daung-wurrung clans.
The Tabilk-Tabilk Wetlands Indigenous Flora Walking Trail is a collaboration between the Taungurung Land & Waters Council, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and the Purbrick family. Launched in March 2021, this walk is a collective gift to both current and future generations. Walk through the trail to learn and grow your understanding of the Taungurung people and the diverse plant species abundant in the wetlands.
Tirkandi, Gemtree Wines, SA
Gemtree Wines in McLaren Vale has partnered with Senior Cultural Custodian, Karl Winda Telfer of Yellaka to share Tirkandi – an inspiring journey of Culture, Connection and Country.
Karl is a senior man from the Mullawirra Meyunna (dry forest people/family clan) which is known today as the Kaurna Nation from the Adelaide region. He is a designer, artist, educator and co-founder of Yellaka – “Old Wisdom – New Ways”, an initiative to keep young people strong in culture and identity, through cultural teachings and learnings.
Sharing his cultural knowledge and connection to country at many places and events, Gemtree is honoured to partner with Karl.
Through small group events taking place from March to October 2021, Karl will share his knowledge and heritage within the idyllic setting of the Gemtree Eco-Trail, set among native gumtrees and wildlife.
The one-kilometre trail reveals the unique and diverse habitat that has evolved through a regenerative commitment to the land by Gemtree owners, Melissa and Mike.
The Tirkandi experience continues in the Tasting Room, where guests can sample some of the finest Gemtree wines.
All Gemtree wines are certified organic and biodynamic, with their exceptional quality and flavours an authentic reflection of their birth soil – wines grounded in the earth.
