Australian wineries showcase indigenous culture

Several Australian wineries are celebrating the Indigenous history of the land on which their grapes are grown. 

A growing number are collaborating with their local traditional owners to provide experiences that connect visitors with Aboriginal culture and provide a historical context for the land.

Three members of Ultimate Winery Experiences are among them: Mandoon Estate in Western Australia (above); Tahbilk in Victoria and Gemtree in McLaren Vale, South Australia. 

Mandoon hosts regular bush tucker tastings at its property on Noongar land in the Swan Valley.

These offer visitors an 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 and listen to stories from generations past about indigenous farming methods and the history of the Noongar peoples. 

Tahbilk (above) hosts an Eco Trail and the Tabilk-Tabilk Indigenous Flora Trail. 

Established in 1860, Tahbilk comprises some 1,214 hectares of rich river flats with a frontage of 11km to the Goulburn River and 8km of permanent backwaters and creeks.

IAn 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 of land once owned by the Daung-wurrung clans.

The Indigenous Flora Walking Trail is a collaboration between the Taungurung Land & Waters Council, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and the Purbrick family, who own Tahbilk. 

Launched in March,  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. 

Gemtree Wines (above) 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. 

Sharing his cultural knowledge and connection to country at many places and events, Gemtree is hosting small group events taking place from March to October, 

Karl  shares his knowledge and heritage within the idyllic setting of the Gemtree Eco-Trail, set among native gumtrees and wildlife.

The Tirkandi experience continues in the Tasting Room, where guests can sample Gemtree wines, which are all certified organic and biodynamic. 

Discover more about Ultimate Winery Experiences HERE.