Tallis Wine FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Tallis.
Q. When did your wine journey begin? The Tallis family has been part of the Dookie district for several generations; we planted our first vines in 1997 and now have 60 acres in our vineyard. Richard & Alice Tallis are committed to producing 100% estate grown wine reflecting the unique Dookie ‘terroir’, warm climate and distinctive ancient red hills.
Q. What else is grown on your farm? Tallis Wine is run alongside traditional farming enterprises including wheat, canola and sheep. We enjoy living and working on our property, closely monitoring the development of our vines, grapes and wine and it is extremely satisfying to oversee the whole process from vineyard to table.
Q. Is this the first time vines have been planted in Dookie? No. In the late 1800s Dookie flourished with expansive vineyards and at its peak produced one-third of Victoria's wine. Annual wine balls were held on the Tallis property in a vast and still undiscovered, cellar buried beneath the Dookie Hills. Unfortunately in the early 1900’s during the ‘grape glut’, government offered farmer’s subsidies to plant wheat and subsequently the Dookie vineyards were removed.
Q. Where is the wine made? Our winemaker Richard Tallis handcrafts our reds on the property in a small converted stable in collaboration with consulting winemaker Victor Nash. We pick our grapes using a combination of hand and machine pick depending on the season, which are then crushed and fermented in open vats, hand plunged and then aged in a selection of new and old French and American barrels.
Q. What is your philosophy around growing and making wine? We are committed to a low input sustainable system. Our viticultural practices demonstrate our respect for the environment and our philosophy of encouraging bio-diversity in the vineyard extends to the minimal use of additives in the winemaking process. To avoid using large air-conditioning systems our wine is stored in a purpose built environmentally sound straw bale barrel hall, which Richard Tallis built using bales grown on the property.
Q. Who was the Silent Showman? Our Silent Showman range is named in honour of Sir George Tallis (Richard’s great grandfather), who was a live theatrical entrepreneur in the 1920s and the man behind the world's largest entertainment organization J.C. Williamson, Melbourne. He was a quiet man, not given to self-promotion hence he was known as The Silent Showman.
Q. What is the Tallisman Club? We hand select and generously discount for people who love our wine and want to relive and enjoy the Tallis experience all year round. It’s the best value this side of the black stump, with first access to new release wine plus you’ll save 25% on current price list. To join you need only commit to twice-yearly wine deliveries. You can join online or email info@talliswine.com.au
Q. What has happened to your cellar door? Richard and Alice have recently leased their cellar door building to locals (Tess, Hannah, Jarrod and Luke) and this much-loved Dookie destination has now evolved into a new business, ‘Rye at Tallis’. The cellar door building has been reimagined into a wine bar and events space, where Tallis wine will be showcased, in the hills where it was born, alongside other local beverages and regional produce from across the valley. Pouring from Thursday to Sunday 11am - 5pm. Booking in advance is recommended. T. 0437 825 547
Q. Where can I taste Tallis Wine? To taste Tallis wine with a sense of place, in the hills where it was born, visit ‘Rye at Tallis’ located hillside on the Tallis property. You can also find us across the Goulburn Valley; our wine is available from restaurants, cafes, bars and bottle shops across the valley or by joining the Tallisman Wine club or by purchasing online.
Q. When is the Rock Correa walking track open? Currently Closed. Due to the current biosecurity risk in Australia of Foot & Mouth disease our walking track is temporarily closed until the threat has passed. The land that encompasses the walking track is part of a working farm, running sheep and due to the number of visitors to the walking track, there is potentially a major biosecurity risk. We thank you for your understanding and hope you will still visit us at cellar door.
Q. How do I stay in touch? To stay updated, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, join the Tallisman Club or visit our website. www.talliswine.com.au
