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. 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 Dookie locals (Hannah 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 an events space, where Tallis wine will be showcased, in the hills where it was born. Check out their socials or website for more information. Call T. 0437 825 547 to book your next event.
Q. When is the Rock Correa walking track open? CURRENTLY CLOSED.
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
