We came, we saw, we sipped in Seymour and its surrounds, and here's what we can tell you ...
Nestled where the Goulburn Valley unfurls its vineyard-rich landscapes - a richly woven tapestry of rivers, soils, and slopes — Seymour and its surrounding region have quietly blossomed into a haven for discerning wine lovers. It's more than a charming country town—we and other foodies believe it to be the heart of Victoria’s evolving wine story.
As people who travel for the perfect pairing of local produce and elegant wine, we were privileged to spend time here, in order to develop your must-sip guide to engaging with the region’s winemaking heritage and vibrant present.
A Goulburn Valley Legacy in Every Glass
Seymour marks the southern gateway to the venerable Goulburn Valley wine region, an area shaped by the hills of the Great Dividing Range and cooled by the Goulburn River. These conditions have long fostered excellent viticulture, especially for Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and—most notably—Marsanne. The region boasts the oldest and largest plantings of Marsanne in the world, lending it a unique pedigree in Australian winemaking.
Wine by Sam — Urban Taste, Rural Roots
In the heart of Seymour, Wine by Sam stands out as one of Victoria’s rare urban wineries. A unique urban cellar door right in Seymour’s main street, where you can sample local drops, enjoy light meals, and catch live music in among a working winery vibe.
Founded by Sam Plunkett and Bronwyn Dunwoodie, this beautifully converted mid-century industrial site now houses a retro-chic cellar door where you can watch wines being made and sample an impressive range. From Shiraz and Viognier to creative blends such as “The Halo Effect” and “Stardust & Muscle,” their award-winning vintages reflect nearly three decades of craft.
Wineries of Victoria So Where Next
Fowles
Fowles is another family-owned winery, cellar door and restaurant in Avenel, regional Victoria. Nestled in the rugged, beautiful, and unforgiving Strathbogie Ranges, they continue to break ground as one of Australia’s finest cool-climate wine producers and one of Victoria’s most welcoming farm, food, and wine experiences. Savour a seasonal, Farm to Table menu in the modern restaurant or outside in out courtyard, with menus curated to perfectly match our delicious wines. A children’s playground in the courtyard makes it perfect for the whole family.
Takeaways - This is a cool-climate gem: family owned, lauded for their award-winning wines and sustainable ethos, plus a fantastic farm-to-table restaurant and cellar door - Ref: AustralianFarmers.
Pairing Tip: Try their elegant cool-climate Shiraz or Viognier with earthy mushroom dishes, heritage pork, or locally sourced charcuterie.
Heritage at Tahbilk & Neighbouring Cellar Doors
Tahbilk Winery, located just north near the Nagambie Lakes, is Victoria’s oldest family-owned winery, founded in 1860. Renowned for its historic architecture, wetlands, and as the world’s largest producer of Marsanne, Tahbilk pairs heritage charm with modern sustainability—now certified carbon-neutral thanks to innovative environmental efforts.
Why Go: Victoria’s oldest family-owned winery, with roots back to 1860. It’s a historic oasis with vine-clad wetlands, carbon-neutral practices, and some of the oldest Shiraz and Marsanne plantings in the nation Wineries of Victoria
Don’t Miss: The atmospheric cellar door in original 19th-century vats, eco-cruises through billabong-studded wetlands, wine-blending workshops, and a “Perfect Pairing” tasting that marries Shiraz and Cabernet to artisan chocolates Daily Telegraph.
Pairing Tip: Let their signature Marsanne shine with creamy local goat cheese; aged Shiraz or their unique Flood Blend (a vibrant multi-varietal white) harmonize beautifully with smoked meats or charcuterie beside the river Daily Telegraph
Unique Architecture adds another flair in nearby Mitchelton
Just 15 minutes from Seymour, this iconic estate offers a wide range — whites, reds, rosé, sparkling — nurtured both on-site and sourced across Central Victoria Explore Seymour - Seymour Victoria
Enjoy a riverside tasting on the terrace or a curated wine-matched meal at Muse Restaurant, complete with scenic Goulburn River views.
Since their founding in 1969, they have been dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of our picturesque surroundings, the team at Mitchelton proudly maintains a sustainable ecosystem inspired by our close connection to the Goulburn River. Framed by red gums and indigenous flora and fauna, the river plays a vital role in their holistic approach to winemaking. Specialising in Shiraz, Riesling, and Rhône blend wines, their winemaking team is celebrated for capturing the unique regional character of their estate-grown varieties.
A micro-winery can be added to the schedule for those who want a little extra culture
Located just outside Seymour, Rocky Passes Estate microwinery and vineyard also features a cellar door, along with a gallery and furniture making studio.
Kensington Wines is its owner, located just beyond Seymour and offering approachable, fruit-driven wines ideal for casual sipping Travel Victoria. Great for pairing with seasonal antipasti or regional cheeses.
Finally, there's Sommerset Vineyards - Also noted among the local boutique vineyards around, delivering artisanal wines that often surprise with bold personality — perfect for pairing with textured dishes like spiced lamb or savory tarts.
Top Tips for the Discerning Visitor
- Book ahead for cellar-door tastings at Tahbilk and Mitchelton, especially for seated experiences, blending sessions, or pairing tastings
- Timing matters: Visit Tahbilk on a Sunday or public holiday for the farmer’s market or live-music Sunday Sips, and enjoy the estate at its vibrant best
- Bring a picnic blanket: Ideal for pairing blanketing cheeses from Tahbilk with wine under shady gums alongside the billabong
- Explore the landscape: Cradled by the Goulburn River and the Dividing Range, the region adds scenic depth to every glass
Final Thought
For lovers of vineyards, artisanal pairings, and stories steeped in history, the Seymour region unfolds like a well-aged vintage—complex, charming, and deeply satisfying. Whether you're savouring cool-climate pinots or historic Marsanne, this is wine tourism that speaks to the soul and The New Crossing Motel can provide you with the necessary rest for you at the end of your day of exploring!
Indeed, Seymour and its surrounding region have quietly blossomed into a haven for discerning wine lovers.
