Len Evans Museum ~ Open Labour Day

The Len Evans Museum at Tahbilk: A Chronicle of Wine History

The Len Evans Museum, nestled within the historic Tahbilk Winery in Victoria, Australia, is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the country's most influential wine figures, Len Evans AO OBE. Renowned for his pivotal role in shaping Australia's wine industry, Evans' connection to Tahbilk adds a rich layer to the winery's storied history.

Len Evans: A Visionary in Wine

Arriving from England in 1955, Len Evans became a pioneering force in Australian wine culture. He introduced wine columns to Australian media, notably with his 'Cellar Master' column in The Bulletin from 1962 to 1988. Beyond journalism, Evans was instrumental in establishing and leading significant wine enterprises, such as Rothbury Wines, and authored comprehensive guides that educated both consumers and industry professionals. His contributions extended to wine judging, where he garnered international acclaim for his expertise and advocacy for excellence in winemaking.

The Len Evans Museum: A Chronological Depiction of Tahbilk's History

The Len Evans Museum at Tahbilk offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Australian winemaking history. The collection chronologically depicts Tahbilk’s evolution, beginning in the early 1860s. It includes some of the oldest bottles in Tahbilk’s collection, such as a notable bottle made by appointment to H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh. This curated selection highlights the evolution of winemaking techniques and celebrates the enduring quality of Tahbilk’s offerings.

The Historic Building: A Journey Through Time

The museum is housed in a building with a rich and varied history. Initially, the structure served as a church for the local community. An excerpt from Victoria in 1880 mentions:

“…a gigantic pile of excellent bricks made upon the estate and lying ready for construction of the Chateau itself, a building shortly to be erected in this lovely locality, is a meet dwelling place for a Master Spirit of the whole…”

Later, the building was repurposed as a grain store before being converted in the 1970s for bottle storage and washing. At that time, it housed a large tank into which wine was pumped from the cellar and filtered back through to the filter and corking machine. The daily output averaged 250 dozen bottles. When the orchard cellar and underground connecting tunnel to the new cellar were completed in 1993, the old church was transformed into what is now the Len Evans Museum.

Today, the museum serves as a venue for tastings, meetings, and winery functions. A unique feature of the space is its glass floor, allowing visitors to look down into the underground cellars, providing a striking visual connection to Tahbilk’s historic wine storage.

A Time Capsule of Tahbilk’s Legacy

The museum also houses a time capsule containing two Tahbilk wines, placed by The Hon. J. M. Fraser M.P. on November 16, 1975. This capsule is a tangible connection to the winery’s storied past, preserving its legacy for future generations.

Open for the Labour Day ~ Monday 10th March 

For those eager to immerse themselves in this remarkable slice of Australian wine history, the Len Evans Museum will be open on Labour Day, Monday, March 10th. Visitors will have the chance to explore the museum and gain a deeper appreciation for Tahbilk’s enduring contribution to Australian winemaking.

The Len Evans Museum at Tahbilk celebrates the passion, dedication, and collaborative spirit that defines Australia’s wine industry. Through Len Evans’ remarkable journey and his connection with Tahbilk, visitors are invited to explore and appreciate the rich heritage and ongoing evolution of Australian winemaking.