From the rolling vineyards of Pokolbin to the foothills of Orange, Tamburlaine Organic Wines has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most innovative and boundary-pushing wine producers. Embodying a commitment to organic viticulture and consumer-driven solutions, Tamburlaine’s story is about far more than just making great wine—it’s about rethinking how wine can be produced, packaged, and enjoyed in an ever-evolving industry.

A Visionary at the Helm

At the heart of Tamburlaine’s success is Mark Davidson, Managing Director and Head of Grape and Wine Production, who has spent more than half his life shaping the winery’s organic identity. A psychology graduate turned vintner, Davidson was first drawn to the Hunter Valley for its untapped potential. Back in the late 1980s, he joined forces with other forward-thinkers in the region to rebrand it as “Hunter Valley Wine Country.” Fast-forward to today, and it’s one of Australia’s most beloved wine destinations, known for both exceptional wine and the memorable cellar-door experiences that define a trip to Pokolbin.

Yet, long before words like “sustainability” and “eco-friendly” became buzzwords, Davidson and the Tamburlaine team were busy cutting back chemicals in their vineyards and experimenting with methods to enrich soil health naturally. Their early foray into organics was an exercise in trial and error—a labour of love that ultimately positioned Tamburlaine as a national leader in organic viticulture.

From Screw Caps to Flat Bottles: Never Shying Away from Change

Tamburlaine has never been afraid of breaking tradition if it means delivering a better product to consumers. Davidson points to the introduction of screw caps in the early 2000s as a game-changer for Australian wines. While some old-world producers clung to cork, Tamburlaine joined a movement that dramatically improved quality consistency and reliability.

Now, they’re at it again—this time with recycled PET bottles. Their Lizard Drinking range comes in flat, rectangular bottles made from 100% recycled Australian PET plastic. Light, durable, and featuring a low carbon footprint, these striking bottles challenge what it means to be “premium.” For Davidson, it’s simple: “These bottles align with modern lifestyles, combining convenience with quality.” And for those wondering, the tongue-in-cheek label ‘Lizard Drinking’is a playful nod to the Aussie idiom, “flat out like a lizard drinking.”

Low & No-Alcohol Innovations

The ever-growing market for low and no-alcohol beverages hasn’t gone unnoticed by Tamburlaine. Partnering with Adelaide University, the winery has refined its Jack Squat zero-alcohol wines and even introduced a 4.5% alcohol line called Half Cut. Free of added sugar and designed to maintain a satisfying wine palate, these products cater to health-conscious consumers who still want complexity in their glass. Davidson sees huge potential here: “There’s an opportunity to expand into a larger market with major retailers selling our Jack Squat range of zero alcohol wine products.”

Celebrating a Historic Milestone

Tamburlaine’s reputation for quality was cemented recently when the 2023 Reserve Orange Syrah became the first organic wine ever to be named NSW Wine of the Year at the NSW Wine Awards. For Davidson, this accolade felt like confirmation of what the team already knew: organic wines can match (and often exceed) the calibre of conventional counterparts. “I was thrilled for the whole team; it’s a great achievement,” he says.

Expanding Palates with Unique Varietals

While Tamburlaine’s core line-up includes everything from Shiraz to Chardonnay, Davidson has personal favourites he hopes will gain a bigger following among visitors to Pokolbin. For those craving something beyond the usual, he recommends:

• Gewürztraminer Riesling: Crisp and dry with an aromatic punch that holds its own against popular whites like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Grenache: Approachable and aromatic, it’s a softer red style that’s perfect for casual sipping.

Beyond Wine: Herding Cats Gin

A “happy accident” led Tamburlaine to branch into distilling, and the result is the Herding Cats gin range. Made with organically certified botanicals, the gins represent a true grape-to-bottle approach—meaning Tamburlaine produces its own neutral spirit in-house. Few Australian distillers can claim that level of vertical integration. With three distinct gins on offer, it’s yet another reason to visit Tamburlaine’s cellar door and discover something completely new.

Planning Your Visit

A trip to Tamburlaine’s cellar door in Pokolbin is more than just a tasting—it’s a journey into one of Australia’s most forward-thinking wineries. Here’s what to expect:

• Organic Tastings: Sample the wide variety of organic wines, from fresh whites and elegant reds to sparkling cuvées. Staff are happy to discuss the complexities of organic viticulture and share insights into each bottle’s flavour profile.
• Scenic Surroundings: You’re in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country, so soak in the views of gently sloping vineyards and gum tree-lined roads—plus the occasional kangaroo hopping by at dusk.
• Gins & Low-Alcohol Options: Whether you’re driving or simply looking to cut back, there’s a range of no- and low-alcohol offerings to explore. And if you fancy a foray into spirits, don’t miss the Herding Cats gin selection.
• Wine Club & Events: Tamburlaine hosts events throughout the year that celebrate the region’s natural bounty—keep an eye on their calendar to get the most out of your Hunter Valley getaway.

Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow

Tamburlaine’s real distinction lies not just in what’s poured into your glass, but in a holistic philosophy that spans soil health, eco-friendly packaging, and consumer inclusivity. Whether it’s switching to lighter machinery in the vineyard or finding new ways to meet diverse tastes, Tamburlaine proves that innovation and environmental stewardship can—and should—go hand in hand.

As Davidson succinctly puts it, “We want people to appreciate how seriously we’ve dedicated ourselves to making high-quality wine.” Judging by the awards, the rave reviews, and the smiles on visitors’ faces, it’s clear they’re succeeding.

Visiting Tamburlaine Organic Wines

• Cellar Door: 358 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
• Website: tamburlaine.com.au
• Hours: Typically open seven days for wine tastings (check their site for exact hours and any event closures).
• Contact: +61 2 4998 4200 or email info@tamburlaine.com.au for bookings and enquiries.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine collector, a curious newbie, or someone simply looking to explore the beautiful Pokolbin region, a visit to Tamburlaine Organic Wines is certain to broaden your palate and spark your imagination. After all, winemaking isn’t just about tradition here—it’s about embracing the future one sip at a time.