Lobethal winery Tilbrook Estate launches new cellar door, 15 months after Cudlee Creek bushfire destruction

He felt like giving up many times, but a Lobethal winemaker who lost nearly his entire vineyard in the Cudlee Creek fires is about to open a new cellar door.

Lobethal winemaker James Tilbrook is raising his glass to better times ahead with the opening of a new cellar door this weekend.

The owner of Tilbrook Estate lost 90 per cent of his vineyard to the Cudlee Creek bushfires in December 2019, leaving him and wife Annabelle fighting an upwards battle months on end.

While there were many moments the couple felt like giving up, their unwavering dream of opening a cellar door is now only days away.

From 11am to 5pm Saturday, Tilbrook Estate will officially re-open to the public for weekend wine tastings and small food platters.

Three cheers to new beginnings. James Tilbrook will open the doors to his new cellar door over the Easter weekend, 15 months after losing 90 per cent of his vineyard in the Cudlee Creek bushfires. Picture: Tom Huntley

Tilbrook Estate owner James Tilbrook outside the new cellar door in June last year. Picture: Roy Van Der Vegt

Artisan pizza will also be served from June with construction still underway on a new kitchen.

Mr Tilbrook said the opening of the cellar door marked an important milestone in their recovery.

“The meaning of Easter is resurrection and new life and one could say it’s the same experience we’ve had here – a phoenix rising from the ashes,” Mr Tilbrook said.

“So it’s fitting to open the cellar door for this occasion but there’s also been the aspect that we just wanted to get it all done.

“We’re definitely looking forward to opening and I think we’ll get a good crowd and already have a booking for 20 people on Sunday.”

Mr Tilbrook said the new cellar door was a dream come true and would eventually be able to host weddings and function.

90 per cent of the vineyard was destroyed by the fire.

Broken wine bottles at Tilbrook Estate Winery, which was destroyed by bushfires.

“It’s been a long road to recovery and we’re still not there yet but the most positive thing so far is the fact that we managed to get our new cellar door finished and to the same design that we originally wanted,” he said.

“It’s a Zero Net Carbon building … which means it’s cool in summer and warm in winter.

“Also, the installation in the ceiling doesn’t burn and that was really important for us as it will stop a fire getting into the roof.”

Tilbrook Estate will be serving and selling their Hope wine range, which was produced with the help of donated grapes to keep the business afloat following the fires.