As Victoria’s oldest, family-owned winery, which has been operated by the Purbricks for more than 165 years, familial connection is a core value at Tahbilk.
However, Debbie George, a fourth generation Purbrick, said connection didn’t always happen as naturally as it once did.
“Families can live in different cities, have busy lives or simply lose touch over time,” Debbie said.
“Taking the time to reconnect, even over something as simple as a meal, can be incredibly meaningful, and sometimes one shared experience is all it takes to start rebuilding that connection.”
In early August, nominations opened for Tahbilk’s Long Lost Lunch, an October event that will see one lucky Australian family separated by distance, time or life’s pressures have the chance to reunite at the local winery.
Travel and accommodation will be covered for the selected family, supporting them to have a long-overdue reunion.
Author and public speaker Saroo Brierley, whose 25-year search for his birth family in India inspired the 2016 film Lion, is partnering with Tahbilk and will co-host the event alongside Alister.
“Connection has never felt more fragile,” Saroo said.
“Cost-of-living pressures, geographic distance and growing social divides are causing many Australians to withdraw, making it harder than ever to maintain relationships with family and community.”
Brother to Alister and Debbie, Mark Purbrick, said it was special to be able to share a place that “has meant so much to five generations of (his) family”.
“Tahbilk is about experiences, food, wine and hospitality, but ultimately it’s about people, and there’s nothing more important than family,” he said.
Alister added that offering a family the opportunity to reconnect was very meaningful to the Purbricks.
“Tahbilk has always been a place where people come together, so being able to play even a small part in helping families reconnect is incredibly meaningful to us,” he said.
“For generations, the estate has been part of family gatherings and shared memories, so this feels like a natural extension of what Tahbilk stands for.
“We imagine a great-grandfather meeting their great-grand-babies for the first time, sisters divided by distance or cousins connecting over games by the river.”
Nominations close on Friday, August 28, and the selected family will be notified in September ahead of the October event.
Tahbilk chief executive Melissa Clayton is encouraging Australians to nominate their own family for the chance to reunite in such a special way.
“Don’t wait for the perfect time to reconnect — make the time,” Melissa said.
“We hope this competition inspires families to reach out, come together and create new memories.
“Whether it’s been months or many years, there’s something special about sharing a table with the people who matter most.”
To nominate a family for the Tahbilk Long Lost Lunch, visit tahbilk.com.au/tahbilk-long-lost-lunch-2026
