The Cottam family has long lived in the Tumbarumba district: four generations lived in and worked the land.

First raising cattle, the family eventually established a butcher shop in the town, and abattoir on the outskirts of Tumbarumba.

Each element of Mount Tumbarumba Vineyard is tied to deep respect for the history and the land. Richard Cottam, the fifth generation to grow up in the town, felt a deep connection to the area. He and his wife, Elvie Yates would go on to continue working the ‘butchers block’ establishing a new legacy on the land owned by previous generations of the family. The couple established the vineyard in 1988.

The pair would plant their first vines in 1990, while simultaneously caring for their children and juggling full-time work in Canberra.

By 2010 the family would purchase the property, now home to cattle and of course, the vineyard.

Surrounded by picturesque mountains, this peaceful, rustic setting takes you behind the scenes of the winemaking journey.

The cellar door experience has earnt the vineyard awards, earning the Gourmet Traveller Wine’s Best Tasting Experience and Star Cellar Door for the Tumbarumba Region in 2022.

Visitors meet the grape growers, hear the stories behind the wines and taste the fresh wines at the vineyard, often leaving with a story of their own.

Mount Tumbarumba Vineyard specialises in cool climate wines such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling varieties. Producing just six wine varieties in total, the exclusive offerings of the vineyard are limited to about 200 cases per variety.

The low yield means that the fruit is flavourful but limited to a small quantity. In 2021, the vineyard was awarded at the Australian Highlands Wine Show, with the 2021 On the Fly Rosé winning Best Rosé in Show.

The vineyard is passionate about avoiding artificial fertilisers and pesticides, instead opting for a cleaner, gentler approach. The vineyard uses micro-organisms to feed the soil, ensuring the boutique wine selection remains clean.