Lake Moodemere Estate, renowned winery of Rutherglen, was first purchased by winemakers William and Arthur Chambers in 1924, and is now owned and operated by Michael and Belinda Chambers.
The Centennial Celebration on 12 October, which is open to the public and will be a night of dancing, wine and canapes.
Lake Moodemere Estate was the first vineyard of Victoria’s High Country to be Sustainably Certified in August 2021.
October 1, 2024 — Lake Moodemere Estate, is celebrating a centenary of passion, dedication and hardwork. The renowned property in the midst of wine country in Rutherglen has developed into a comprehensive tourism business encompassing the 140 year old vineyard, cellar door, restaurant and luxury accommodation. The additional 400 hectare farm produces the exquisite Moodemere Lamb served onsite in the Lakeside Restaurant.
Indigenous recollection of the Moodemere Reserve as a place of ceremony and celebration is said to imbue the area with feelings of contentment and happiness. The tranquil waterfront homestead with its expansive country garden continues to be a sanctuary for family and friends, many of whom will be returning to remember the golden days of their childhood and commemorate the centennial milestone.
Key Milestones:
Circa 1858: William Chambers, one of the founding ‘fathers’ of Rutherglen, establishes Chambers Rosewood Winery, now the longest continuously operating winery in Rutherglen.
1886: The Lakeside vineyard was established by the original owners of the property, the Turner family.
1924: Third and fourth generations of the Chambers family, William and Arthur, expand the family’s landholding with the purchase of Lake Side Estate. The original homestead on the property becomes the family home of Arthur, his wife Peggy, and their seven sons. Fruit from the vineyard, established in 1886, goes into Chambers Rosewood wine production.
1966-2013:Lake Side Estate becomes home to Arthur’s fourth son, Peter Chambers and his wife, Helen where they raise their three children and two foster children. Peter restructures the Lake Moodemere vineyard with modern varieties suited to the region and is a frontrunner in the adoption of innovative agricultural and viticultural technologies.
1995: Lake Moodemere Estate is established by Michael and Belinda Chambers, producing wines that exclusively showcase the single vineyard fruit of the Lake Side Vineyard.
2013: Michael and Belinda repurpose the original homestead to become the Lake Moodemere Estate cellar door, opening the historic property to the public for the first time.
August 2021: The first vineyard in Victoria’s High Country to be Sustainably Certified.
2021-2024: Finalists in Australia’s Top Vineyards, and Joel Chambers named a Young Gun of Wine for viticulture.
2023-2024: Lakeside Restaurant included in the Age Good Food Guide.
In an exciting new development the family have welcomed son, Harry, to the team. Harry’s luxury villas overlooking Lake Moodemere are a testament to his respect for the past and love of salvaged materials combined with a modern take on beauty and style. Bricks sourced onsite from the ruin of the original Seppelts winery feature in the design, while the solid timber doors are handmade by Harry using salvaged fence spacers. Eight guests can be accommodated in Lake Moodemere’s onsite waterfront accommodation, all within easy walking distance of the cellar door.
The late Valerie Buller recalled festivities hosted by Arthur Chambers at the estate in the 1920’s when “dancing continued well into the early hours of the morning, sometimes on the table tops, until the revellers finally slept where they fell”. Parties are in the Chambers DNA so on October 12th they will throw open the doors of the picturesque estate to celebrate the milestone with wine, dancing, live music and canapes throughout the night.
The future is filled with promise for the industrious Chambers family. A fifth generation of children now roam the vineyard and explore the shaded garden. New planting of vines will take place in 2025, and an expanded event space is in the planning.
Tickets for the 100 Year Celebration on October 12th are available via the link: https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=56753&restref=56753&experienceId=286180&utm_source=external&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shared
Book Harry’s on Moodemere via the link: https://book-directonline.com/properties/harrysonmoodemere?locale=en&items[0][adults]=2&items[0][children]=0&items[0][infants]=0¤cy=AUD&checkInDate=2024-10-02&%20checkOutDate=2024-09-19&trackPage=yes&checkOutDate=2024-10-03
To find out more about Lake Moodemere Estate visit moodemerewines.com.au
