The Thumm family has been involved in viticulture and winemaking for over three hundred years, originally in the Neckar Valley, a tributary to the Rhine in one of the most delightful wine producing regions of Germany.

History saw an extension of the family tradition due to the tumultuous religious wars. New settlements were established in the rich and fertile southern Caucasia in Russia. Here, a substantial winery and Distillery development extended the family experience within the industry. Human upheaval once again sourced natural extension of the family with the immigration of H. Thumm.

He bought his colourful family traditions with him when he emigrated to Australia in 1946. Almost immediately he found the ideal site to begin his new winery: the ruins of a historic flour mill dating from the 1870's situated at the junction of two streams and surrounded by majestic gum trees. This was the perfect base for H. Thumm to forge his life's dream: a winery / chateau complex reminiscent of the old country.

He named the winery "Yaldara", and aboriginal word meaning "sparkling". This is a very fitting name as Chateau Yaldara has become renowned for it's champagnes and sparkling wines.

In 1947 wine production in Australia was still concentrated on ports, sherries and muscats so Chateau Yaldara extended its range to include fine vintages of red and white wines in the traditional European style. These wines quickly developed a large following; Chateau Yaldara expanded rapidly into sparkling wines and champagnes and introduced Spaetlese (late picked) wines to Australia.