Planted in 1867, the vine has never been watered or fertilised but bears fruit each February or March.

Clare Reeves, who operates the The Vine Chiltern eatery in the historic Star Hotel building, said natural underground springs topped up the old vine.

Ms Reeves said it had produced a decent crop of table grapes during the past few weeks.

“We still get quite a few people coming off the freeway to have a look at it and tour groups through the Athenaeum,” she said.

“Someone visiting from the US said they had seen large grapevines but never as big as this one. We believe it could be the largest in the southern hemisphere.”

The Baxter Sherry grapevine, which measures 186 centimetres at its base, produced a record crop of 2.5 tonnes in 1936. It is in the Guiness Book of Records as the largest in Australia.

The Vine Chiltern, which leases Charlie Summerfield’s property, has hosted dinners under the grapevine by appointment only.