Small Wonder opens a spectacular new Tasmanian wine tourism venue

Tasmania has a new wine and gourmet tourism drawcard with the opening over the weekend of the Small Wonder cellar door, restaurant and wine library in the Tamar Valley.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff cut the ribbon on the new development, a striking building on the site of what was previously Goaty Hill Wines at Kayena.

The project was conceived by Small Wonder owners, Singapore-based couple Angus Davidson and Tracy Wong-Davidson, whose Overstory company also has properties in Margaret River, Western Australian.

Overstory CEO Paul McArdle said the project aimed to be not only a wine ambassador but also a tourism ambassador for Tasmania.

“When we bought the farm it was conventionally farmed and we converted it to organic so we can run it regeneratively,” co-owner Angus Davidson said. “We firmly believe that healthy soil leads to healthy plants, healthy plants lead to healthy grapes and healthy grapes lead to better wine.”

The winemaking at Small Wonder is the responsibility of Ockie Myburgh, formerly of Josef Chromy, with Russian/Canadian chef Konstantin Putkin heading the kitchen team.

Chef Putkin is working with local producers including Summerlea Farm, Springfield Deer Farm, Littlewood Farm, Seven Springs Farm and Wattle Hill Olives.

At the cellar door, guests will be able to taste six wines from the Small Wonder portfolio for $25pp, with the tasting fee waived upon any two-bottle purchase - a wise decision. 

Winery Tours will also be available for $50pp, which gives guests a behind-the-scenes look at the Small Wonder winemaking process before wrapping up with a tasting in the cellar door.

The Wine Library will also host bookable wine masterclasses which will run every eight weeks for groups up to 20. The space will also be available for private event bookings.

"Since we opened as Small Wonder in 2021, it was a priority to remain part of the community," McArdle says.

"The new cellar door and restaurant is a chance to build on what we are already offering, introducing something a little different while retaining our well-known welcoming atmosphere.”

Works from Tasmanian artists Stephen Bond, Alicia King and Paul Snell have been placed across the venue.

Combining organic vineyard practices and minimal-intervention winemaking, Small Wonder Wines
employs practical initiatives like composting grape marc, encouraging beneficial insects, and reducing
chemical inputs.

“Solar power, energy-efficient systems, and thoughtful estate design allow us to protect the land while making exceptional wine,” says winemaker Myburgh.

The design of the Small Wonder Cellar Door & Restaurant has been led by Kerry Hill Architects (Singapore) and local Tasmanian firm Edwards + Simpson.

The building is clad in locally sourced and hand-cut bluestone to blend into the natural environment while inside features Quartzine stone bar tops, textured plaster, and dappled glass with satin nickel framing.

In the kitchen, Putkin and his team have implemented systems that eliminate around 90% of single-use plastics by switching to compostable wraps, bags and other environmentally responsible alternatives.

Outside, The Garden will offer a casual, a la carte dining menu which is set to include options such as croquettes with local Pyengana Dairy cheddar, caramelised leek, fermented jalapeno and black garlic mayonnaise; house buttermilk Nichols Poultry fried chicken with fermented cherry hot sauce; and Fork it Farm cured meats, local cheeses and house-fermented pickles.

The Garden will also host live acoustic music sets each Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

“The winery tours will offer a chance for guests to have a deep dive into our winemaking process here at
Small Wonder, and see first-hand how closely our winemaking team and kitchen work to create a
cohesive experience,” says venue operations manager Chris Morrison. 

“We’re also keen to become a destination for wine education in the region through our regular wine
masterclasses. 

"It’s a great opportunity for guests to ask more about wine and the process behind it in a

fun, relaxed setting.”

The Small Wonder Cellar Door & Restaurant is at 530 Auburn Road, Kayena, Tasmania. 

The cellar door is open daily, 11am to 5pm, and the restaurant Thursday to Sunday from 11.30am with last seating 2.30pm. The Garden, with views of the vineyard and Tamar River, is open daily, 11am to 5pm with food available until 3.30pm.

Full details at www.smallwonderwines.com.au

Images: Anson Smart and Winsor Dobbin

Your chance to be a pinot noir master

Think you know the attributes of a cool-climate pinot noir?

You can prove your prowess as Tamar Ridge Wines launches new cellar door experience where wine lovers can step behind the scenes and try their hand at one of winemaking’s most creative processes. 

The Tamar Ridge Winemaker for a Day: Pinot Noir Blending Experience is a hands-on experience that invites guests to step into the role of winemaker, tasting individual pinot noir clones and parcels from Tamar Ridge vineyards before creating a blend of their own.

Guided by the Tamar Ridge cellar door team, guests will explore the distinctive characteristics of each parcel and discover how factors such as clonal variety, vineyard site and individual wine components can influence the aroma, flavour, structure and balance of a finished wine. 

Guests can take inspiration from the Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir, experimenting with different components to understand how the final wine comes together, or trust their own palate and create an entirely unique expression.

Katherine Brown, luxury portfolio manager for Brown Family Wine Group, said the experience offers wine lovers a rare opportunity to better understand the craft behind the bottle.

“It’s a great chance for a hands-on experience where guests really get to understand the influence each parcel can have on a finished wine,” she said.

“Pinot noir is particularly fascinating to explore in this way because each component brings something different to the blend. Guests can taste those differences for themselves and then see what happens when they begin bringing the parcels together.”

The experience costs $110 per person. 

For more info see Winemaker for a day: Pinot Noir Blending Experience - Tamar Ridge Reservations

Image: Natasha Mulhall 

Tamar Ridge/Pirie up the ante with new wine experiences

There is a new experience to welcome visitors to the Tamar Ridge/Pirie cellar door in Tasmania. 

The "elevated new visitor experience" celebrates a blend of cool-climate wines, thoughtful design and Tasmanian hospitality in the Tamar Valley.

Following a significant refurbishment, the revamped cellar door will offer a series of tailored tasting experiences overlooking one of the region's spectacular landscapes.

Completed in just eight weeks by local builder Zanetto, the transformation introduces a refined contemporary interior where bespoke Spiegelau crystal glassware, a striking double-sided fireplace and sweeping views across the Tamar River are combined. 

Guests can gather around a hand-crafted 12-seat Tasmanian oak table, relax by the fireplace or enjoy one of the intimate lounge spaces overlooking the vineyard. 

Luxury Portfolio manager Katherine Brown said the new cellar door reflected the evolution of both brands, while remaining true to their Tasmanian roots.

"It's incredibly exciting to welcome guests to a true brand home for Tamar Ridge and Pirie that reflects the quality, prestige and character of our wines," said Brown.

"Set high above the Tamar River, the cellar door enjoys one of the region's most spectacular outlooks, creating an extraordinary setting in which to experience our fine wines. 

"Whether you're relaxing beside the fireplace with a glass of Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir or enjoying a flute of Pirie Vintage sparkling overlooking the valley, we want every visit to feel memorable, considered and unmistakably Tasmanian."

Guests can choose from tasting experiences that range from introductory wine flights through to "refined hosted experiences".

Highlights include the Pirie Supreme Indulgence Experience, pairing prestige Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines with premium Oscietra sturgeon caviar, alongside the Ultimate Expressions of Pinot Noir , showcasing five of Tamar Ridge's premium pinot noirs, including limited Single Block releases.

Seasonal Tasmanian cheese platters and locally sourced small plates round out the offering. 

All tasting experiences can be booked online via tamarridge.com.au and pirietasmania.com.au.

The updated experiences are at 1A Waldhorn Drive, Rosevears - 20 minutes north of Launceston - daily from 10am–5pm. 

New cellar door restaurant for the Tamar Valley

Tasmania's Tamar Valley is to gain a new cellar door restaurant later this year. 

Small Wonder Wines Cellar Door and Restaurant will open its doors in September on the former Goaty Hill site.

The Small Wonder Wines Restaurant will be led by head chef Konstantin Putkin (ex Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows in London, and Wintergarden Restaurant in the Blue Mountains). 

Russian-born Putkin's menu is promised to feature hyperlocal Tasmanian produce, including elements from Springfield Deer Farm, Seven Springs Farm and Wattle Hill Olives. 

A range of Small Wonder wines will be available by the glass, as well as a selection of Tasmanian spirits and imported wines.

Kerry Hill Architects (Singapore) collaborated with local Tasmanian firm Edwards + Simpson to emphasise regional design elements. 

Rather than relying on signature dishes, the chef says the menu will evolve with the seasons, allowing the very best produce at its peak to take centre stage. 

“For me, the best restaurants start with great relationships," Putkin says. "The menus at Small Wonder are a celebration of Tasmania's farmers, growers and producers, and our role is simply to do their incredible work justice. 

“I want people to come in, share great food, discover where it comes from, and leave feeling like
they've experienced a genuine taste of Tasmania. If we can create something that's relaxed,
sustainable and full of heart, then we've achieved exactly what we set out to do.”

The opening will be a milestone says Overstory CEO Paul McArdle. 

“Since we opened as Small Wonder in 2021, it was a priority to remain part of the community," he says. 

"The new cellar door and restaurant is a chance to build on what we are already offering, introducing something a little different while retaining our well-known welcoming atmosphere.” 

Artworks from Tasmanian artists Stephen Bond, Alicia King and Paul Snell have been selected and
will be placed across the venue. 

Combining organic vineyard practices and minimal-intervention winemaking, Small Wonder Wines
employs practical initiatives like composting grape marc, encouraging beneficial insects, and reducing
chemical inputs. 

“Solar power, energy-efficient systems, and thoughtful estate design allow us to protect the land while making exceptional wine,” says winemaker Ockie Myburgh.

See www.smallwonderwines.com.au

Image: Sileo 

Noir Noir marks the Winter Solstice in style

 

While Hobart has the Dark Mofo winter festival, the Tamar Valley in the north of Tasmania has Noir Noir. 

Pinot noir, whisky and stargazing collide for a one-night-only celebration - on the longest night of the year - with Tamar Ridge and Turner Stillhouse returning with their annual Winter Solstice event, Noir Noir. 

To be held on Saturday, June 20, from 6-10pm at the Tamar Ridge cellar door, the event will showcase cool-climate pinot noir wines, newly released spirits, bonfires, live music and guided stargazing beneath the Southern Hemisphere sky.

Guests will gather around outdoor fire pits while tasting red wines from Tamar Ridge alongside spirits from Turner Stillhouse, including the distillery’s newest whisky release.

Throughout the evening, local astronomer Chris Arkless will guide guests through the winter sky, sharing stories of constellations, celestial movement and the significance of the Winter Solstice.

Tamar Ridge chief winemaker Tom Wallace says Noir Noir has become a much-loved winter tradition in the Tamar Valley. 

“There’s something incredibly special about Tasmania in winter; the darkness, the stillness, the cold air, the stars overhead," Wallace said. "Noir Noir brings all those elements together in a way that feels uniquely Tasmanian. 

“Pinot noir and whisky are both incredibly expressive drinks. They’re layered, textural and deeply connected to place, and this event gives people the chance to experience them in a completely different setting."

Tickets are $45 per person and include tastings of new-release wines and spirits, live music and stargazing session. 

Guests can also enhance their experience with an optional Southern Skies Tasmanian Cheese Box ($30), featuring water crackers, aged cheddar, truffled cheddar and soft fetta.

Tickets are available at tamarridge.com.au/events/noir-noir-winter-solstice

So you want to learn about sparkling wine from the best in the business?

Serious about sparkling wine? 

Want to learn more? 

Leading wine educator and Champagne experty Tyson Stelzer is teaming up with Ed Carr (House of Arras), Natalie Fryar (Bellebonne) and Andrew Pirie (Apogee) for the inaugural Tasmanian Sparkling Immersion on November 13-15. 

The quartet will host five intimate masterclasses, two winery visits, barrel tasting and a vineyard visit in the Tamar Valley and Piper’s River, home to some of the best sparkling wines in the world.⁠

⁠The winemakers have a combined experience of a 134 vintages and the weekend will showcase over 50 of their finest cuvées spanning three decades, alongside some other great sparkling wines of Australia, Champagne and the world. 

Along with three days of tastings and visits, there will a gala dinner, a cocktail dinner, brunch and two lunches at Evenfall, where Apogee and House of Arras will pair their wines with local Tasmanian produce.⁠

⁠The weekend is limited to just 33 guests. 

For more details check out https://www.tysonstelzer.com/tasmanian-sparkling-immersion-13-15-november-2026/

Low-profile Tasmanian winery offers good value

 

Making wines in Tasmania's cool climate is both risky and expensive. 

That's why you'll see cult Tasmanian drops selling for $30-40 a glass in Melbourne and Sydney wine bars, but rarely find a decent bottle of Tasmanian pinot noir or chardonnay for under $30-40 a bottle in your local wine store. 

The simple fact is that Tasmanian wine is a premium product that usually fetches premium prices. 

That's why the name Chartley Estate - owned by Peter and Loraine Kossmann -should be on the radar of wine lovers with ambitious tastes but tight budgets. 

The labels are low key (pretty dull, actually) and the marketing close to non existent, but the Chartley wines from the West Tamar in the north of the state do offer good value for money. 

The secret is healthy high-cropping - for Tasmania - vineyards that are managed personally by Loraine Kossmann. 

Their wholesalers at Red+White/Mezzanine recently sent me their current releases to take a look at the range. 

The best-seller is the delightful 2024 Pinot Gris, but the 2023 Riesling, 2024 Sauvignon Blanc and 2023 Chardonnay are all well-made and immediately enjoyable, as is the savoury 2021 Pinot Noir. Value with a capital V here. 

All the white table wines retail for between $25 and $35.  The brisk savvy B, they stylish chardonnay and the pinot noir were my personal favourites. 

There are also two sparkling wines on offer: the 2021 Lavinia and 2020 Sparkling Rosé, made by Jeremy Dineen that offers appealing strawberry notes. 

The still wines are crafted by consultant winemaker Peter Dredge, one of the Apple Isle's star winemakers, who adds his own sprinkle of stardust.   

 For more details see https://chartleyestatevineyard.com.au/ 

Tasmanian stargazing, wine and the Winter Solstice

Two of Tasmania’s leading drinks producers: Tamar Ridge and Turner Stillhouse are joining forces to host a one-off Winter Solstice stargazing event: NOIR NOIR.

This one-night-only event will take place at the Tamar Ridge cellar door on Saturday, June 21, from 6:30pm.  

The collaborators are inviting wine lovers, whisky drinkers and budding astronomers to sip, savour and stargaze under Tasmania’s bright winter sky - and be among the first to taste some new releases, including Tamar Ridge's 2023 Reserve Pinot Noir and Turner Stillhouse's inaugural whiskies, which includes Tasmania’s first ever Bourbon-style whisky: Rosevears Three Grain Whiskey and Rosevears Single Malt Whisky, matured in old Tamar Ridge pinot noir oak barrels. 

Guests at Tamar Ridge cellar door will be guided through a stargazing session by local astronomy expert Chris Arkless.

Arkless says the event will provide insights into Tasmania’s unique location in the Southern Hemisphere and the stellar beauty of Tasmania's night sky on the longest night of the year.

“Stargazing is a powerful way to connect with the natural world and ignite a sense of wonder. As we gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice with exquisite, locally made pinot noir and whisky, we will embark on a celestial journey, discovering the stars that have guided humanity for millennia.”

NOIR NOIR is being promoted as a “rare opportunity to connect the earthly pleasures of our Tasmanian landscape with the vastness of the universe”. 

Huddled around outdoor fire pits, guests will get a tasting of all new releases and can add the option of a cheese and charcuterie platter.

"NOIR NOIRis a chance to celebrate not only these two exciting new releases, but also theincredible natural beauty of Tasmania," said Tamar Ridge winemaker Tom Wallace.

"We're thrilled to partner with Turner Stillhouse to create a truly memorable night that showcases thebest of our cool-climate pinot noir and their exceptional new whisky, and to share the magic of a Tasmanian winter with our guests. 

Tickets for NOIR NOIR are $45 per person including a tasting of new releases, meeting Tamar Ridge winemakers, live music and stargazing session. Guests can add a cheese and charcuterie platter for $35 (for two people).

Tickets at tamarridge.rezdy.com/709946/noir-noir-winter-solstice.

A barrel of fun: discover a new Tasmanian beverage experience

 

Tasmania is renowned for its cool-climate wines and artisan spirits. 

What could be more Tasmanian, then, than two local producers joining forces for an indulgent tasting experience?  

Tasmanian winery Tamar Ridge and neighbouring distillery Turner Stillhouse have partnered to create an exclusive Wine and Spirit Tour. 

The new immersive experience invites guests to delve into the worlds of both premium Tasmanian wine and spirits, with a special focus on the art of barrel-aging.

The three-hour experience begins with a guided tour of the Turner Stillhouse distillery, where participants learn about the production of Three Cuts Gins and whiskies, including the unique process of resting the gin in former Tamar Ridge wine barrels.

The tasting showcases the influence of Tamar Ridge's pinot noir and chardonnay barrels on the final gin product. 

The pinot barrel-rested gin is aged in ex-Tasmanian French oak pinot noir barrels to provide an intense colour and rich pinot influence. The chardonnay barrel-rested gin, meanwhile, provides subtle colour, but its palate is citrus heavy with a long, smoky finish.

Guests then transition next door to the Tamar Ridge cellar door where they embark on a seated wine tasting, savouring four signature wines (a mix of pinot noir and sparkling) while enjoying panoramic views of the Tamar River. 

The experience is rounded out with a gourmet platter featuring local Tasmanian produce to complement the drinks.

"This collaboration with Turner Stillhouse allows us to offer a truly unique and comprehensive Tasmanian experience," says Tamar Ridge senior winemaker Tom Wallace.

"Guests will discover the craftsmanship behind our wines and the fascinating way those flavours translate into Turner Stillhouse's exceptional barrel-rested gins."

The Wine and Spirit Tour is available seven days a week, from 11am to 2pm, priced at $60 per person. Bookings are essential and can be made at tamarridge.rezdy.com/596770/wine-spirit-cheese-tour.

Bird In Hand goes hard in Tasmania

Adelaide Hills winery Bird in Hand is going full tilt with its expansion in Tasmania.

Bird in Hand recently announced its long-term lease acquisition of a 10.1-hectare vineyard located in the West Tamar.

It says it wants to deepen its roots in Tasmania’s cool-climate wine regions.

The new addition is in Rowella, and produces grape varieties including shiraz, riesling, chardonnay and pinot noir.

The lease forms part of Bird in Hand’s plan to expand its presence in Tasmania.

In 2021, it developed a vineyard at Seymour on the island's state's east coast.

“With its collection of established vine plantings, the West Tamar vineyard in Rowella infuses us with energy and excitement,” says Andrew Nugent, co-founder of Bird in Hand.

“Under the guidance of our winemaker Sarah Burvill and wine consultant Sam Harrop MW, Bird in Hand is well-positioned to build upon ongoing efforts to craft beautiful Australian wines reflecting the cool climates of Tasmania and our Woodside estate in Adelaide Hills.”

The east coast vineyard at Seymour borders the Douglas Apsley National Park.

A total of 60 hectares will be planted to pinot noir and chardonnay.

Meet Tasmania's latest luxury getaway

Located just outside one of Tasmania's loveliest villages - Evandale - Leighton House is Tasmania's latest luxury getaway.

Just down the road from Josef Chromy Wines, and a short drive from Launceston, Leighton House can cater for between two to 12 people and is a beautiful period homestead.

Potential highlights include an al fresco sauna and spa experience, or enjoying a glass of wine in front of one of the home's fireplaces.

The Georgian home, built in 1840, consists of three grand bedrooms with en suites and a study, while a new wing is home to an open-plan kitchen, living and dining and upstairs, a bunk room featuring six double bed bunks, a teen retreat and pool room.

Conceptualised by Hobart architectural firm, Core Collective, the new building is designed to complement the original home, clad with locally-sourced carbon neutral bricks made 15km away in Longford.

A protected courtyard and glass atrium connects the old and new parts of the home.

A sandstone wellness platform sits in the landscaped garden with mountain views, featuring a hot tub, sauna, yoga platform and fire pit.

The property sits on 300 acres of farmland with views of the Ben Lomond Mountain Range and Western Tiers and a position on the South Esk River.

For food and wine lovers, Leighton House is placed at the start of the Tamar Valley wine route and is a stone's throw from Launceston's food scene. It is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, one of only 49 around the world.

Comforts include high-speed wifi, two OLED Samsung TVs, an Audio Technica record player, Electrolux oven and cooktop, Breville Oracle Coffee Machine and a barbecue and pizza oven.

See https://leightonhouse.com.au/

Images: Adam Gibson

Meet the wine tasting that is a complete racket

Tasmania's Holm Oak Wines has a very special link with the game of tennis - a link which is reflected in a new cellar door tasting experience.

The new celebration of cool-climate pinot noir is linked to the achievements of Australian tennis player Jack Crawford, who won six grand slam singles titles - including Wimbledon, the US Open and the French Open in 1933.

The structured tasting will incorporate the story of Launceston’s Alexander Patent Racket Co. Ltd, who made Crawford’s iconic racket “The Cressy Wizard.”

The Alexander Patent Racket Co. was founded in 1925, and at its peak it made 750 rackets per week with a unique flat-topped design.

It made a special racket for Crawford, with superior strength and allowing for the strings to be tightened to a higher tension.

Crawford's global profile put the small company on the international map.

In the 1930s what is now the Holm Oak estate belonged to Alexander North, a director of the Alexander Patent Racket Co. He and his son planted the land with trees to potentially produce wood to make rackets.

The endeavour did not come to fruition, but it did create a beautiful property with rich, fertile soil perfect for a vineyard.

The new tasting experience will allow wine lovers, tennis fans and history buffs to hear more of Holm Oak’s connection with one of the biggest names in Australian tennis history.

The naming of Holm Oak’s wines, The Wizard, The Hot Shot and The Protégé were inspired by local tennis history and will be tasted side by side.

The new tasting, to be known as Top of our Game, launches on July 1 at Holm Oak’s cellar door in the Tamar Valley.

Before or after the tasting, guests can examine the Duffy family collection of tennis memorabilia, including Tasmanian-designed and crafted tennis rackets.  

Winemaker Bec Duffy says she is often asked what inspires the name of her wines.

“Customers are always surprised to hear that the Holm Oak story is intertwined with world-class tennis," she says.

"It’s a privilege to craft our distinctive small-parcel Tasmanian wines on this site, steeped in tennis history. We love to think that we share the same values of quality, perseverance, and spirit of innovation as our tennis-loving forefathers.

"This new tasting gives us a chance to tell the fascinating story of Launceston’s role in Jack Crawford’s success.”

The Top of our Game wine tasting will cost $40 per person and bookings are essential.

https://www.holmoakvineyards.com.au/reservation/

Small Wonder Wines unveils big plans

Small Wonder, a relative newcomer to the wine scene in Tasmania, is taking big steps. 

The Tamar Valley producer, formerly known as Goaty Hill, has begun construction on an on-site winery at its organic vineyard that will be ready for vintage 2024.

Until now, the Small Wonder wines have been made at a contract facility in Hobart.

The new facility has been driven by a desire to curate their own winemaking story. 

The winery will allow for 100% of the winemaking process to be performed on site, reducing transport costs and emissions, and providing complete control over every aspect of the operation.

In bushland just behind the Small Wonder cellar door, the winery will encompass three buildings. 

Winemaker Andrew Trio says: “We wanted the winery to be a calm and well-organised space, even during the busy peak of harvest when large volumes of grapes are being processed. An efficient layout minimises double handling and allows more time for attention to detail in the wine. 

"It’s exciting to know we will be in the winery for the 2024 vintage. Making our wine on site will provide a deeper understanding of the expression of our fruit and more opportunities to explore techniques to bring our vineyard’s unique qualities to life in the wine.”

Small Wonder CEO Paul McArdle commented that “the winery construction will be the culmination of three years’ detailed consideration and design". 

Using 100% green energy, the winery has been designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. The buildings are being constructed using native spotted gum and steel cladding manufactured and installed by a local company. 

The Small Wonder vineyard consists of twenty hectares of  pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling, sauvignon blanc and pinot gris with an additional four hectares of vines soon to be planted. 

Once complete, the new winery will have the capacity to produce 250 tonnes/16,000 cases of wine each year.

For more info see www.smallwonderwines.com.au

Sensory garden a new wine tourism drawcard in Tasmania

A sensory garden that helps wine lovers examine the aromas, tastes and textures of various varietals is a unique new tourism drawcard in Tasmania's Tamar Valley.

Holm Oak winemaker Bec Duffy and her viticulturist husband Tim Duffy have just launched the new experience at their Rowella vineyard and cellar door - a short drive from Launceston.

A guided walking tour of the sensory garden can be combined with a premium wine tasting to better understand the flavours and textures of what’s in the glass.

Combining Bec and Tim’s love of gardening and winemaking, the couple began planting their sensory garden seven years ago.

After extensive research, Bec travelled to the Napa Valley in California to see what other world-class experiences around sensory gardens looked like and aimed to create something that was unique to Tasmania.

The garden is now in full-bloom and ready to show off the tastes, aromas and textures found in the Holm Oak range.

Guests can join the cellar door manager on a walk around the garden to forage for fruits, flowers and herbs to pair with wines from the range.

City slickers cab sample the essence raspberries, strawberries and cherries, take in the scents of the rose garden, herbs and citrus leaves, as well as the more savoury notes spice of pepper berries.

There are six varietal areas of the sensory garden, and each area has been planted with edibles, plants and flowers. Guests can see and taste the differences - and similarities - between pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris, moscato, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, riesling, arneis and sauvignon blanc.

In addition, there is an Insectarium, planted to attract insects and encourage biodiversity, along with a texture garden.

“Wine is such a sensory experience and we wanted to be able to bring some of the flavours alive for wine lovers to better understand what is in their glass, in an accessible way," says Bec Duffy.

"It’s unique to Tasmania and we hope it will add to the ever-growing wine and food scene here.”

Self-guided tours are also available, just follow the signage throughout the garden.

Pre-bookings are essential here: www.holmoakvineyards.com.au/cellar-door

The experience is available at 10am Wednesday- Friday and lasts 90 minutes. It is seasonal and weather dependent and costs $50 per person (up to six people maximum at one time).

Meet Tasmania's newest wine brand

Goaty Hill was one of the Tamar Valley's standout producers, making excellent wines across the board, among them one of Tasmania's consistently finest rieslings.

Goaty Hill was sold a while back and in its place has emerged Small Wonder, a new brand with experienced operators at the helm.

CEO Paul McArdle and winemaker Andrew Trio are transitioning the former Goaty Hill vineyards to organic practices and have released their first wines - along with opening a refreshed cellar - in time for spring.

The Small Wonder wines have launched ahead of their sister brand - Wayfinder Wines, which is due to debut in mid 2023 in Margaret River, Western Australia.

Trio will split his time between the two states. He was head winemaker at boutique winery Corliss Estates in Walla Walla, Washington state, for decade, returning to Australia in 2018.

Small Wonder's publicity blurb says it will focus on "responsibly made, small-production wines that come from a vineyard with a focus on sustainability and growing exceptional fruit".

These first releases include riesling, pinot noir and chardonnay with 2022 rosé, sauvignon blanc, and pinot gris just coming onto the market.

CEO McArdle has worked for several leading Margaret River producers, as well as with Must Wine Bar in Perth.

“Small Wonder is committed to making everything we touch better," he says.

"With the rare opportunity to build two wine businesses from scratch, we feel it’s an obligation to be committed to better practices, better vineyards, better processes, and better wines.

"Ultimately we want to make small local efforts that connect us to the movement that brings global change; and that connects us to our community - all while creating interesting wines that celebrate the vineyards.”

Currently in transition to becoming certified organic, Small Wonder is working towards achieving carbon neutral status and using 100% green energy.

Small Wonder wines are available to purchase now from www.smallwonderwines.com.au. I will be doing a tasting over the next few weeks to see how they stack up.

Tasmania gets a new wine producer using only one grape variety

Tasmania is about to get a new cellar door - but one of the couple behind it has along wine industry history.

Westella Vineyard is Will and Jacquie Adkins' family vineyard located in the cool-climate location of Rowella in the Tamar Valley.

Adkins is well known as the general manager of leading Tasmanian wine brand Tamar Ridge, owned by Brown Brothers.

He and his wife are also "wine-growers dedicated to crafting a full range of wines grown only from pinot noir grapes".

"Our region excels at pinot noir so that is all that we grow," the couple say.  

Using four different pinot clones they will produce a selection of wines including a classic traditional method sparkling blanc de noir and a sparkling vintage rosé, as well as table wines the Westella and the Tippogoree.

"From September 2022, we will host visitors to our small vineyard in our Westella Vineyard cellar," the couple says.

"Visitors will be able to sample and purchase our pinot noir and enjoy a small menu of Tasmanian food to accompany tastings. We invite you to visit and enjoy the scenic trip along kanamaluka (the Tamar) to our peaceful and picturesque garden of vines".

See https://westellavineyard.com.au/

Tamar Valley wine standout sold

Tamar Valley winery Moores Hill has been sold, but will continue to operate.

Owners Julian Allport and Fiona Weller and their business partners confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in the industry when they announced the change of ownership, saying: "It's been an intense but satisfying 14 years and we're planning a bit of a break."

Young winemaker James Oliver, most recently of Yering Station in the Yarra Valley, and his partner Constance will take up residence at the start of July. 

Allport and Weller told customers: "Be assured that Moores Hill will be in safe hands. Delicious wines, a friendly cellar door and our commitment to sustainability will continue.

"We’re very grateful to the customers, industry colleagues, suppliers, venues and staff who have supported us on our journey over the past 14 years. We’ve learnt so much, made many firm friends and enjoyed rewarding experiences.

"We look forward to assisting James and Constance as they settle in over the next few months. We plan to stay in the Launceston area, spending time with our family while we consider our next adventure."

Smiling faces on the Tamar Valley Wine Route

In March, I spent a couple of days in the Tamar Valley wine region. 

I was struck by the number of smiling Tasmanian faces I encountered - and I also made a side trip to Deloraine, where I popped into Red Brick Cider. 

If you happen to find yourself in Tasmania over the Easter Weekend you might want to visit Moore’s Hill, Cabbage Tree Hill, Holm Oak, Holyman or Red Brick Cider. 

For details visit www.tamarvalleywineroute.com.au/