Tell us your story / where are you in Tasmania and why?
Bec is the winemaker. With 18 years experience gained in Australia and the US, she is well and truly ensconced in her winery domain. Tim is the viticulturist, a third-generational grape grower and an agronomist with extensive viticultural experience. Their worlds collide occasionally – most often when they go about the business of raising their two young boys. But mostly they stick to their own worlds, with a singular goal in sight – to produce single vineyard wines with personality and character that reflect the place in which they live, Tasmania’s pristine Tamar Valley, and their own personalities, rustic, down to earth, not super polished but genuine and authentic.
The relationship shared by the winemaker and the viticulturist can be fraught with opposing short-term focuses and timing issues, but thankfully, Bec and Tim survive quite happily throughout harvest time, robust winemaking periods and all the bits in between. They are better off for their combined 360-degree view of the winemaking process.
One of Bec and Tim’s shared passions is to create things. They simply love to craft treasures from Mother Nature’s wonderland. They are creative winemakers, pushing boundaries and trying new techniques, but always remaining true to Tasmania’s highly regarded winemaking reputation.
Why? Because you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
What are three things we need to know about Tasmanian wine? What makes it unique?
- Acid – pure, precise, juicy, flinty acidity make Tasmanian wines unique
- Elegance – restraint where it’s needed, power and when it’s called for, but always with confidence and poise
- Natural – but not of the natural wine type. Unforced and comfortable in its own skin.
What is unique about your region (in general) and what impact does that have on your wines?
The Tamar River is unique to our region. Our vineyard is located on a peninsula that sticks out into the river, giving us quite a warm (for Tasmania) and humid microclimate. This allows us to make Pinot Noir in a fuller, richer style and allows our whites to develop intense fruit flavours and aromatics along with perfectly balanced natural acidity.
Tasmania is a special place. What is the absolute ‘must do’ when people visit? (aside from seeing you!)
Go for a walk – anywhere! Tasmania is an amazingly beautiful and rugged island. Whether it’s a walk to the iconic gorge in Launceston, a walk around Launceston to admire the heritage architecture, a walk along one of our amazingly pristine (and mostly uninhabited beaches) or a walk in one of the many national parks. There are so many places to explore – just get out amongst it.
Picking one of your wines, what is the best Tassie food match with it?
The Wizard Chardonnay and fresh Tasmanian rock lobster. Simple and delicious
