Seven local vineyards rated among the best 50 in Australia

Seven Tasmanian vineyards have come up trumps out of 6000 grape growers from across the country to be named among the top 50 in Australia.

SEVEN Tasmanian vineyards have been named in the 2021 Vineyard of the Year Awards Top 50 from more than 6000 grape growers across the nation.

The judges narrowed the field to the 50 that best exemplified the values of sustainability, innovation and growing great wine.

One of the Tasmanian vineyards to make the cut was Mewstone Wines at Flowerpot.

The vineyard is owned by Matthew and Catherine Hughes and Matthew’s brother Jonny Hughes is winemaker.

Mewstone’s vines were planted in 2011.

“The recognition is great and this year’s crop looks like it has potential too,” Jonny Hughes said.

The vineyard was lucky to escape the hail damage that devastated a pocket of vineyards in southern Tasmania.

“The vines are just about to start flowering. It is a touch late this year but we expect over the next week flowering will begin and we hope to get a good harvest in early April,” he said.

Mewstone Wines vineyard manager Luke Andree among the vines at Flowerpot. Picture: Chris Kidd

Judging panellist Mac Allen said there was great work being done in vineyards across the country.

“Wine drinkers still don’t hear about it often enough – but we’re trying to change that,” Mr Allen said.

The other judges were Dr Catherine Kidman, Mark Walpole, Dr Mary Retallack and Lee Haselgrove.

“In the vineyard is where the magic happens,” Dr Retallack said.

“This is our opportunity to celebrate the innovative and regenerative approaches being taken to produce exceptional grape quality, which is reflected in stunning wines while nurturing the soil, vines and landscapes with an ecological focus.

“The wine community relies on the commitment and inspiration that starts in the vineyard. We have a lot to be thankful for and celebrate.”

Marion’s Vineyard was another to be named in the top 50. Picture: Supplied

The 50 finalists in the 2021 Vineyard of the Year Awards include 20 from South Australia, 11 from Victoria, eight from New South Wales/ACT, seven from Tasmania and four from Western Australia.

Over the next two months, younggunofwine.com will release a profile of each of the vineyards and the viticulturists/growers behind them.

Tasmanian Finalists in the 2021 Vineyard of the Year Awards

Devil’s Corner, East Coast

Ghost Rock, Cradle Coast

Marion’s Vineyard, Tamar Valley

Mewstone, D’Entrecasteaux Channel

Pooley – Cooinda Vale, Coal River Valley

Small Wonder, Tamar Valley

Stefano Lubiana, Derwent Valley