Reborn Riversdale Estate vineyard agritourism enterprise grows garden and bistro drawcards

IT’S a vision 36 years in the making, and soon the largest family-owned vineyard in the Coal River Valley will open the only “Peter Rabbit” garden outside the United Kingdom.

Wendy and Ian Roberts with their sons Anton, 22, Christian, 26, and Rainier, 17. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

IT’S a vision 36 years in the making, and soon the largest family-owned vineyard in the Coal River Valley will open the only “Peter Rabbit” garden outside the United Kingdom.

The Roberts’ sons, Rainier, 17, Christiaan, 26, and Anton, 22, in the new Tea Rooms. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Riversdale Estate at Cambridge, under the guidance of Ian and Wendy Roberts has come a long way from a sheep and grazing property to a 38ha vineyard.

Mr Roberts said the vineyard had a unique microclimate and produced single-vineyard wines.

“The vineyard’s proximity to the waterfront provides a temperate maritime climate, yet we are in a basin of the valley to maximise sunlight. The dry is great for the grapes,” he said.

The family has added agritourism to the mix and also offer accommodation.

Their Peter Rabbit garden, designed after the beloved books by Beatrix Potter, opens early next month.

They have also launched a French bistro, cellar door and a high-tea orangery complete with top-end China cups and saucers.

Sons Christiaan, 26, Anton, 22 and 17-year-old Rainier all work in the family vineyard.

“It’s the first time in Tasmania value-adding to this scale has been done in a vineyard. It’s unique and we are proud of it,” Anton said.

More information visit www.riversdaleestate.com.au