Bird in Hand has acquired a long-term lease of a 10ha vineyard site in West Tamar, Tasmania

Bird in Hand has announced its long-term lease acquisition of a 10.1-hectare vineyard located in the West Tamar region of Tasmania. The winery described this as a “strategic move” as it continues to deepen its roots in Tasmania’s cool climate wine-growing areas, alongside its established connections with Adelaide Hills across the Strait.

Situated in the north of the island at a latitude of around 42°S, West Tamar Valley is among Tasmania’s oldest sub-regions. The vineyard is positioned on Waterton Hall Road in Rowella, and offers an expanse of land under vine, featuring an array of grape varieties including Shiraz, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Syrah plantings at the vineyard are some of the oldest in Tasmania, with two of the existing clones among Bird in Hand’s preferred choices for the premium production of standalone Syrah.

Of the other established plantings, four different Pinot Noir clones will be used for traditional vintages alongside blends in Bird in Hand’s Sparkling, ‘O’ Sparkling and Joy Sparkling varieties. The old-vine Riesling on site will provide complex blending possibilities while the Chardonnay grapes will form the backbone of the premium sparkling wine program alongside still Chardonnay. In the coming months, Bird in Hand plans to release its first standalone Tasmanian wines.

“With its collection of established vine plantings, the West Tamar vineyard in Rowella infuses us with energy and excitement,” said 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.”

Extending until 2034, the lease forms part of Bird in Hand’s mission to expand its presence in Tasmania. Following the success of Bird in Hand’s 2021 vineyard development in Seymour, eastern Tasmania, the business has increased its capacity.

The produce potential of Tasmania extends beyond grapes for Bird in Hand, with the winery sourcing ingredients from the state for its LVN Restaurant in Adelaide Hills. Led by executive chef Jacob Davey, the dining room currently serves Tasmanian wasabi with its shellfish course, wild shot Flinders Island Wallaby, and Tasmanian saffron among its dessert offerings.

Key features of the Rowella vineyard include its location in the Tamar Valley wine region, proximity to the Tamar River and soil composition derived from tertiary sands and clays.

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