About Hinton Bay Vineyard
hinton Bay, NESTLED IN THE TAMAR VALLEY WINE REGION
The name Hinton Bay comes from a beautiful cove that sits a stone’s throw below the location of our vineyard in the Tamar Valley wine region.
Tall tales from Tasmania’s past and historic notes refer to Hinton Bay as a safe mooring place for small trading sailboats, at a time well before engines, offering protection from the North West to the South East.
The land above Hinton Bay itself became an orchard in the early 1900s when the Tamar Valley, like many parts of Tasmania, had a thriving apple industry. The apples are long gone but the vines of Hinton Bay now flourish in their place.
a boutique approach
With about 1.5 hectares of vines planted at close intervals in 1989, our vineyard is certainly boutique. We sourced pure clone materials and planted half of the block with Chardonnay and the other half with Pinot Noir. The chardonnay is almost entirely of Penfolds clone and the Pinot Noir a blend of some of the classic Burgundy clones of 114, 115, MV-6 and 777.
Our management practices are historically French from clone selection to trellis design, we even burn the winter pruning’s in a mobile firepot in the vineyard during winter. The close planted vines are dry grown and after 35 years are producing fruit of highly intense flavour and colour.
ABout THE OWNERS
Liz and David Brown, like many escaping the mainland, have been captivated by Tasmania's charm. New owners of Hinton Bay Vineyard in Hillwood, this couple stumbled upon their sea change by pure chance.
While planning renovations on their Cronulla home, Liz spotted a Tasmanian property online. "It was just like how I had planned my renovations," she recalls. A playful suggestion to buy it instead turned serious when David found Hinton Bay Vineyard. Despite initial hesitations, the couple were enchanted by the vineyard's tranquil setting overlooking the Tamar River.
"It's just so peaceful and tranquil," says Liz.
For David, the vineyard provides the perfect "semi-retirement," offering purpose and a change of pace from Sydney's hustle. He admits, with a chuckle, that after 40 years of marriage, he and Liz are still adjusting to spending so much time together.
Learning the ropes of vineyard life has been an adventure. From mastering the ride-on mower to presenting wine tastings, the couple has embraced the challenges. "The first one was a bit daunting," David confesses, "but our presentation has got better every time."
Now welcoming guests by appointment and as part of wine tours, the Browns are enjoying their new chapter amidst the vines of their picturesque Tasmanian escape.