Our Happy Place: Crafting Pinot Noir & Chardonnay in Tasmania

For Pete Caldwell, the vineyard is more than just a workplace – it’s his happy place and an essential part of his identity. Many say that wine is made in the vineyard, and in Pete’s view, it’s true. The vines do the heavy lifting; he sets them up for success, then allows the climate and the site to tell its own story.

Pete’s approach to winemaking is rooted in balance, length, and complexity – always with an eye to capturing the essence of Tasmania’s climate and the unique character of each vineyard site. Every vintage brings a new adventure, an opportunity to craft Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that perfectly reflect the land from which they come.

Tasmania’s vineyards are scattered across an island defined by its coastlines and weather patterns. From the Tamar Valley in the north, down the east coast past Swansea and on to Eaglehawk Neck, each location brings its own distinct personality to the fruit.

Weather That Shapes the Wine

Tasmania is an island state surrounded by cold seas – the Bass Strait to the north and the Southern Ocean to the south. The majority of our weather comes from the north-westerlies, carrying cool, moist air off the Bass Strait’s 12°C waters.

This brings heavy rainfall to the rugged west coast – sometimes up to three metres a year – making it inhospitable for vineyards. But as the weather crosses the island, the mountains wring out much of that moisture, leaving the east coast drier and sunnier. That’s where most of our vineyards thrive.

Our Vineyard Regions

Pipers River

Our home vineyard in the north-east, just five kilometres from Bass Strait. The climate is mild, with warm days rarely topping 25°C and winters that aren’t too harsh. The long, cool growing season allows for beautiful flavour development without sacrificing acidity.

Swansea

Situated on Tasmania’s “Sunshine Coast,” this is our warmest and driest site. With both warm days and warm nights, it produces rich, ripe fruit. It’s also a favourite holiday spot for Tasmanians, and it’s easy to see why.

Coal River Valley

Only 20 minutes from Hobart, this classic Tasmanian wine region is dry, warm by day, and often cool by night thanks to southern sea breezes. The wines here are known for blue-fruit characters, soft tannins, and a lively acidity.

Ouse

The most central and isolated of our sites, Ouse experiences Tasmania’s hottest daytime temperatures – sometimes exceeding 40°C – but also some of its coolest nights, dropping to as low as 5°C. This extreme diurnal range creates a distinctive style that’s unlike any other in the state.

Across all these regions, our vineyards are mature, low-yielding, and carefully managed – the essential foundation for crafting wines of true quality.