Innovative Coal River Valley vineyard named state’s best

A VINEYARD in the Coal River Valley, which is renowned for growing grapes for premium sparkling wine, has been named Tasmanian vineyard of the year.

Site management, nutrition of its fruit and disease controls put Jansz Parish vineyard at Penna in the winning position. The award is an initiative of the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania to promote excellence in local viticultural management.

With about 60 hectares under vines, the vineyard is the southern base for the production of grapes for Jansz Tasmania sparkling wines, Parish Vineyard riesling and Dalrymple wines. The vineyard grows mainly pinot noir and chardonnay.

Jansz vigneron Jennifer Doyle said she was thrilled by the award.

“A lot of thought, planning and hard work by many people has gone into the vineyard and its expansion over the last six years. We thank the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania for the award,” Ms Doyle said. “We are seeing results in the quality of the grapes and wines, and it is gratifying that this has been recognised by others.”

The winner will hold an industry field day at the vineyard on Wednesday, May 23.

Originally established in 1999, the vineyard was acquired by the Hill-Smith Family in 2012.

The judging panel of Paul Smart from Wine Tasmania, Fred Peacock representing the Tasmanian wine industry, and Frank Walker for RAST, said Ms Doyle has developed an effective management program.

The program focuses on achieving specific outcomes for the sub-vineyards across the various environments ranging from lower flats to upper slopes on the adjoining high hillside of Mt Lord.

To attend the industry field day, register with RAST on 6272 6812.