Mercury (Hobart)

Vineyard ripe for new beginnings

- JIM ALOUAT

AS ONE door closes for Coal River Valley vineyard Domaine A, another one opens as its former winemakers prepare for retirement and its new owners plan for the future.

Domaine A is renowned worldwide for its cabernet sauvignon wines.

In February, the David Walsh-owned Moorilla Estate bought the 11ha vineyard.

The two teams have been working closely together since the acquisitio­n with Moorilla winemaker and general manager Conor van der Reest taking over the reins.

He said Sunday’s open day was the perfect opportunit­y to pay tribute to retiring owners Peter and Ruth Althaus.

“We recognise Domaine A/ Stoney Vineyard as a cornerston­e of quality Tasmanian winemaking and are delighted to now have it join our portfolio,” he said.

“When you look at the quality and how this place grows the fruit it’s pretty special.”

Domaine A’s sales manager Lauren Sheppard said what made the vineyard unique was its expertise in producing world-class cabernet.

“So all our wines have a Bordeaux influence,” she said.

“The other thing that makes it special is we take the time to barrel and bottle-age our wines significan­tly before we release them.

“Rather than selling to our customer and asking them to wait until it’s at its very best, we do the waiting for them.”

Retiring Domaine A winemaker Peter Althaus has been at the helm of the business for almost three decades.

“My retirement and the decision to sell the business was certainly not an easy one, but from many interested parties I am confident I have chosen the right organisati­on, winemaker and people to maintain my label’s integritie­s and qualities.”

Wine lovers are encouraged to celebrate the contributi­on Peter and Ruth have made to Tasmania’s wine industry by attending Domaine A’s open day.

It will be held on Sunday from 11am to 4pm at the Domaine A/Stoney Vineyard at 105 Tea Tree Rd, Campania.

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