150 Hjorts Road Loira TAS 7275

Winter Brook Vineyard was established in the late 1990’s and is nestled on 12.14 hectares (approximately 30 acres) in the rural landscape at Loira in the heart of the West Tamar wine route. With 3.2 hectares under vine and a further 0.8 hectares in preparation for planting, a 3 bedroom, residence, active and popular cellar-door venue, and winery all on site this is an enticing and exciting opportunity to enter or expand into the Tasmanian wine industry with a head start. Sale is offered on a W.I.W.O. (Walk In Walk Out) basis as a going concern, however the vendors will consider all practical proposals including selling by component. The vendors circumstances have changed since going to market and are motivated more than ever to meet the market.

Winter Brook presents an opportunity to take over a wine business enterprise “from vine to glass” with a recognised brand that has emerged the difficult Covid lockdown periods, that hit so many hospitality industry sectors, in a very healthy and viable position. The vendors have created a portfolio of enticing wines that reflect the quality of the region and Tasmania’s cool climate. Coupled with a charming environment, valued and knowledgeable staff, mature vines producing quality grapes and expanded plantings (from 2012-2015) maturing and underway this property is in a healthy position and the business growth on an upward trajectory. There are further expansion options available to a new owner to explore if growth was part of forward thinking. With a portion of the vineyard young and maturing, and some remedial pruning and nutrition being undertaken in the previous four seasons yields have averaged approximately 10.4 tonnes.

The vendors produce a range still table wines onsite from Estate grown grapes - including white varieties Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and red varieties Baco Noir, Dornfelder and Pinot Noir. There are also small plantings of Pinot Blanc and Gruner Veltliner which form components of white blends, while Winter Brook Sparkling wines are currently made by a contract winemaker. Wines are made in the vineyard, and Winter Brook Vineyard produces cool climate grapes of high quality. Further tonnage of grapes have also been secured from surrounding vineyards in past seasons and are potentially available for ongoing seasons if volume expansion is a desired option. The full range of wines produced by Winter Brook may be viewed on their website.

With approximately 4 hectares (10 acres) currently designated as vineyard area (producing and in development) established on north facing slopes and planted/ VSP trellised rows to the northerly aspect the site maximises sunshine in the vines. Currently approximately 3.2 hectares are bearing, while approximately 0.8 hectare has had end assembly post installed in readiness for additional plantings this year. A new water main line has been installed to upgrade and improve supply to the newer vineyard blocks. The vineyard block’s perimeters are protected with vermin proof fencing. The current vineyards take up approximately a third of the property, with some further development approximately another 2 hectares could potentially be established in the future. There are other potential vineyard expansion options available to be explored.

The wines produced at Winter Brook are now predominantly sold through Cellar Door, as well as through Cellar Door members wine club (which currently has a wait list to join) and “on-line” marketing through the Winter Brook web portal. Cellar Door has established itself through its wines and their presentation as a popular destination for the general and tourist public alike, as well as with the niche market wine tour operators who are regular and routine in guiding patrons due to the positive feedback. All current wines are included in this sale as a going concern, including wines currently in production, tank and barrel from the most recent vintages. Finishing of wines will be by arrangement but at the new owners responsibility depending on stage of production. Given the growing demand for Winter Brook wines at cellar door and growing clientele base the vendors have identified additional grape purchase options if required.

Cellar Door facilities have been expanded substantially since re-opening after Covid to increase guest capacity, comfort and experience in all seasons. Plans have also been submitted for approval to council for a new guest amenity facility to be constructed: The vendors will remain responsible for completion of approvals, while a new owner will be responsible for completing after purchase (as marketed), guest amenities are currently temporary. The Cellar Door is licenced for the sale of Tasmanian wine and has a limited food licence. All Cellar-Door Chattels and equipment are included in this sale.

The Winery is a spacious facility, it would be considered rustic as it is a converted corrugated iron clad shearing shed with cement floor. It provides wine production and storage facilities suitable for the current and projected production levels. A comprehensive list of Wine making equipment and plant that makes the facility a winery as well as vineyard P&E is available and is included in the sale as part of the going concern.

The residence situated adjacent to the cellar door, convenient yet private aspect is a comfortable timber clad (Circa 1980) 3 bedroom, single bathroom, two WC homestead with open plan living and dining off the kitchen and also features an expansive all weather deck overlooking the vines and capturing the days sun. The home is warmed in the winter months by a free standing fan assisted wood heater (as is Cellar Door). The home has recently undergone upgrades to refresh; timber floors have been sanded and polished in living areas, new carpets in the bedrooms and fresh painting of the interior all recently completed in readiness for hand over to new owners or in readiness for potential use of the main residence as an Air BnB among the vines as part of the vendors vision as an option to maximise the potential of the property as a tourism destination. (Commencing from early in the new year 2025 if not sold prior and new owners wish to continue)

The property is serviced by single phase power, supplemented at the residence by a 4 kw 16 panel solar array and as well as 20 tube solar hot water. The property is serviced by both rain-water tanks and town water supply giving both options and water security. The vineyard is reticulated from the larger of the farms four spring fed dams via pressure compensated drip lines to each block as required. Dam four is almost hidden in the native bushland, while dams two and three may be used to supplement, however have to date been unnecessary other than new plantings and in the drier of seasons such as 2023-24.

The residual of the property is garden and surrounding ground which include an array of produce bearing fruit and nut trees, grazing pasture, and approximately 8 acres of native bush through which Winter Brook runs. Beside the Winery is a hardstand area (formerly a horse arena that is an ideal site for winery/wine storage expansion potential or given the views down the valley and over the vineyards some accommodation options (STCA) to enhance the guest experience; alternatively as a site to host festivals, erect a marquee and host functions or long table wine dining overlooking the vines it offers an array of potential.

Just 35-40 minutes from the heart of Launceston and 10 minutes from Exeter, well established on the Tamar Valley Wine Route Winter Brook is an opportunity to be given every consideration. Winter Brook is also less than an hour from Launceston airport and just over an hours drive from the Spirit of Tasmania Ferry Terminal at East Devonport it is a comfortable commute to this favourable destination.

Hand over may involve a transition period after settlement including winemaking and potentially viticulture by mutual agreement with the vendors. Winter Brook has loyal and experienced staff in both the vineyard and cellar door that the vendors would recommend and that have indicated a willingness to stay on with new owners. With Vintage 2024 complete and V25 underway this is an exciting and opportune time to step into a new venture with wines on the shelf and a new vintage approaching. Due to a shift in circumstances the vendors have expressed an openness to consider offers that provide more options for potential purchasers including the sale of the property bare, with or without P&E and S.A.V. or W.I.W.O..

Sushames Real Estate trusts in the information in this document which has been sourced from means which are considered reliable. Prospective purchasers are recommended to carry out their own due diligence regarding permits, measurements, and boundary positions prior to settlement.

Inspections are strictly by appointment with agent only.
Please contact Neil on 0429 331 664 for further information and to schedule inspections.