76 Brooks Road Lalla TAS 7267

Leaning Church Vineyard, Wines, Cellar-Door, Cafe/Restaurant & Catering

This is an exciting established operation with a strong profile within the Tasmanian wine industry, and a historical track record with mature vineyards with the original vines planted 30 years ago from 1988 to 1990. With such versatility encompassing proven grape and wine production, cellar door, functions from weddings to corporate, capacity for festivals and other tourism events such as Long Table Lunches/Dinners all in the cradle of the major tourism trails of the Tamar Valley Wine Route and North East Tasmania, Leaning Church offers an attractive and unique business model that does not have all its eggs in one basket and also features the best of fresh local Tasmanian produce in all facets of its operation.

Land area is 18.56 hectares (just over 45.8 acres), with 6.29 ha (15.5 acres) under vine comprised with plantings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The Vineyard is predominantly planted to Lyre trellising, with later plantings established to VSP and some sections being converted over time from Lyre to VSP trellising in identified block.

The Cellar Door facility features permanent undercover seating facility for 56 patrons, serviced from a well appointed commercial kitchen. A secondary outdoor paved area for approximately 80 patrons so cellar door never has to be shut down when there is a private function, approximately 40 Al Fresco patrons are afforded shade cover when dining alfresco under the Tasmanian summer sun..

The Church is utilised for weddings, corporate meetings and private functions and is a major drawcard, regularly hosting corporate business dinners.

The Hoecker Marquee (21 metres X 10 metres) is predominantly marketed and utilised for wedding functions, but is also booked for corporate and other tourism and entertainment functions, and seats up to 180 patrons depending on seating arrangements. Contract caterers are utilised for this facility housed in adjoining 9 metre X 6 metre facility. As with Cellar Door all furniture and decorative furnishings are included in the sale as is a full inventory of glassware, crockery and cutlery. There is plentiful parking, in several designated parking areas and local bus companies and maxi cab operators service the area for patrons wishing not to drive after a social outing.

Lakeside Park area for functions, festivals and entertainment in the heart of the vineyard for up to 360 people seated right next to one of the scenic permanent farm lake. It is also regularly used as a helipad for corporate visitors flying in for functions.

The designer three bedroom residence overlooking the vineyard was established in 2011 and is currently used as owners residence, however is capable of being used as a corporate retreat, having been designed with entertaining in mind with a host of quality features for ease and practicality of service and comfort whether for guests or domestic use. The family living and dining areas form around the central kitchen and create an interactive space for living and entertaining. A second living area (currently utilised as an office) can also feature as a fourth bedroom if desired. The master bedroom features ensuite and generous walk in robes, while the remaining bedrooms feature built in robes. The homestead boasts the inclusion of a fully insulated cellar with a capacity of 2,000 dozen bottles of wine and is designed for access with pallet jack.

Currently all wines under the Leaning Church brand are made by contract winemakers, currently Jeremy Dineen at Joseph Chromy Wines and Shane Holloway at Delamere . A contract to provide up to approximately 50 Tonnes of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Jansz Wines for Premium Sparkling wines, this contract has just been renewed for a further 3 years, which can be extended/continued if desired, or the fruit (or component of) may be directed in to increasing product under the Leaning Church label for increased domestic or export growth as there is flexibility to sell or retain additional fruit as required. If this were to happen it would be worthwhile considering the option of establishing a winery onsite.

Currently the production under the Leaning Church label is approximately 1,500 cases annually, but with an existing ability to expand significantly, particularly for export without the necessity to purchase additional fruit or the need to expand plantings immediately is an existing and viable project. Included in the attached imagery is also the total area under vine and planting areas by variety. Approximately 2 tonnes of Riesling grapes have regularly been purchased from local growers each year to further supplement the wines available at cellar door for Leaning Church patrons and could be expanded upon if desired.

Ideally located only a couple of minutes out of Lilydale and just 20-25 minutes approximately from Launceston on the Tamar Valley and North East Wine Route, the vineyard is in a perfect spot for visitors and locals to frequent for tastings and meals, for brides and grooms for weddings, for corporate lunches and dinners, and ease of access for tourist traffic. From a tourism perspective the North East Rail Trail is expected to bring 30,000 additional visitors per year to the region, principally aimed at recreational tourists wishing to experience the walking and cycling tracks accessed from the old railway line, and has been approved as part of The Strategic Infrastructure Corridors (Strategic and Recreational Use) Bill 2016. Federally funded and to be managed by the Dorset Council, bringing with it an exciting opportunity for visitors of the historic trail passing directly adjacent to the property in the not too distant future.

Established 30 years ago, the vineyard was originally named Lalla Gully and gained international recognition producing premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes for the Lalla Gully and Clover Hill labels, and more recently Sauvignon Blanc that has received critical acclaim. The Cellar Door opened to the public prior to June 2009 after the current vendors invested significant capital to develop the property into this premium tourism, wine, wedding and food business that has resulted in many prestigious awards and a significant increase in return on investment and exposure.

There is a good reason why Tasmania continues to attract people wanting to relocate or add Tasmanian wine, food and tourist ventures to their portfolio and lifestyle. Fresh air, reliable climate and rainfall with four seasons, flavour, variety and sensory delights are everywhere. Leaning Church has them in abundance and not just the wines. Fresh herbs are cultured for the chefs at cellar-door, a fully reticulated vegetable garden has been established on property to enhance the experience and concept of Paddock to Plate. The natural spring fed dams have a resident population of at least five Platypus, the gardens and native bush provide a habitat for local birds and wildlife including for bees and would be ideal for locating bee hives for honey collection if desired.

The Asking Price is best offers over $1,990,000 exclusive of Vineyard Plant and Equipment and Catering Plant and Equipment – Plus Wine Stock at Valuation at Settlement (S.A.V.) which may be purchased in addition to property and included in the W.I.W.O. sale contract of a going concern to enable continued trading.

This is an exciting established operation with a strong profile within the Tasmanian wine industry, and a historical track record with mature vineyards of approximately 30 years. As previously mentioned the current land area is 18.56 hectares (just over 45.8 acres) – with 6.29 ha (15.5 acres under vine). Importantly for those with expansion in mind there are other land holdings in near proximity that may potentially be purchased for additional planting areas to further supplement wine production or grape sales. Further details can be discussed with interested parties.

I look forward to speaking with you shortly to discuss further. The vendors themselves are very happy to remain in a short term management or transition role for a mutually agr