Our Story

It all started with a deep love for Italy. In the early 1980s, Marcus was pursuing a career in professional cycling that took himself and Gail overseas where they spent several cherished years in the renowned region of Emilia-Romagna Italy.

Eventually, Marcus and Gail returned home so Marcus could take on the family business as the third-generation orchardist of an apple and pear farm. Fast forward 26 years, they travelled back to Italy to reconnect with their friends—who had become like family. Some of their fondest memories include making tortellini with Franca, touring the salumi factory where Livio worked, and picking grapes with Marco at the Volpe winery. Their passion and love for their food and wine was contagious, inspiring Marcus and Gail to start their own vineyard back home, on land where Marcus’s family had been growing apples and pears for over three generations.

What began as a hobby soon blossomed into something much more. Recognising the incredible potential of Tasmania’s terroir, and the oppertunity to diversify their business, they began experimenting with cool-climate varietals and expanding their plantings each year. What started with just 800 “hobby” vines has now grown into a thriving vineyard, with just over 9 hectares of planted vines on the Estate. Marcus and Gail are excited to have their daughter, Effie return home after spending 10 years in Melbourne, practicing law and operating her florist, Atelier Fleur. Since being back to her roots, Effie has spent time in both the vineyard and cellar-door, as well as working on some new and exciting projects, which will see the family business flourish in new directions!