Ouse River Wines

Ouse River Wines is one of the most interesting developments in Tasmania. Bernard and Margaret Brain own a 1000ha property north of Ouse at the top end of the Derwent Valley. They run 9 enterprises on the property, including the vineyard that is the furthest inland in Tasmania. It has a continental climate and a diurnal temperature range during ripening of 7°C more than the areas surrounding Hobart. The first planting of 1ha in late ’02 was followed by 1ha planted each year until ’06; further plantings over the years resulted in a total of 6.55ha of pinot noir, 10.25ha of chardonnay and 1ha of riesling. The pinot has been used by House of Arras from the second vintage and in every vintage since. -JAMES HALLIDAY