A celebrated piece of Tasmanian vineyard and colonial history in one of the ‘World’s most exciting new terroirs’ is on the market.
East Coast Tasmanian wine-making was born at Cranbrook’s picturesque, sun-soaked Craigie Knowe property, and its sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire some of Tasmania’s most mature and celebrated vines, in an industry that is flourishing.
The 13 acre property also includes a circa 1842 sandstone and bluestone homestead that has been fully restored and converted into a luxury boutique lodge.
Craigie Knowe was one of several properties farmed by the pioneering Amos family, who accumulated significant holdings in the Cranbrook area. The homestead was built by James Amos (1804-1864), and it sits on the highest point of the Swan valley floor, on a craggy knoll that in Gaelic was termed Craigie Knowe.
In 1979, dentist John Austwick chose Craigie Knowe for his first vine plantings because of its rich volcanic soils and the area’s long hot summer days. He wanted to produce his favourite Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignons. Austwick’s sheep-farmer neighbours thought he was mad, but over the last three decades, Craigie Knowe’s wine has become highly acclaimed – recognized as Tasmania’s first great Cabernet Sauvignon but also celebrated for its Pinot Noir and Riesling.
Many of Austwick’s former sheep-farming neighbours have since diversified into viticulture and the region is so admired for its micro-climate and distinctive terroir that Decanter magazine described it as one of the New World’s “six most exciting terroirs.”
Tasmanian wine industry pioneer, Julian Alcorso, said the sale came at a time when the Tasmanian wine industry was very buoyant.
“Demand for our grapes and wine is far exceeding supply – Tasmania was described in a recent wine article in Europe as the second most desirable place in the world to invest in the wine industry,” Mr Alcorso said.
“While the modern industry is over 50 years old, the average age of vines in Tasmania is six years, so to be able to buy a vineyard with vines that date back to 1979 is quite unique. Craigie Knowe is the perfect place to grow and make Cabernet Sauvignon in Tasmania,” Mr Alcorso said.
Craigie Knowe’s most recent successes include its 2010 Cranbrook Cricket Pitch Pinot Noir (so named, because its planted over the village cricket ground) winning Gold at the 2011 San Francisco Pinot Noir Summit, as well as Gold and Trophy for Best-in-Class at the 2011 Pacific Rim Wine Competition. The 2012 Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Cool Climate Wine Show in May this year delivered further medals to Craigie Knowe wines. Noted wine critic Graeme Phillips said Craigie Knowe has produced some “truly memorable long-living cabernets and pinot noirs.”
Meanwhile, the glorious old Craigie Knowe homestead recently underwent a major refurbishment and transformation into luxurious overnight accommodation. Currently managed by Tasmanian company experienceConsulting and operated by Bicheno’s Sandpiper Cottage, the accommodation business has been performing strongly.
“It fills a niche in the market for tourists seeking a unique property steeped in history and fine wine, all just a short distance from the East Coast beaches and bushwalks. It is also the only accommodation in this charming hamlet of Cranbrook,” said Greg Ramsay, managing director of experienceConsulting.
Craigie Knowe is for sale by expressions of interest, and is offered as a trading business with winery infrastructure, cellar door, plant & equipment, remaining bottle stock, as well as established distribution partnerships.
Craigie Knowe
