Producer profile: Tolpuddle Vineyard

Region: Coal River Valley, Tasmania
Founded: 1988
Owners: Martin Shaw & Michael Hill-Smith MW
Vineyard holdings: 31 hectares
Winemaker: Adam Wadewitz

Burgundian – that oft-used word among journalists and marketers – is entirely appropriate here. This is a story of exceptional terroir, artisan winemaking, and low volumes: Tolpuddle was founded in 1988 by Tony Jordan, Garry Crittenden and Bill Casimaty in Tasmania's beautiful Coal River Valley. The vineyard takes its name from the Tolpuddle Martyrs, English farm labourers transported to Tasmania in the 1830s. From the outset, Tolpuddle's erstwhile owners wanted to establish one of Australia's great single vineyards, exclusively planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In 2011, cousins Michael Hill-Smith MW and Martin Shaw visited Tasmania with modest intentions – a nice lunch, some wine tasting, and maybe a suntan. But after falling head over heels in love, they purchased the estate that same year.

Today, head viticulturist Carlos Souris and consultant Murray Leake oversee 31 hectares of exceptional vineyards on a northeast-facing slope, planted on light silica soils over sandstone – ideal for curtailing plant vigour. Keeping yields at very modest levels, the team focuses on soil regeneration, composting, and cover cropping. The estate is not organically certified, however, Tolpuddle's philosophy is clear: vineyard first, capturing the essence of the site rather than the signature of the winemaker. The climate, meanwhile, is one of Australia's coolest and driest, with around 500mm of annual rainfall - low by national standards – which helps to reduce disease pressure. The result is small, slowly ripened berries with intense aromatics.

These are handled with care and precision in the cellar. Winemaker Adam Wadewitz produces just two labels: an elegant and mineral-scented Chardonnay alongside a dark fruited and complex Pinot Noir. Each vintage is released in limited quantities and is typically oversubscribed on release. Tolpuddle now operates a waitlist allocation system, echoing the approach of leading Napa estates. But demand will always outstrip supply.

Since their first vintage in 2012, Shaw and Hill-Smith have been determined to craft some of Australia's finest wines – Burgundian in inspiration, but never mere imitation. It has become a benchmark for Tasmanian Pinot and Chardonnay, where the highest standards prevail.

Q&A: Michael Hill-Smith, co-owner, Tolpuddle Vineyard



Tolpuddle has become synonymous with premium Tasmanian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. How do you balance honouring the unique terroir of Coal River Valley with the pressure to meet global expectations for these varietals?

First and foremost, Tolpuddle is a vineyard not and brand and therefore we are limited by the size of the vineyard and the season. Our goal for Tolpuddle has always been clear : to establish it as one of Australia's truly great single vineyards. More than a decade in, this remains our focus. Each year our aim is to farm the vineyard as well as possible and produce two wines that capture the essence of this remarkable site.

Tasmania is often seen as a cool-climate safe haven for viticulture, but climate change is shifting those boundaries. What strategies are you implementing to future-proof Tolpuddle's vineyards?

Whilst global warming is a factor, Tasmania remains a very cold place surrounded by ocean- it's about as far south as you can go!

For the past decade, we've invested heavily in the vineyard itself - improving soil health, planting better clones, and increasing vine density. These long-term improvements are already showing in the wines, particularly the Pinot Noir, which has gained in depth and structure. Looking ahead, I hope we keep adapting in ways that protect the integrity of the site and respond to what each season brings so the wines continue to reflect Tolpuddle's unique character even as conditions evolve.

Tolpuddle has achieved a cult status in a relatively short time. When you think about the next decade, do you see Tolpuddle expanding its range?

We love that Tolpuddle is one vineyard and two wines only - it keeps us focused on what matters most. We don't want to be bigger we want to be better. Our focus will be on producing two wines - Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Our challenge will be to surprise people by the quality and uniqueness of the wine.