our vineyard

Observatory Hill is a family owned and operated, boutique vineyard situated 10 kilometers from the Hobart CBD. With a long Tasmanian family tradition of working the land, vigneron Glenn Richardson and his wife Chris, planted the first vines on the Mt Rumney property in 1991. Initial success with Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties led to subsequent plantings of Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. With the purchase of the adjoining property by Chris' brother, Wayne Ramsey and sister in law, Stephanie, a further 2 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris were added in 2005.

Situated at the entrance to the Coal River Valley and in one of the driest parts of the state, irrigation is essential and the entire vineyard is drip irrigated. The soil is mostly sandy loam over a mudstone base providing excellent drainage throughout the vineyard.

A modified Lyre (U-shaped) trellis system is used in conjunction with vertical shoot positioning, while the latest rows have been developed using a simple VSP trellis. Immense care, attention and expenditure are devoted to the vines at Observatory Hill. Bud burst takes place in September and early October. When Summer rain generates additional vine growth, constant canopy management including trimming and leaf plucking is necessary. Hand pruning, tying down and harvesting remove any potential for machinery damage to both the fruit and the vines.

In the cool Tasmanian Autumn, the grapes reach the winery in optimum condition where wine makers, Alain Rousseau and Nick Glaetzer at Frogmore Creek, add their French style wine making expertise to create the high quality, award winning wines for which Observatory Hill is renowned.