production

MOORILLA Estate has announced the purchase of one of Tasmania’s leading vineyards – the internationally acclaimed Domaine A/Stoney Vineyard in the Coal River Valley. This is the first winery that Moorilla, owned by MONA founder David Walsh, and located at the world-renowned museum site in Berriedale, north of Hobart, has purchased. “We recognise Domaine A/Stoney Vineyard as a cornerstone of quality Tasmanian winemaking and are delighted to now have it join our portfolio,” said Conor van der Reest, winemaker and general manager at Moorilla. “Moorilla and Domaine A are both very much focused on making wines that truly show what Tasmania and our individual vineyards have to offer. We look forward to working with (former owners) Peter and Ruth Althaus to make sure we protect the integrity of this brand that has such a loyal and well-deserved customer base.” The additional stock that comes with the ownership of Domaine A/Stoney Vineyard will help cater to MONA’S increasing demand on-site, including that which will come with MONA’S 172-room hotel development, set to open in 2022. “We see the strength in the unity of these two significant Tasmanian brands,” van der Reest said. “We will, however, operate them as separate entities, ensuring Domaine A is made using the same great techniques Peter and Ruth have developed and implemented over the years.”
Peter Althaus, the departing owner, said: “We remain enormously invested in all we have built at Domaine A/Stoney Vineyard. “My retirement and the decision to sell the business was certainly not an easy one, but from many interested parties (both local and international) I am confident I have chosen the right organisation, winemaker and people to maintain my label’s integrity and qualities. In keeping with my ethos of winemaking and business, this decision had very little to do with money. It was, most importantly, about feeling assured that the legacy I have built will be in the hands of the appropriate custodians.” Claudio Alcorso founded Moorilla in 1958. It is now one of Tasmania’s oldest contemporary wineries. Moorilla produces three ranges of wine on-site – Muse, Praxis and Cloth.Van der Reest, originally from Canada, joined Moorilla in 2007. He has studied and worked extensively in old and new world wine regions.