Milton Vineyard, Tasmania: Why visit this Swansea winery?

The Milton Vineyard in Swansea, Tasmania, is part of a sheep farm. But this Tasmanian winery is now better known for wine than wool.

The Milton Vineyard, just to the north of Swansea on Tasmania’s Freycinet Coast, is what happens when you switch wool for wine.

Milton Vineyard history

The first farm on the site initially opened in 1826, raising sheep and producing extra-fine wool. But the dry, sunny climate of the Freycinet Coast makes it ideal for growing wine grapes.

So, in 1980, new owners Michael and Kerry Dunbabin diversified. Kicking off by growing other crops, they eventually switched two and a half hectares over to vines. Grapes were initially sold to Hardy’s, but since 2005, the Milton Vineyard has had its own label. The vines grow successfully in the old sheep paddock next to the cellar door.

Milton Vineyard, Tasmania: Wine varietals

The micro-climate around the Milton Vineyard is ideal for growing pinot noir, which notoriously favours a cool climate. However, there’s enough sunshine to make syrah work surprisingly well. On the white wine front, this Tasmanian winery makes pinot gris, riesling, gewurztraminer and chardonnay.

The latest experiment at the Milton Vineyard is with tempranillo – Spain’s most famous varietal. In total, there are now 22 hectares under vine – a massive expansion from the initial experiment.

Winery on a sheep station

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the Milton Vineyard, however, is that it is still part of a sheep farm. Michael and Kerry’s son and daughter-in-law are left in charge of the 3,500 sheep.

This Swansea winery’s cellar door is open for tastings from 10.30am every day. Visit the Milton website for more details.

Other highlights of the Freycinet Coast include the beach at Dolphin Sands, Wineglass Bay cruises and walking in the Freycinet National Park. Swansea is 135km north of Hobart.

More food and wine in Australia

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Enjoy fine dining and fine wine at Wills Domain in Yallingup, WA

Have a cold beer and a massive steak at the Nindigully Pub in outback Queensland.

Feast on tacos and mezcal at Bodega Underground in Melbourne.

Indulge in wine flights at Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley.