Tolpuddle Vineyard is an outstanding site within the Coal River Valley region. Planted in 1988 solely to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the vineyard takes its name from the Tolpuddle Martyrs, whose “reward” for starting England’s first agrarian union was to be transported to Tasmania as convicts.

The vineyard is on a gentle slope, north-east facing. The soil is light silica sands over sandstone, and of moderate vigour, ensuring well-balanced vines.

Since acquiring the vineyard in 2011, Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith have invested heavily in improving all aspects of the vineyard, including soil improvement, conversion to cane pruning, trellis modifications, frost protection and clonal improvements. They are fully committed to seeing it recognised as one of Australia’s great single vineyard sites.