Priory Ridge Wines is owned and operated by Julie and David Llewellyn. The vineyard borders the George River in the farming district of Priory, 5-minutes drive north of St Helens. The property has been in Julie's family (Reids and Cliffords) for over 125 years. Both families originated from England, the Reid family arriving in Tasmania in 1870 and taking up land on the George River in 1890. John C
lifford arrived in 1842 and in 1852 he and his family came first to St Helens, then to Priory in 1860 to establish the farm. A boutique vineyard in every sense, consisting of six hectares of north-facing slopes, the rich Devonian granite soil - unique in Tasmanian vineyards, transfers a special 'terroir' to the wine. Our unique location produces aromatic whites and full-bodied reds, packed with character and flavour. All grapes are hand-picked and wine fermented by the grapes' own yeasts. The Pinot Noir is allowed to mature in French oak for over 18 months, undertaking natural malolactic conversion, thus enhancing the body and flavour and producing a rounder, fuller mouth-feel to the wine. The Sauvignon Blanc is naturally fermented in oak barrels in the French tradition. A unique experience awaits you at the the Priory Ridge Cellar Door. As you savour the depths of flavours of our handcrafted cool-climate wines you can take in the ambience of the adapted 1900s shearing shed. Julie's ancestors used timber from the property to build the bush pole structure, the split cladding and iron roof have stood the test of time for the past 80 years. Visitors can enjoy the pictorial history of yesteryear activity in the Priory district along with old wares. Julie grew up in the area and has maintained a collection of memorabilia along with records of pioneering families.
