Priory Ridge Wines

Located in the small settlement of Priory, close to the tourist destinations of Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires and just 3kms from the town of St Helens one of Tasmania’s premium holiday destinations on the sunny East Coast. 

Priory Ridge is a boutique vineyard on 20 hectares with ideal north facing slopes which maximise sunlight. The soil is Devonian granite rich in mineral content, transferring a unique “terroir” to the wine. 

Formally known as Tarpot Farm, the property has been in the ownership of Julie Llewellyn’s family (Reid/Clifford) for over 120 years. Julie’s Great Grandparents settled at Priory in 1889 after migrating from England in 1880. 

Before its conversion to grapes the property was mainly used to graze sheep as an adjunct to a much larger property, grazing sheep, cattle and some cropping. Priory Ridge has the George River as its Northern boundary and the vineyard draws its water from a small dam on the property.

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.