The Story
Buying what was a sheep farm in Richmond, Tasmania in 2018, we began the process of creating a vineyard and a home to raise our family. At Caledon, the vineyard blocks are carved out amongst the native gum trees and hug our steepest slopes. Mindful of our footprint on this land, we planted the vineyard blocks between the beautiful gums, removing only one tree in the process of planting. Being largely native grasses, our paddocks are lightly grazed by sheep and tiny wild flowers can be found. Wedge-tailed Eagles, nesting over the hill, hunt the vineyard for their prey.
The Cellar Door
Beginning construction in early 2022, the Caledon cellar door is architecturally designed to capture the views over the Coal River Valley extending to kunanyi. Visitors are welcomed by a five metre high stone wall which is made from the sandstone dug out of the ground here at Caledon. We are fortunate to have a team of hardworking and creative stonemasons who have crafted this amazing masterpiece and it provides a memorable entrance for visitors.
The hub of the vineyard, the cellar door is a stunning, cosy space to sample delicious wines grown on the lands you can see right in front of you. Featuring an open fireplace and upholstered bench seating, the cellar door is a welcoming and inclusive comfort zone with scenic views over the ever-changing valley to kunanyi. Offering small plates and platters, the menu celebrates local Tasmanian produce and pairs well with our range of delicious wines.
Please join us on the socials to find out about events coming up and special deals on offer. As we find our feet, we hope to host some interesting events for small and large groups including some women only tasting events. Our cellar door is available for special occasions, we are able to section off areas to cater to your group so please email us if you would like to talk more about your ideas.
The Vineyard
In 2019, our vines were planted over 11 hectares, on the slopes of Caledon. Grown on 300 million-year-old dolerite derived soils, the vineyard enjoys a northerly aspect, is frost free (ish) and is spoilt with the fresh waters from the Derwent River thanks to the ingenious Tasmanian Irrigation Scheme. All of the vines at Caledon were sourced from local Tasmanian vineyards including Spring Vale, Craigie Knowe and Boomer Creek. Tasmania and the Coal River Valley is becoming known as one of Australia’s most prestigious cool climate wine regions, so we thought we had better join the party.
Catering to the curious, Caledon grows six grape varietals, offering nine wines – Pinot Noir Reserve, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose and Sparkling (made from our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes). Each block of vines has its own unique characteristics (slope, soil type, temperature variances) and the type of grapes chosen to grow are suited to the terroir of the block. Caledon is a single site vineyard and everything you drink is proudly grown here by us. We take care to produce fruit that reflects the land in which it is planted. Our fruit is carefully sent to the well-respected Spring Vale Vineyard on the Tasmanian East Coast to be made into wine by our good friends, The Lyne Family, who mentored us through establishing the vineyard.
Our People
Owners
The Stewart Family
We moved home to Tasmania in 2016 after living on the mainland, chasing a more relaxed way of life. With two small children and an old blue heeler, we searched the Coal River Valley for suitable land and finally found Caledon in 2019. Being a lawyer and a teacher, we relied on guidance from our friends at Spring Vale Vineyard (Cranbrook, Tas) and with their help, plans were quickly put in place and we planted eleven hectares of vines later that year. While waiting for the vineyard to bear fruit, we built our home here on the hill. Experiencing the magic of this place and wanting to share it with others, we then proceeded onto the cellar door construction. We look forward to our visitors experiencing this ancient land for themselves.
The Vineyard Manager
Justin Folloso
A Young Gun of Wine finalist in 2023 and winner of the 2023 Best New Act, Justin joined the Caledon Estate team as Vineyard Manager in 2024. A sommelier and winemaker, he has returned to his home state after growing seasons and vintages in Victoria, California and Burgundy. He is excited to continue the excellent work in the vineyard and push the boundaries of quality on what he believes to be a special site in a world class region. If not out in the vines, you may find Justin in our cellar door imparting his exceptional knowledge of wine hosting a tasting.
The Winemaker
Matt Wood
Matt hails from Western Australia and began his wine career in 1995, picking grapes in Margaret River after completing studies in Engineering. A developing fascination with the process of turning grapes into wine, Matt turned his back on engineering opportunities and began working with Domaine Moss Wood. With consultation provided by Keith Mugford, Moss Wood owner and vigneron, Matt developed and managed the Higher Plane vineyard and assisted in the winemaking of Higher Plane wines from 1998-2005. During this time Matt completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science) through Charles Sturt University.
Following his interests, Matt became a winemaker with Winemaking Tasmania under the supervision of Julian Alcorso in 2007. Working at the contract winemaking facility he was involved in the production of wines from all of Tasmania’s subregions.
By the end of 2013, Matt had taken on the winemaking role at Spring Vale, a highly regarded vineyard and winery on the east coast of Tasmania. With a young family himself, this presented an opportune chance to work with a dedicated, family-owned and run business. After briefly returning to Domaine Moss Wood from 2019-2021, Matt enthusiastically returned to Spring Vale in 2022 and promptly made Caledon’s first vintage, focussed on making wine that respects and reflects the uniqueness of the site and vintage.
The Logo Design
Our daughter drew her first face when she was two years old. Ten years later and she still draws every day. The Caledon logo comes from her kindergarten art folder and caught our eye. It might be a wine glass or maybe a vine tendril but whatever you make of it, it was drawn with tiny hands by a dedicated little artist.