Craigie Knowe Vineyard

On the surface of it, there is a lot to love about Craigie Knowe. Then you dig a little deeper and find even more.

Craigie Knowe boasts the oldest vines on the coast. Thats not to say the whole vineyard is aged, but the original vines that were planted by local wine making legend John Austwick back in 1979 are still there today, and the vineyard keeps growing around them.

John is widely considered as a pioneer of the wine industry in Tasmania, particularly on the coast. He retired and sold the property in 2009, and the new owners made some wonderful improvements, but the vineyard proved too much and was left unattended for 2 vintages.

That’s where Glenn and Sandy came in. They are a remarkable couple, their love of the property is evident, but their whole hearted dedication to the community and the region is equally delightful. It’s one thing to move to the coast and try something new, it’s another to thing altogether to assimilate into a long established community and become not only accepted, but a welcome addition.

Craigie Knowe is very much a family affair. Son Alex, a lovely, softly spoken fellow, embraced the family mission and began studies in Viticulture. Their daughter Kate lends a hand on weekends and on social media while she sudies away; and Sandy’s dad, Alan, can regularly be found in the vineyard helping out; or in the workshop hand crafting tasting boards for the chocolates and platters.

Sandy and Glenn are quick to graciously mention neighbouring vineyards that have helped enormously as they’ve learned the ropes. Since then, they’ve added vines, opened a cellar door, created a venue, hosted music events, built a dam, water systems, and sheds.

And I’m sure this is just the beginning.

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