Josef Chromy Wines
Vineyard

Under the terms of sale of Tamar Ridge Wines in July 2003, Josef negotiated a restraint of trade clause that allowed him to have a hobby vineyard. A few months later at the age of seventy-two when most people are in retirement, Josef through the JAC Group purchased out of receivership the Old Stornoway Vineyard at Relbia south of Launceston. Some might say that the 61-hectare vineyard was more than a hobby, but for Josef work is his hobby. After spending money on fixing the vineyard trellis and improving the pruning and fertilisation, the vineyard performance improved dramatically. As a result, Josef recognised the potential of this new vineyard to produce super premium wine grapes at commercial yields.

Relbia is located inland south of Launceston which results in cool nights and warm days that are ideal for growing high quality cool-climate grapes. Being located inland away from the moist air near the Tamar River also means that the vineyard suffers from less disease pressure, and with irrigation available water can be easily applied to the roots of the vines when optimum to do so. This results in clean super premium quality fruit at commercial yields. To maximise margins and promote the brand, the 1880s homestead on the property was converted into a trendy cellar door and café in 2006. A new winery was then built in 2007 and several years later an award-winning winery restaurant and function centre was constructed in 2012.