Beautiful Isle
When winemaker Cynthea Semmens returned to Marion's Vineyard after 15 years of study and work interstate and overseas, her homecoming brought with it the added joy of partner David Feldheim and young toddler Solomon. The 8ha Tamar Valley vineyard and winery established by Mark and Marion Semmens in 1980 was in need of a helping hand by 2010.
As a small child, Cynthea had joined in as her parents planted some of their first vines. Those early life experiences on the former, rundown apple orchard left her with a deep appreciation of the valley's history and its sheer beauty.
It seems only natural the thriving Feldheim family would take inspiration from that heritage when it finally came time for them to plough their own furrow. Enter Beautiful Isle Wines, circa 2013.
The distinctly Tasmanian project revives the bright apple-crate artwork the Semmens family had once found while rummaging through their old apple shed. The Beautiful Isle brand name had been created by the orchard founder in 1880 and had long since exceeded its original trademark and copyright provisions.
For the brand's current custodians, Beautiful Isle is about producing 'lively, drinkable, cool-climate wines that aim to capture the landscape and the view in every bottle.'
Some wines are single varietal. Others are 'field blends' that change from year to year, depending on fruit availability. Much of that comes from the organically-certified Marion's Vineyard. The remainder is sourced from industry friends nearby.
Selections include usual suspects like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. And then there are others that otherwise might not have a home at all, like the early-season hybrid Cascade and the indigenous Greek red variety, Mavrodaphne.
The wines of Beautiful Isle produced from 30-year-old vines quickly established an appreciative audience. Wine Business Magazine described the 2015 Pinot Noir as a 'bright, contemporary, classy wine.' Meanwhile, the 2021 Halliday Wine Companion waxed lyrical about the 2018 Beautiful Isle Peacock Pinot Noir, with its renowned author concluding: 'Absolutely on top of the game.'
The vineyard cellar door is only open by appointment but has long been a favourite visitor destination on the Tamar Valley Wine Trail. In 2019, it was named 'best small cellar door' in northern Tasmania in Gourmet Traveller WINE's Best Cellar Door Awards. The national wine industry publication had a strong media and subscription base at the time.
More important in today's world, the couple's deep connections to the land ensure their viticulture and winemaking practices are low-impact, earth-friendly and fundamentally restorative. (See separate producer profile for Marion's Vineyard.)
The Feldheims love their Beautiful Isle.
Key details:
- Cynthea Semmens: owner/vigneron
- David Feldheim: owner/vigneron
Vineyard/cellar door address:
361 Deviot Rd, Deviot, TAS 7275
Cellar door open by appointment. See website for online sales.
Telephone:
David Feldheim: +61 (0) 411 618 121
Email:
info@beautifulislewines.com
Website:
www.beautifulislewines.com
Tasmanian viticulture takes place within a diverse mix of soil types and microclimates.
Growing conditions in the Tamar Valley fall under the moderating influence of the river itself. Consider: Eversley Vines (MJT 17.7°C; 1065 GDD) and Evenfall (MJT 18.4°C; 1230 GDD). Coolest vs warmest sites.
Vineyard sites on the Australian mainland are far warmer than those in Tasmania.
South Australia's Piccadilly Valley* (MJT 20.4°C; 1730 GDD) and Macedon Ranges* (MJT 19.9°C; 1365 GDD) in Victoria are regarded as the coolest GIs in their respective states.
Climate data* for Deviot Road, 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 806mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 373mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 184mm
- Mean January temperature: 18.3°C
- Growing degree-days: 1234GDD
- Average no of hot days (35°C or more) per year: 0
- Average no of cold days (minimum 4°C or less) Sept 1-April 30: 12
*Source: My Climate View, utilising past data from the Bureau of Meteorology and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Funded by the Australian Government.
Last page update: January 2026