Brook Eden Vineyard

Brook Eden straddles an ancient ridge of deep, free-draining volcanic basalt and gravelly soils. And with Pipers Brook at the rear of the property and spring-fed wetlands at the front both contributing to a unique microclimate, the vineyard is ideally suited to classic European wine varieties.

Varieties that excel in the cool growing conditions that support slow ripening and vibrant fruit flavour development.

Jan (John) and Sheila Bezemer established Brook Eden in 1988 after purchasing their 60ha former beef cattle property the previous year. Initial Chardonnay (0.75ha) and Pinot Noir (1.0ha) plantings were joined by Riesling (0.25ha) in the early 1990s. The latter's second vintage prompted renowned Adelaide wine critic Philip White to include it in The Advertiser's Top 100 Wines of 1998.

In September 2004, new owners Peter McIntosh and Sue Stuart began managing the site according to organic principles, before then moving into biodynamic viticulture. Improved soil and vine health – together with reduced vineyard yields – brought almost instant success. 

The 2005 Brook Eden Pinot Noir was named Best Pinot Noir and Best Red Wine of Show at the 2007 Tasmanian Wine Show. The 2006 Chardonnay and 2006 Pinot Noir each won silver medals at the same event.

The former Sydney couple also introduced traditional method sparkling to the Brook Eden portfolio. Other developments included removal of a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon to allow new plantings of carefully selected Pinot Gris clones.

In August 2012, Ed and Annette Ferrero moved from Queensland to take up ownership. They have continued the property's family-run ethos. Today, they nurture 3ha of vines, including a block of Pinot Noir and Lagrein the couple added in 2015.

As if to illustrate there had been no change in wine quality under the vineyard's new vineyard management, the couple entered their bottle-aged 2013 Pinot Noir Nero wine in the 2019 International Cool Climate Wine Show, held on the Mornington Peninsula. They were rewarded with a gold medal. 

The same wine subsequently repeated its gold medal success at the 2021 Concours International de Lyon (France).

The 2015 Nero won gold at the 2019 Royal Hobart Wine Show. Such are the rewards of patience.

The Ferreros continue their practice of holding back wine for subsequent sale as mature releases. In 2026, the range includes 2011 traditional method sparkling; Pinot Grigio from 2013, 2014 and 2020; various selections of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dating back to 2010.

Winemaking over the years has moved from Pipers Brook to the Tamar Valley to the Coal River Valley and back to Pipers Book. Today, Delamere couple Fran Austin and Shane Holloway have steady hands on the winemaking tiller.

Since 2013, the Ferreros have planted more than 1400 native trees and shrubs to create windbreaks around the vineyard. A wildlife corridor connecting the vineyard with its neighbouring wetlands and Pipers Brook is currently taking shape. 

Not quite the Garden of Eden, but no less idyllic for vineyard visitors.

Key details:

• Ed Ferrero: owner/operator
• Annette Ferrero: owner/operator

Vineyard/cellar door address:

167 Adams Road, Lebrina TAS 7254

Telephone:

• Ed Ferrero: +61 (0) 411 525 649
• Annette Ferrero: +61 (0) 411 525 694

Email:

mail@brookeden.com.au

Website:

www.brookeden.com.au

Tasmanian viticulture takes place within a diverse mix of soil types and microclimates.

Climate data* for sites in the North East highlight the wide diversity of growing conditions here. Consider: Apogee (MJT 17.2°C; 975 GDD) and Handpicked Baxters Road (MJT 18.3°C; 1247 GDD).

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 Adams Road, 1995-2024:

• Total annual average rainfall: 958mm
• Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 431mm
• Average autumn rainfall: 218mm
• Mean January temperature: 17.6°C
• Growing degree-days: 1058 GDD
• 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: 20

*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