Glendale Estate
Vineyards are like children. They need dedicated nurturing, active encouragement and a neat mix of careful guidance and restraint. For Chris and Cassie Payne, Glendale Estate at Sidmouth embodies the intersection of the two. Adolescent vines and even younger children. All of them growing, part of a shared journey in a beautiful valley.
The West Tamar is a world away from the one the couple left behind in December 2018. Prior to purchasing the property, the Paynes held high pressure jobs in the US. Californian-born Cassie worked in corporate event management in Los Angeles. Husband Chris was a company chief financial officer.
In a move that sounds like something from the 1960s, the couple dropped out and switched on to a new life, creating a young family and raising kids in a clean, green environment in northern Tasmania.
For Chris Payne, it was a return to his home State.
Glendale Estate has a rich history. It was established back in the 1890s and became the site of a large orchard when Tasmania was known as the Apple Isle. Former farm structures, including an ageing apple packing shed – and a cottage built for Italian POWs in World War II – have since been re-purposed, helping to breathe new life into the property.
Vines entered the picture with previous owners, Andrew and Prue O'Shanesy. The couple swapped raising cattle in Queensland for raising vines in Tasmania. Andrew re-trained as a viticulturist. He then immersed himself in vineyard management before taking on an established 5ha site at Kayena and finally making a fresh start at Sidmouth in 2012.
The couple's passion project produced traditional method sparkling wine as well as single varietal table wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. All were sold under the Wines For Joanie label.
The Paynes moved in during early 2019, with Chris taking up viticulture and winemaking in order to create estate-grown wines that are handcrafted with minimal intervention. Meanwhile, Cassie put her marketing and event management experience to good use. She has since skilfully refined and re-defined the property's offerings to comprise a charming, rustic vineyard cellar door that becomes a visitor hub during food, wine and hospitality events. Carefully curated wedding receptions are now an estate specialty.
Fast-forwarding to 2025 sees the property replete with a striking family home. Fully restored cottage accommodation and a 60ha working mixed farm that maintains 50 head of cattle complete the package.
The gently sloping Tamar Valley vineyard blocks enjoy a mild temperate, maritime climate with long, cool ripening. Moderately fertile clay‑gravel soils drive the viticulture. They contribute structure and a subtle minerality to Glendale Estate wines. Traditional method vintage sparkling and small batch Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the core offerings, supported by Pinot Noir Rosé and Sweet Riesling.
Somehow, the Paynes also devote time to four young children. All are having the time of their lives.
Key details:
Chris Payne: co-owner/vigneron
Cassie Payne: co-owner/winemaking assistant and events manager
Vineyard/cellar door address:
163 Glendale Rd, Sidmouth TAS 7270
Telephone:
+61 (0) 488 033 492
Email:
cellardoor@glendaletasmania.com
Website:
www.glendaletasmania.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 Glendale Road, 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 852mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 387mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 194mm
- Mean January temperature: 18.0°C
- Growing degree-days: 1182 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: 13
*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