Loira Vines
When Mirabai and Adrian Carruthers stepped into the small, unassuming cellar door at Loira Vines in mid-2017, little did they know they were about to begin a new phase in their busy working lives. The heat and humidity of home and work in regional NSW had become something of a daily grind for classroom teacher Mirabai.
Adrian had spent over a decade running Gloucester's Roundabout Inn. It was time for the couple to escape the treadmill.
They had been drawn to the Tamar Valley by Tasmania's cool maritime climate, thriving food culture and laid-back lifestyle. Their cellar door experiences at Loira that day in 2017 were so inspiring they ended up buying the business.
Neither Carruthers had grown grapes or made wine before. Surely they could learn?
Located between Exeter and Sidmouth on the West Tamar, the tiny township of Loira bears all the hallmarks of being a great place to work with cool-climate wines.
This part of the valley benefits from marked maritime influences. Summers are bright and sunny, with mild temperatures moderated by gentle sea breezes and cooling nights. Long ripening seasons bring intense fruit to life while preserving fine natural acidity and delicate aromatics.
The soils here are characterised by Tertiary clays and free-draining gravels, together with alluvial deposits laid down over time by the river system.
Back in the 1980s, Loira became home to renowned Barossa Valley winemaker Don Buchanan and his family. Winner of the prestigious Jimmy Watson Trophy at the 1980 Royal Melbourne Wine Show, the highly experienced Buchanan knew a good bit of vineyard country when he saw it.
Between 1985 and 1993, Buchanan established a 6ha vineyard in the valley and became synonymous with topnotch Riesling and Pinot Noir and the occasional Cabernet Sauvignon. When Buchanan returned to the mainland, his developments passed into the hands of Josef Chromy, and subsequently to Pipers Brook Vineyard.
Small-scale Loira Vines was first established on a greenfield site back in the Noughties. It was an eclectic planting mix – Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Shiraz/Syrah.
The vineyard's subsequent owners have since added Chardonnay and Red Frontignac, together with a quirky North American grape called Fragola. The latter can be found in small home vineyards in parts of Italy. Fragola is a tasty table grape but can be used to make juice, homemade preserves and wine.
Golden Delicious and Pink Lady apples grown on site produce a range of craft ciders. Four varieties of hops add bitterness to home-brewed pale ale.
Now nine years into their passion project, the well-established Loira vignerons get plenty of bang for their buck from their 2.5ha vineyard and orchard. The Carrutherses manage every stage of their growing and winemaking processes, albeit with a little help and winery space from neighbouring producers.
The Loira Vines product range includes traditional method sparkling, table wine Rosé, not to mention single varietal Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Syrah. The popular Pinot/Syrah blend is known as Split Personality.
The couple's young daughter Adeline has also made her mark on the business. It's the joyous Unicorn Sparkle Shot.
Collaboration with Scottsdale's Little Rivers Brewing Co has seen the introduction of four Gin and Juice products, variously infused with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Fragola.
Gone is the humble cellar door that first captured the couple's imaginations. In its place is a larger, more striking but equally rustic facility, ideally suited to small gatherings and functions. Attractive, well-managed outdoor spaces add views and versatility.
Food experiences contribute to an outstanding 4.9 rating on Tripadvisor. These are all about showcasing the best local produce available from the valley and its surrounds. Platters are food for the eye as well as for hungry appetites.
Loira Vines certainly plays to its strengths. Unwavering emphasis on hospitality, small-batch production and local/regional sourcing has seen the couple establish a keenly supportive loyal following.
Bookings – quite understandably – are essential.
Key details:
Adrian Carruthers: owner/operator
Mirabai Carruthers: owner/operator
Vineyard/cellar door address:
3191 West Tamar Highway, Sidmouth TAS 7270
Refer to website for days/hours of operation
Telephone:
+61 (0) 418 477 760
Email:
taste@loiravines.com.au
Website:
www.loiravines.com.au
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 West Tamar Highway, Sidmouth 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