Milton Vineyard

04/21/2025

Milton boasts a rich history – dating back to 1826 – when its land was first granted to English settler John Allen. Purchased in 1980 by the Dunbabin family, the 1800ha property provided a home to grazing and cropping until sixth-generation farmer Michael Dunbabin and wife Kerry added viticulture as a business diversification strategy.

Their first attempt – on nearby Cranbrook Syde – proved unsuccessful on its frost-prone, high-vigour red dirt. The dry, rocky, free-draining soils on dolerite found on Milton itself helped ensure their next development would enjoy success from the outset.

Back in the 1990s, the Dunbabins were among the dozen or so select growers in Tasmania offered long-term contracts by South Australia's BRL Hardy as it planned its Arras and Bay of Fires wine brands. The arrangements – typically for 10 years – gave farmers like the Dunbabins the confidence to plant vines in what was then a high-risk industry, knowing there was a guaranteed buyer for their fruit.

The carefully devised strategy also allowed Hardys to quickly expand wine production without developing extensive vineyard plantings of their own. The company determined the style and quality of their fruit requirements, right from the outset.

Renowned viticulturist Ray Guerin worked closely with growers to determine which varieties and clones were best suited to their sites. His influence even extended to detailed vineyard management.

Guerin encouraged growers to ensure only dappled sunlight fell on their fruit, avoiding both excessive bunch shading and harsh, direct sunlight. The technique offered marked flavour enhancement while preserving natural acidity and preventing sunburnt fruit.

Planted to Pinot Noir in 1992, Milton supplied fruit under contract to Hardys Wines from 1996 to 2004. Meanwhile, the Dunbabins continued to expand their site and refine their grape-growing skills. In 2005, the family produced their first estate-labelled wines, made by veteran winemaker Julian Alcorso. The opening of an attractive and welcoming vineyard cellar door followed in 2008.

Less than a decade later, the Royal Agricultural Show Society named Milton as Tasmania's 2017 Vineyard of the Year. Almost another decade further on, Milton continues to prosper as one of the State's most successful family-owned and operated farming businesses.

Well-established plantings of Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Syrah have been joined by Tempranillo on the 26ha Cranbrook site. The resulting wines are not just estate-grown but are now being made on the property in a large, purpose-built facility.

Jacqui Dolan – previously at Derwent Estate, Moorilla Estate and Domaine A – is Tasmanian-born and bred. With 15 years' winemaking experience, Dolan's local knowledge and understanding of heritage and commitment to the land should pay dividends for the family company.

Dolan struck pay-dirt with her first vintage. The 2023 Milton Family Reserve Pinot Noir won gold in a hotly-contested class at the 2025 Tasmanian Wine Show.

The Reserve range also comprises Riesling, Chardonnay and that new kid on the block, Syrah.

The fresh and zesty vintage Laura Sparkling is named after Kerry and Michael's daughter. It makes a welcoming aperitif at Milton's thriving vineyard restaurant. Delicious food offerings span a range of styles and price points, with A TALE among the vines working the vineyard kitchen. See @ataleamongthevines for details.

Dunbabin. Done well.

Key details:

  • Michael Dunbabin: owner/operator
  • Kerry Dunbabin: owner/operator
  • Jacqui Dolan: winemaker

Vineyard/cellar door address:

14635 Tasman Highway, Swansea TAS 7190

Telephone:

+61 (3) 6257 8298

Email:

wine@miltonvineyard.com.au

Website:

www.miltonvineyard.com.au

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

Climate data* for sites on the East Coast highlight the wide range of growing conditions here. Consider: Saltwater River Wines (MJT 16.0°C; 859 GDD) and Sterling Heights (MJT 18.3°C; 1267 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 Tasman Highway Swansea, 1995-2024:

  • Total annual average rainfall: 555mm
  • Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 350mm
  • Average autumn rainfall: 126mm
  • Mean January temperature: 18.0°C
  • Growing degree-days: 1196 GDD
  • Average no of hot days (35°C or more) per year: 1
  • Average no of cold days (minimum 4°C or less) Sept 1-April 30: 14

*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