Nocton Vineyard
The 34ha Nocton Vineyard occupies a prominent location on the Colebrook Road, heading north from Richmond. Its planting back in 1999 was equally prominent. Along with Josef Chromy Wines, Roslyn Estate and Tamar Ridge, Nocton Park (as it was then called) was among the industry's largest vineyard projects.
Those combined $30m investments signalled to the world that Tasmania did indeed have a bright future in cool-climate viticulture. Between 2000 and 2005, the total number of vineyards in the State almost doubled (from around 130 to 240+).
Chinese investors that included Wang Shan and her family saw the potential of turning former Richmond grazing land into a productive venture that would send some of the best of Tasmania back to her homeland. The syndicate developed a very close working relationship with Domaine A's Peter Althaus.
The Swiss winemaker was not just a near neighbour. He was the creator of the first Tasmanian red wine to make it onto the distinguished Langton's Classification of Australian Wine, a 'who's who' of the country's most collectible wines.
Althaus guided the Chinese project through its critical planning stages, providing advice on what to plant and where.
An Australian Red Wine Village Tourist Park was also developed at Miyun, 100km north of Beijing. Its centrepiece – an exact replica of Hobart's Government House – was opened in late 2001 by Tasmanian Premier Jim Bacon.
The valley around Richmond became home to European settlers and convicts in the early 1800s. The name 'Nocton' – mentioned in the English Domesday Book of 1086 – reflected the Richmond property's Scottish connections. 'A farmstead where wethered sheep are kept.'
Nocton's gentle, north-east facing slopes comprise dolerite-based soils over a free-draining calcareous and Triassic sandstone. As in Burgundy, limestone runs through the Coal River Valley. It was even mined here during the early days of colonial settlement.
Ownership of Nocton passed to the Meijin Group in 2012 before moving to its current private ownership.
Today, the vineyard is the source of an extensive portfolio of estate-grown wines. Varietal whites are led by Chardonnay (3 wines), Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. Riesling grown on the property currently contributes to a late-harvest white blend.
The range of varietal reds features Pinot Noir (3 wines), Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, and Merlot. An unusual Merlot/Chenin Blanc blend forms the basis of a popular vintage Rosé.
Traditional method sparkling appears as a multi-vintage blend under NV Sparkling and NV Sparkling Rosé labels.
Wines are made under contract at nearby Cambridge by the Frogmore Creek Wines team, led by Tasmanian industry veteran, Alain Rousseau. The Frenchman knows these soils like the back of his hand. Literally. His first years in the State were spent helping the Althaus family expand their 1ha Stoney Vineyard, following its purchase from George and Priscilla Park in 1989.
Nocton's valley terroir is familiar ground for viticulturist Alex Van Driel. Back in 2016, a 60ha Tea Tree site he was then managing for Clover Hill was named Tasmanian Vineyard of the Year by the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania.
A decade later, the 2026 Tasmanian Wine Show provided further acknowledgement of Van Driel's commitment to quality viticulture. The 2022 Nocton Vineyard N1 Reserve Pinot Noir won a gold medal in its class and was later awarded the AP Johns Coopers Trophy for Best 2023 and older Pinot Noir.
The annual Tasmanian Wine Show is held exclusively for wines produced from Tasmanian vineyards.
Nocton's cosy cellar door is open seven days per week. It's rated 4.9 by reviewers on Tripadvisor, among the world's most trusted sources for travel and experiences. Google reviewers concur: 4.9 stars.
Hospitality and events manager Laura Davidson has been an integral part of Nocton Vineyard since 2021, bringing passion, knowledge, and a warm welcome to every guest.
Key details:
- Charlie Sun: director
- Alex Van Driel: vineyard manager
- Alain Rousseau: contract winemaker, Frogmore Creek Wines
- Laura Davidson: event & hospitality/cellar door manager
Vineyard/cellar door address:
373 Colebrook Road, Richmond, TAS 7025
Telephone:
+61 (3) 6260 2688
Email:
cellardoor@noctonwine.com.au
Website:
www.noctonwine.com.au
Tasmanian viticulture takes place within a diverse mix of soil types and microclimates.
Climate data* for sites in the Coal River Valley highlight the wide diversity of growing conditions here. Six Friends (MJT 15.9°C; 786 GDD); Pooley Cooinda Vale (MJT 16.8°C; 929 GDD); SISU (MJT 16.8°C; 929 GDD) figure among the coolest sites.
Richmond Park Estate and Strelley Farm Estate (both MJT 18.0°C; 1189 GDD) are considered to be among the warmest, along with Coal Valley Vineyard and Cross Rivulet Winery (both MJT 17.9°C; 1185 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 Colebrook Road 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 544mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 305mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 117mm
- Mean January temperature: 17.8°C
- Growing degree-days: 1178 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: 16
*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