Sinapius Vineyard

Sinapius Vineyard – at Pipers Brook in North East Tasmania – occupies a gently sloping site, once known as Golders Vineyard, established by the Richardson family in 1990. Under subsequent ownership of former architect Richard Crabtree, the vineyard underwent expansion to 2ha, with the addition of almost 1ha of Chardonnay. 

The self-taught winemaker produced a handful of medal-winning Golders Pinot Noir between 1997 and 2004, before selling the property to Smithton-born industry newbies, Linda Morice and Vaughn Dell. The couple were just 23 years old.

They soon renamed their project Sinapius – after one of Morice's forbears – and immediately embarked upon an ambitious replanting and renewal program. There were strong focuses on increased vine density, enhanced clonal diversity and improved soil health.

The vineyard's soils are typical of the Pipers Brook district – ancient, well-drained ferrosols, derived from Tertiary basalt over deep clay loams, and enriched by ironstone gravels. These red volcanic soils – combined with cool maritime breezes and long, even ripening seasons – produce intensely flavoured, finely structured fruit.

The couple set a cracking pace with their developments. In mid-2017, a brief European study tour gave them some respite from their frenetic vineyard activity. Dell had been awarded the Dr Don Martin Sustainable Viticulture Fellowship earlier that year. The couple's busy itinerary took them through Austria, France and Germany at almost breakneck speed.

Their primary purpose was to investigate and report upon the potential for alternative grape varieties and wine styles to be established in Tasmania. Major emphasis was placed on researching organic and biodynamic viticultural practices, together with natural winemaking techniques.

The study tour marked a significant milestone in the couple's 10 year wine journey together. Barely five years into their growing and making exploits on the tricky site, they had already captured the attention of renowned UK critic and Master of Wine, Jancis Robinson. In 2012, she wrote: 'wines produced by Vaughn Dell and Linda Morice from Sinapius have an intensity that transcends the norm.'

The couple's return from Europe saw their winemaking become more exacting and even less interventionist. Wild ferments, whole-bunch inclusion and extended lees-ageing were widely but thoughtfully used to enhance palate texture and site expression.

Today's 4.3ha vineyard bears testament to Sinapius's longstanding pursuit of excellence and innovation. Pinot Noir (14 clones) and Chardonnay (11 clones) rub shoulders with Riesling (9 clones) and various plots of Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Gamay. A tiny smattering of the ancient Italian white grape Ribolla Gialla – added as something of a wild-card  – shows great promise.

Sadly, Dell's short but incredibly productive life of 39 years was brought to a sudden end by congenital heart failure in May 2020. It was a profound loss to Tasmania's small, close-knit wine community.

Dell's long-sighted vision for Sinapius – to craft wines of purity, individuality and vineyard authenticity – continues under Linda Morice's loyal stewardship, safeguarding the enduring legacy of one of Tasmania's most perceptive and terroir-driven wine producers.

Wine quality remains extraordinary. Seemingly on an endless upward trajectory. 

'It is courage, courage, courage that raises the blood of life to crimson splendour. Live bravely and present a brave front to adversity.' Horace, Roman poet, satirist and critic, 65BC-8BC.

Key details:

Linda Morice: owner/vigneron

Vineyard/cellar door address:

4232 Bridport Road Pipers Brook, Tasmania 7254

Telephone:

+61 (0) 488 740 234

Email:

• General enquiries: wine@sinapius.com.au
• Cellar door: cellardoor@sinapius.com.au

Website:

www.sinapius.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 Bridport Road, 1995-2024:

• Total annual average rainfall: 787mm
• Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 365mm
• Average autumn rainfall: 184mm
• Mean January temperature: 18.0°C
• Growing degree-days: 1170 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: 10

*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