The Bend Vineyard
The Bend is one of a handful of historic sites on the East Coast that combined pioneering heritage with viticultural promise when vines appeared there in the 1990s. It was once part of a grazing property, established by the Cotton family. Their legacy is reflected in the simple elegance of The Bend's 1860s homestead.
Howard Edginton and Mal Sinclair planted vines in 1998. They drew inspiration from their mentor John Austwick, founder of Craigie Knowe Vineyard. Late-ripening Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon were their vines of choice, along with a smattering of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot for good measure. The vineyard spans 2.5ha.
Vine density is more like Burgundy than Bordeaux. It's around 6400vines/ha. Precision viticulture is the only game in town.
The vineyard's north-east facing slopes – where vines run north/south – provide optimal sun exposure and natural frost protection. A mix of ironstone and red clay loam is predominant on the site, with a patch of black clay loam being devoted to Merlot.
Organic principles are embraced and applied fastidiously. With healthy soils and well balanced vines, plant vigour is kept in check to allow the property to express what the owners refer to as 'true terroir.'
A significant 'big picture' context also drives viticulture. Just kilometres away is Moulting Lagoon, a large Wetland of International Importance, nominated under the Ramsar Convention in November 1982.
The lagoon is a breeding ground for various waterfowl and wetland birds, and offers a safe haven for migratory birds. Rare and significant wetland flora and fauna make this part of the coast an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The Bend makes an ideal neighbour.
Key details:
- Howard Edginton: owner/operator
- Mal Sinclair: owner/operator
Vineyard/cellar door address:
10 Grange Rd, Swansea TAS 7190
Open by appointment
Telephone:
+61 (3) 6257 8295
Email:
thebendvineyard@gmail.com
Website:
www.thebendvineyard.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 Grange Road, Swansea, 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 605mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 379mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 140mm
- Mean January temperature: 17.5°C
- Growing degree-days: 1091 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: 18
*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