Collection: Stoney Rise

As a wine lover, there are certain occasions or experiences you have that make you realise what is so special about all things vinous.

My wife Lou and I had such an experience when we visited a special vineyard in the Tamar Valley in Northern Tasmania in late 2003. We visited the cellar door and realised what a special site this was for growing grapes in Tasmania. We liked it so much we purchased the property in 2004 and set about renovating the vineyard.

My family have been involved in growing grapes and making wine in Tasmania since 1984. I grew up seeing our wines develop more complexity, as the vines got older. So one big attraction of our new vineyard was knowing that as the vines were planted in 1986, we had vine age on our side.

My experience in the industry has seen me do everything from waiting on tables to buying wine for The Wine Society's 50,000 Australian members. Lou's experience began working hands on in vineyards, before seeking the comforts of the office and cellar door for a couple of South Australian wineries. Although secretly her real love is the numbers! She runs the business.

The experience we have had, and time living in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Robe and travelling made us realise that it was the growing and making of wine that really inspired our passion for wine. It also made us realise that while we are very serious about our wines, that wine is a product that should be enjoyed with friends, and that to us, makes wine a fun product.

We take our wines and our special bit of dirt on the Tamar River very seriously, but we balance that by having as much fun as possible doing it.

- Joe Holyman