Pooley Wines savours Royal Hobart show success

Pooley Wines has taken members of the public beyond the cellar door to show them how they craft their drinks following their award success.

The Richmond winery was named Tasmanian Vineyard of the Year in 2025 during the Royal Hobart Wine Show.

It is the second time Pooley’s has won the award, having claimed it in 2012.

Owner John Pooley said it was good to be recognised for the work it had been doing since it started in 1985.

“We first planted a little hobby vineyard for my retiring parents,” Mr Pooley said.

“Then, when I retired, I did the same thing and built the business.”

Mr Pooley said the Tasmanian wine industry had changed greatly since the mid-eighties.

“We were the third vineyard to be established in the Coal River Valley, and now there are about 35.

“Our latitude at 43 degrees south is ideal for growing wine grapes and making drinks.

“Now we’ve got all the big boys from the mainland coming here and pulling their vines out on the mainland.”

There are plans to plant more grapes at Pooley’s.

“But one of the important things is to try and minimise so you don’t get into an oversupply situation, which is a problem now on the mainland,” Mr Pooley said.

“I think quality and having an aspirational, honest brand are both very important.”

A recent focus at Pooleys had been on expanding its red wine range.

It has paid off for them after winning Best Syrah/Shiraz at the Royal Hobart Wine Show, beating around 140 other wines entered in the show.

“We’ve only been growing it for three or four years at a large volume,” Mr Pooley said.

“We originally planted around 100 Shiraz vines as an experiment, along with a few other varieties.

“We pulled the others out, but we have proven that Shiraz will grow very well down here in Tasmania.”

Pooley Wines General Manager Tristian Jones said he was proud of the success at the most recent Royal Hobart Wine Show.

“With more than 800 wines submitted, this recognition reflects the passion, expertise, and dedication of our viticulture and winemaking teams.

“As Pooley Wines celebrates 40 years of grape growing and winemaking in Tasmania, these awards highlight both the hard work behind every vintage and the enduring legacy of the Pooley family.

“We are immensely proud of these achievements and excited about the future of Tasmanian wine.”