The Pooley Collection

Pooley Wine

Rare Gem from Coal River Valley, Tasmania

When Denis and Margaret Pooley planted pinot noir and riesling in the Coal River Valley in 1985 as a ‘simple’ retirement project, they could never have imagined the extraordinary path their vineyard would take. Yet here we are, Pooley Wines has risen to stunning heights—earning the coveted title of 2023 Winery of the Year from Halliday.

They went on to establish the Butcher’s Hill vineyard, with its first vintage in 2007. This pivotal move cemented Pooley Wines' reputation for exceptional Single Vineyard expressions of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling from the Coal River Valley, less than an hour from Hobart in Southern Tasmania.

The Rugged Beauty of Tasmania: Delving Deeper into the Coal River Valley

Winemaker Anna Pooley believes the vineyard's sense of place is crucial, reflecting the spirit of Tasmania's rugged beauty. Cooinda Vale and Butcher’s Hill vineyards that has elevated Pooley Wines to the pinnacle of Australian pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling.

Established in 1985, Cooinda Vale Vineyard is located north of Campania and benefits from natural protection against weather. This means the vineyard’s continental climate results in frequent frosts, snow, and heatwaves. The sandy soils further limit root growth and access to water and nutrients, despite the unforgiving terrain, this ultimately produces more delicate and finessed wines – which is the signature of Pooley Pinot Noir.

Butcher’s Hill Vineyard, nestled in Richmond, is a standout site for Pooley Wines Tasmania. Its north-facing slope receives ample sunlight, with protection from cold winds and excellent soil drainage. The iron oxide in the soil retains heat and moisture, promoting the production of flavonoids and giving Pooley’s Richmond wines show a depth and complexity that’s hard to match.

Pooley Family: Young Talent On the Rise

Anna Pooley is the Pooley family’s first third-generation winemaker. She developed an early love for winemaking growing up on the farm, fascinated by the constant ruckus, anticipation, and community spirit of the process. It’s safe to say, the passion never left her.

After completing her schooling, Anna took to the mainland taking winemaking studies in South Australia. Her talent quickly placed her in hot demand upon graduating in 2003, beginning her career at the prestigious Wolf Blass in Barossa Valley. Her career further expanded with invaluable experiences in the old world including - Austria, Italy’s Tuscany, and several top wineries in Australia. Her exceptional winemaking skills garnered numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Wine Business Magazine's Top 50 Most Influential Wine People of 2009 and being awarded Australian Young Winemaker of the Year by the Wine Society in 2010. In 2012, she completed the highly regarded Len Evans Tutorial, a distinguished program within the wine industry.

In 2013, Anna rejoined her family winery, Pooley Wines, as the winemaker alongside her husband, Justin Bubb. Together, they have earned substantial acclaim, positioning Pooley Wines as one of Australia’s foremost cool climate producers.

Anna Pooley says ‘Sense of place is everything, for this is where the heart and soul of wine exists’

Today Pooley Wines remains a proud family-run operation, with the fourth generation of Pooley’s now lending a hand in the winery. Their wines are a true reflection of Tasmania’s raw, untamed landscapes, meticulously crafted with a blend of intuition and expertise honed through two international winemaking careers. The couple possess every tool of winemaking and apply it purposefully, sensitively and somewhat daringly, employing barrel fermentation, wild yeast, skin contact, residual sugar, selective malolactic, or whole-bunch fermentation. These Burgundian-like steps keep the wines honest, allowing the distinct characters of Tasmania’s landscape to shine through.

“The results speak for themselves, and their Margaret Pooley Riesling was our Riesling of the Year last year, my top Tasmanian Riesling again this year, and Jack Denis Pooley Pinot Noir 2020 was James’ highest-pointed pinot noir this year. With biological farming and organics now weaving into the tapestry of this fabled family story, even greater things are yet in store for what was once but a distraction – and is now Winery of the Year." – Tyson Stelzer

Got a question or eager to learn more? Browse our impressive curated collection of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Whether you're searching for a rare cuvée or a museum release, we're here to help. Feel free to contact us—we’d love to assist you in finding the perfect bottle.