Moorilla Estate Pty Ltd

Moorilla Estate was the second winery to be established in Tasmania in the 20th century, Jean Miguets La Provence beating it to the punch by two years. However, through much of the history of Moorilla Estate, it was the most important winery in the state, if not in size but as the icon. Magnificently situated on a mini-isthmus reaching into the Derwent River, and a lazy 20-min drive from the Hobart CBD, it has always been a must-visit for wine lovers and tourists. A new winery, completed prior to the 2010 vintage, saw a decrease of 80% from peak production to around 90 tonnes per year sourced entirely from the vineyards around Moorilla, and its St Matthias Vineyard (Tamar Valley). Its almost incidental that the new winery is part of an overall development said by observers (not Moorilla) to cost upwards of $150 million. It also houses the boutique brewery Moo Brew, but its raison d'atre is the establishment of an art gallery (MONA) that has the highest accreditation of any gallery in the Southern Hemisphere, housing both the extraordinary ancient and contemporary art collection assembled by Moorillas owner, David Walson, and visiting exhibitions from major art museums around the world. The official opening of the Museum in Jan 11 was attended by 2000 guests from all corners of the globe. JAMES HALLIDAY