A small family vineyard on the Tasman Peninsula has claimed a top gold medal at one of Australia’s most prestigious wine competitions.
Cascades Bay Wines, run by Tanya Dalton and Clinton Mead from Koonya, won the top gold medal for its 2022 Pinot Noir at the 2026 National Wine Show of Australia.
The invitation-only competition showcases the country’s highest medal-winning wines from regional and state wine shows.
The couple spent more than 10 years searching for land with the right soil and character before planting their vineyard in 2016.
Mead said the cool maritime climate, clean coastal air and long ripening season on the Tasman Peninsula create ideal conditions for producing Pinot Noir.
“This top gold-medal recognition is incredibly rewarding for our whole family,” Mead said.
“We’re a very small operation and we’re so appreciative of our daughters, extended family and friends who have helped us every year since planting.”
“It’s the story, the people and the journey that make every bottle special.”
For Dalton, the move into winemaking was completely unexpected.
After more than 30 years in corporate roles including with a major airline, redundancy became the push for a dramatic career change.
She retrained in wine industry operations at TasTAFE through a government-funded program.
“What began as a fresh start quickly became a passion,” Dalton said.
“Every season teaches you something new. It’s challenging, rewarding and incredibly grounding.”
Mead made his own leap after 40 years in the construction industry.
“When you own a vineyard, you never truly retire,” he said.
“There’s always something to do and always something new to learn.”
The vineyard uses natural sprays while chickens, guinea fowl and sheep help fertilise the soil and manage grass and pests.
Dalton said the award, announced in Canberra this week, reflects years of patience and community support.
“Every vintage brings its own challenges and lessons, and this wine represents an enormous amount of hard work from many people behind the scenes,” she said.
