Tamar Ridge Wines, the business developed by experienced Tasmanian businessman Josef Chromy, has been sold to Gunns Limited, a Tasmanian timber and agribusiness company for what is at present an undisclosed amount. Launched in 1999, Tamar Ridge has 63 ha of vineyards, a 1200 tonne capacity winery and storage dams of one million hectolitres capacity. All existing staff retain their positions, as Gunns appear willing to learn and observe before making changes. Gunns’ executive chairman John Gay has said the company intends to increase plantings at the existing site, as well as other company-owned sites within Tasmania. Gunns intends to use its existing markets in Asia to develop the Tamar Ridge label there. Although the occasional Riesling has been quite impressive, I am yet to be convinced in Tamar Ridge as a quality wine label.
