Leaning Church Vineyard, Wines, Cellar-Door, Cafe/Restaurant & Catering

This is an exciting established operation with a strong profile within the Tasmanian wine industry, and a historical track record with mature vineyards with the original vines planted 30 years ago from 1988 to 1990. With such versatility encompassing proven grape and wine production, cellar door, functions from weddings to corporate, capacity for festivals and other tourism events such as Long Table Lunches/Dinners all in the cradle of the major tourism trails of the Tamar Valley Wine Route and North East Tasmania, Leaning Church offers an attractive and unique business model that does not have all its eggs in one basket and also features the best of fresh local Tasmanian produce in all facets of its operation.

Land area is 18.56 hectares (just over 45.8 acres), with 6.29 ha (15.5 acres) under vine comprised with plantings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The Vineyard is predominantly planted to Lyre trellising, with later plantings established to VSP and some sections being converted over time from Lyre to VSP trellising in identified block.

The Cellar Door facility features permanent undercover seating facility for 56 patrons, serviced from a well appointed commercial kitchen. A secondary outdoor paved area for approximately 80 patrons so cellar door never has to be shut down when there is a private function, approximately 40 Al Fresco patrons are afforded shade cover when dining alfresco under the Tasmanian summer sun..

The Church is utilised for weddings, corporate meetings and private functions and is a major drawcard, regularly hosting corporate business dinners.

The Hoecker Marquee (21 metres X 10 metres) is predominantly marketed and utilised for wedding functions, but is also booked for corporate and other tourism and entertainment functions, and seats up to 180 patrons depending on seating arrangements. Contract caterers are utilised for this facility housed in adjoining 9 metre X 6 metre facility. As with Cellar Door all furniture and decorative furnishings are included in the sale as is a full inventory of glassware, crockery and cutlery. There is plentiful parking, in several designated parking areas and local bus companies and maxi cab operators service the area for patrons wishing not to drive after a social outing. *Please note that taking “long term” bookings for wedding functions have temporarily been suspended while sale discussions continue, to protect Leaning Church brand reputation and integrity in case a new owner operator wishes to discontinue this management option. The vendors will recommence taking bookings should a new owner confirm their intention to offer this service.

Lakeside Park area for functions, festivals and entertainment in the heart of the vineyard for up to 360 people seated right next to one of the scenic permanent farm lake. It is also regularly used as a helipad for corporate visitors flying in for functions.

The recent designer three bedroom residence overlooking the vineyard was established in 2011 and is currently used as owners residence, however is capable of being used as a corporate retreat, having been designed with entertaining in mind with a host of quality features for ease and practicality of service and comfort whether for guests or domestic use. The homestead boasts the inclusion of a fully insulated cellar with a capacity of 2,000 dozen bottles of wine and is designed for access with pallet jack. (Homestead floorplans available upon request).

Currently all wines under the Leaning Church brand are made by contract winemakers, currently Jeremy Dineen at Joseph Chromy Wines and Shane Holloway at Delamere . There is also a contract to provide up to approximately 50 Tonnes of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Jansz Wines for Premium Sparkling wines, this contract has just been renewed for a further 3 years, which can be extended/continues if desired, or the fruit (or component of) may be directed in to increasing product under the Leaning Church label for increased domestic or export growth as there is flexibility to sell or retain additional fruit as required. If this were to happen it would be worthwhile considering the option of establishing a winery onsite.

At this stage the production under the Leaning Church label is approximately 1,500 cases annually, but with an existing ability to expand significantly, particularly for export without the necessity to purchase additional fruit or the need to expand plantings immediately is an existing and viable project. Included in the attached imagery is also the total area under vine and planting areas by variety. Approximately 2 tonnes of Riesling grapes are purchased from local growers each year to further supplement the wines available at cellar door for Leaning Church patrons and could be expanded upon if desired.

Ideally located only a couple of minutes out of Lilydale and just 20-25 minutes approximately from Launceston on the Tamar Valley and North East Wine Route, the vineyard is in a perfect spot for visitors and locals to frequent for tastings and meals, for brides and grooms for weddings, for corporate lunches and dinners, and ease of access for tourist traffic. From a tourism perspective the North East Rail Trail is expected to bring 30,000 additional visitors per year to the region, principally aimed at recreational tourists wishing to experience the walking and cycling tracks accessed from the old railway line, and has been approved as part of The Strategic Infrastructure Corridors (Strategic and Recreational Use) Bill 2016. Federally funded and to be managed by the Dorset Council, bringing with it an exciting opportunity for visitors of the historic trail passing directly adjacent to the property when operational.

Established 30 years ago, the vineyard was originally named Lalla Gully and gained international recognition producing premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes for the Lalla Gully and Clover Hill labels, and more recently Sauvignon Blanc that has received critical acclaim. The vineyard had never been opened to the public prior to June 2009. The current vendors have invested significant capital to develop the property into this premium tourism, wine, wedding and food business that has resulted in many prestigious awards and a significant increase in return on investment and exposure.

There is a good reason why Tasmania continues to attract people wanting to relocate or add Tasmanian wine, food and tourist ventures to their portfolio and lifestyle. Fresh air, reliable climate and rainfall with four seasons, flavour, variety and sensory delights are everywhere. Leaning Church has them in abundance and not just the wines. Fresh herbs are cultured for the chefs at cellar-door, a fully reticulated vegetable garden has been established on property to enhance the experience and concept of Paddock to Plate. The natural spring fed dams have a resident population of at least five Platypus, the gardens and native bush provide a habitat for local birds and wildlife including for bees and would be ideal for locating bee hives for honey collection if desired.

Copies of current winemaking contracts and grapes sale contracts can be made available to prospective purchasers along with financials and more detailed projections and budgets upon the signing of relevant privacy and non-disclosure agreements. The business is currently operated under two business entities (1) vineyard and wines plus (2) events and catering (which presently includes cellar door and functions).

The Asking Price is best offers over $1,990,000 inclusive of Vineyard Plant and Equipment, Cellar Door and Catering Plant and Equipment – Plus Wine Stock at Valuation at Settlement (S.A.V.) which may be purchased in addition to property and included in the W.I.W.O. sale contract of a going concern to enable continued trading. Inventories can be provided in upon request, detailing an approximate value of bottled and labelled wine in addition to bulk wine (still in barrel or tank awaiting bottling) as of the present time however is subject to change due to trading.

This is an exciting established operation with a strong profile within the Tasmanian wine industry, and a historical track record with mature vineyards of 28 years. As previously mentioned the current land area is 18.56 hectares (just over 45.8 acres) – with 6.29 ha (15.5 acres under vine). Importantly for those with expansion in mind there are other land holdings in near proximity that may potentially be purchased for additional planting areas to further supplement wine production or grape sales. Further details can be discussed with interested parties.

I look forward to speaking with you shortly to discuss further or arranging a visit with you to view as soon as you can schedule. The vendors themselves are very happy to remain in a short term management or transition role for a mutually agreed period if required – alternatively the vendors have very good staff, including Cellar Door Manager and catering staff willing to stay on to assist in or manage the operation on behalf of new owners.

Property Code: 477