Our Story
The History of Wattle Grove
Wattle Grove Vineyard has a rich and enduring history in the heart of Lower Barrington on Tasmania’s North West Coast.
The story began in 1873, when Harry French settled on the property and built the first section of the homestead. Over time, the home was almost doubled in size, becoming a significant family residence and part of the region’s history.
Harry French was born in San Francisco, California, to English parents who had travelled there during the Californian Gold Rush. The family later arrived in Tasmania when Harry was just two years old. Harry married twice and spent much of his life building a legacy at Wattle Grove. He passed away on 1 January 1942 in his 90th year.
His son, Reg French, together with his wife Agnes (Irvine) and their four children, continued the family connection to the property and the surrounding Lower Barrington community. In 1972, Wattle Grove Homestead was purchased by Kevin and Sue Emery, who lovingly cared for the property for almost 50 years. Their stewardship preserved the character and history of the homestead for future generations.
In August 2020, Geoff and Kim Jones became the new custodians of Wattle Grove. Since then, they have carefully renovated the historic homestead while creating a new vision for the future — establishing the vineyard and developing a Cellar Door and Vineyard Dining experience that celebrates Tasmania’s cool-climate wines and outstanding local produce.
Today, Wattle Grove blends heritage, hospitality, and the beauty of Tasmania’s North West Coast, honouring the past while welcoming a new chapter for generations to come.
Welcome to Wattle Grove vineyard, where passion and precision come together in every bottle. Savor the lush beauty of Tasmania with each sip of our wine.
Handpicked from our family-owned estate, our grapes thrive in the fertile ferrosol soils of Lower Barrington.
The region’s cool climate nurtures our vines, producing wines that truly capture the essence of Tasmania.
Geoff and Kim Jones recently launched their vineyard, driven by a shared passion for wine. Starting with 4 hectares, and with plans to expand by an additional 2 hectares, their journey is focused on creating a warm, welcoming space for visitors to enjoy Tasmania's cool-climate wines. In addition to wine, Geoff and Kim also produce premium Speckle Park beef.
Their vision centers on crafting exceptional wines with a strong commitment to sustainability. The new cellar door will offer an intimate setting for wine tastings and sales, while the on-site restaurant provides a farm-to-table dining experience, showcasing the best of local Tasmanian produce.
