Meet the Maker - Sam Connew / Stargazer

New Zealand born Samantha Connew has been on our shores producing wine for long enough now, Australia has adopted her as one of our own. As one of the most reputable winemakers and wine judges, Sam moved from the mainland to the cooler island of Tasmania, to plant her very own vineyard - a dream for a wine producer to work their own land. Through sheer dedication, and a passion for Australian wine - Sam sought to fulfil her dream, in finding the perfect place (Coal River Valley, Tasmania) to produce pristine fruit, and craft incredible wines surrounded by extraordinary beauty.

The plan for Stargazer is to one day be entirely 'estate' produced - and she is almost there. The eleven-hectare 'Palisander' vineyard is located in the Tea Tree subregion in the northern end of the Coal River Valley, and was originally planted in 2004 to Riesling and Pinot Noir. Sam took over the site in 2016 and has been expanding the vineyard to include more Pinot Noir, some Chardonnay and of course, more Riesling. Just like the eponymous label 'Stargazer', Sam's Riesling will have you gazing at the stars and wondering how on Earth do these Rieslings taste like drinking the stars themselves. They are truly wonderful.

What is the most interesting grape variety you are working with?

Well yeah, it depends! I'm in Tasmania where it is lovely and cool (climate) and if you use 'interesting' in that sense of 'impressive', then perhaps Pinot Noir - as it is just so bloody challenging. But, if you mean 'interesting' in an experimental way, then Riesling. We are just starting to get our head around it as a variety, and what to do with it. We play with a variety of methods, skin contact, unique fermentation vessels, time on lees - that kind of thing. Making Riesling is certainly very interesting.

What is your ‘dream’ varietal. To make, and to drink?

Chardonnay! In terms of making and drinking, I love Chardonnay - she does her own thing. Get Chardonnay right in the vineyard, and it will grow well. If you follow that approach, and respect the fruit in the winery, then Bob's your uncle. Of course with Pinot Noir for example, there are a lot more winemaking decisions to be made, whereas, with Chard (onnay) what you see is what you get.

You’re not just a talented ‘winemaker’ you're an entrepreneur. What advice do you have for your industry peers, wanting to carve their way and "go it alone"?

Start it now! Don't leave it waiting for more experience or until you're older (Forty plus like I was) Especially if you want to establish a vineyard. Don't wait. With the inevitability of ageing, vineyards are a long game. You need patience for quality. I turned 50 last year, and looking back, would have started Stargazer 10 years earlier if I could.

Can our Good Pair Days wine community come to visit you?

Not yet! Come to Tasmania though! I am in the process of working on a tiny cellar door, when I can afford to. Just a small tasting room for about 12 x people, and by appointment only. I receive queries all the time for visits, and for me, having a spot to visit is not about sales, it's about the story of the site.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Where do I start?! I adore Tom Holland... the spiderman guy. I watched him do a 'Lip sync battle' to Umbrella, and am obsessed. He is so polite and refined, in that perfectly English way. Oh, and Daniel Craig too.

Click here take our wine profile quiz and we'll choose the top 3 wines which we think you'll love!