Spring has arrived at Elmsroe, and after the slower rhythm of winter, there’s a sense of movement returning to the vineyard.

Budburst is underway, fresh green growth is appearing along the rows, native plants are coming into flower, and the property seems to be getting a little louder each week as birds and insects return with the warmer weather.

It’s one of the most beautiful times of year here, but also one that keeps us firmly on our toes. Spring marks the beginning of another growing season, and with those first tender shoots comes plenty of work – and plenty of watching the weather.

Budburst and the beginning of another vintage

There’s something particularly exciting about seeing the first buds break after winter.

What begins as tiny points of green will, over the coming months, develop into the shoots, leaves, flowers and eventually fruit that will become another Elmsroe vintage.

At this early stage, however, that new growth is particularly vulnerable. Spring on Tasmania’s East Coast can bring beautiful clear days, but it can also bring sudden drops in temperature and the threat of frost.

This year, we have a new tool to help us through those colder nights.

Keeping watch over the vines

Our new portable Tow and Blow frost fan has arrived at Elmsroe, all the way from New Zealand, and is now set up and ready for the spring frost season.

The portable design means we can position it where it’s needed across the vineyard, helping protect vulnerable new growth when temperatures fall.

We’ve also recently installed a weather station here at Elmsroe, giving us another way to keep a close eye on conditions across the property as the season unfolds.

Growing grapes inevitably means working with whatever nature sends our way. We can plan, prepare and respond, but ultimately each season writes its own story. For now, we’re watching the forecasts closely and enjoying seeing the vineyard green up again.

Spring beyond the vines

The vines aren’t the only part of Elmsroe responding to the change in season.

Our small stand of Melaleuca pustulata is currently flowering, and it’s difficult to walk past without stopping for a moment. The flowers have filled the air with the loveliest scent, while the sound of birds singing amongst the branches and insects moving through the blossom makes this little pocket of the property feel incredibly alive.

It also makes us wonder what these hills might once have been like when native vegetation like this was far more widespread – how alive the landscape must have sounded, and how incredible the air must have smelled when so much of it was in flower.

We feel very fortunate to have this small stand remaining at Elmsroe, and we’re planting more as part of our longer-term work to restore native vegetation and create more habitat throughout the property.

The vineyard is only one part of the landscape here, and spring has a lovely way of reminding us of that.

Getting ready to welcome you

There’s plenty happening around the rest of Elmsroe, too.

Work is continuing on our Glen Gala Road entrance, with new fencing going in and our new property signage on its way. We’ve also begun work on our picnic decks, another part of the visitor experience we’ve been imagining for the property.

For a long time, so much of what we’ve been creating at Elmsroe has existed as plans, sketches, conversations and ideas for the future. Now, little by little, those ideas are becoming things we can actually see.

There’s also something rather special making its way to Elmsroe. We’ve been working with a well-known local sculptor on a commission that brings a very important part of the Rooster & Robin story to life – quite literally. We’re keeping the finished pieces under wraps for now, but all will be revealed when we officially launch Rooster & Robin this October. For now, let’s just say something big is coming to Elmsroe...

Our gates are almost open

From 22–25 October, we'll be taking part in Great Eastern Wine Week and opening our pop-up Cellar Door at Elmsroe. This is a free pop-up, so come on down and visit us over the weekend from 10 am to 5 pm.

On Friday 23 October, we'll also host our own Sip & Grow event – an afternoon of wine, native planting and a chance to become part of the next chapter of the property. Guests can taste our first Rooster & Robin wines, plant a native tree at Elmsroe and, if they wish, settle in for a picnic amongst the vines. Tickets can be purchased here.

It feels fitting that our first opportunity to welcome people here isn't simply about tasting wine. It's about sharing the place it comes from, what we're working towards, and inviting others to put down a few roots alongside us.

Spring is always a season of beginnings, and this year at Elmsroe, that feels especially true!