Kelly grew up with her family’s 4th generation property in the Huon Valley. Like many children growing up in the area, Kelly and her two brothers learnt to make their own fun while taking advantage of the beautiful surrounds.
It wasn’t until completing her nursing degree in later years, traveling the world gaining valuable experience, that Kelly felt a calling. A calling to return home to her grass roots in the Huon Valley.
Home Hill
The Huon Valley sits on the same degree of latitude as Bordeaux in France (albeit forty-three degrees south of the equator rather than north). These regions share a similar climate, with winters featuring fog, frost and snow, and an abundance of spring rain. This allows for the slow ripening of fruit during warm months and the perfect conditions for cool climate wine to be produced.
In 1992, Kelly’s parents Rosemary and Terry identified a perfect vineyard site on the lower reaches of their family property. With careful planning, what was once a small hobby farm, is now an award winning vineyard known for producing some of Australia’s top quality Pinot Noir.
Returning in 2001 to help with marketing of the Home Hill, Kelly would also take up the role of managing the new restaurant and cellar door being built on site. The design brief was that simplicity is important – Allow the buildings to blend into the surrounding rolling hills, while taking in the views of the Sleeping Beauty and Mount Wellington mountain ranges.
The Jimmy Watson
As any winemaker or vineyard owner will attest, winning awards for your wine is a good feeling. Not just because of the nice shiny bottle sticker, because it helps recognise everyone involved throughout the winemaking process. From managing the vines, turning the fruit into wine and those presenting the wine for your customers to enjoy.
Winning the prestigious Jimmy Watson Trophy, awarded annually to Australia’s best red wine, must give you a real buzz! This is exactly what happened in 2015 when Home Hill won the award with the “2014 Kelly’s Reserve Pinot Noir”, named after Kelly.
Kelly’s Trade Secret?
“My trade secret…. Having a loving family and a community that lends support when required.”
Do yourself a favour and check out the following channels:
Home Hill Wines on Instagram
Home Hill Winery on Facebook