From the rolling valleys of the Upper Derwent and Coal River, to the cellars of international sommeliers…
Drawn to the pristine environment, sparkling air and ancient soil, Nav Singh and Louise Radman moved to Tasmania to establish Domaine Simha in 2012. Today, their avant-garde Tasmanian wine is highly sought after by collectors and sommeliers alike in top venues across Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The couple have an impressive background in fine wine. They knew what they were looking for. By hunting out sites in the Derwent Valley for their artisan single vineyard wines, they’ve created a natural point of difference to reflect epic Tasmanian terroir in its purest form.
According to the pair it is Tasmania’s long, sunny days and cool climate that produce graceful styles with the perfume, structure and superb ageing potential that are foundations of exceptional wine. At the heart of each Domaine Simha wine is its island location.
“The quality and subtlety we strive for can only be achieved naturally in very few places. Tasmania is Australia’s final frontier and the advantages here are unparalleled. Making wine here is like standing on the brink of a new world where everything is possible,” says Nav.
Crafted by hand in micro batches, a limited number of Domaine Simha wines are made each season. The approach relies on living wine, ancient knowledge and intuition. It’s about harvesting by lunar cycle, whole bunch wild fermentation and traditional foot pigeage – a classic French wine-making method where grapes are stomped down in open vats by foot.
Tasmania is certainly ripe with possibilities, but what else drew this talented pair to Australia’s island state? Aside from the exceptional food and wine scene, it was the ability to live a relaxed lifestyle and to share in an authentic sense of community. Tasmania’s long, relaxing summer days and temperate, easy-going climate provide the perfect nourishment for the heart and soul of any business and any lifestyle.
Nav was born in Delhi, India and mastered the craft of winemaking across Australia before honing his skills in the most prestigious French chateaux of Burgundy and Bordeaux. His accolades are countless and Nav is a regular on the international wine show judging circuit.
Louise Radman is a multi-award winning wine and marketing consultant, Roseworthy and Len Evans scholar, former journalist, author and show judge. She sits on the Brand Tasmania council and national executive board of Sommeliers Australia.
Tempted? Visit Domaine Simha’s wine cellar at Brooke Street Pier, Franklin Wharf, Hobart between 11am and 6pm.
For information on starting a business in Tasmania look see more of our local stories and visit Business Tasmania.