Uplands Estate

Architect/s: Unknown (1820s)

Renovations: Consulting Builder: Tim Holmes, Stonemason: Duncan Foster (2022)

Uplands Estate was established in 1823 by former convict John Petchey. At its peak, Uplands grew to 2000 acres, becoming Petchey’s agricultural base. A successful and influential entrepreneur, Petchey was a ferry operator, merchant, brewer, and publican and a leading farmer in the Cambridge district. During the region’s heyday as ‘the Granary of Australia’, Uplands thrived, cultivating apricots, quinces, pears, grains, and managing sheep herds.

In 1848, Uplands was acquired by former convict William Farquhar McKay (1806-1866). By this time, the farm had decreased in size to 1500 acres, and included a stone cottage, detached kitchen, dairy and a well-equipped farmyard. The McKays became a prominent local family with enduring ties to Uplands.

Spanning two centuries, only four families have owned Uplands. The current custodians, Debbie and Michael Ryan, took over in 1997, planting chardonnay vines the following year. The vines went on to produce grapes that Tasmanian Vintners transform into award-winning wines. The Ryans have renovated the house and garden and established a charming cellar door. The 2022 renovations centred on re-roofing the house, rejuvenating stonework and re-modelling the 1990s sunroom on the western side of the house.

Beyond a vineyard, Uplands embodies a journey through time, taste, and terroir, symbolising shared passion, Tasmania’s winemaking heritage, and a place where each bottle narrates a unique story.

Open: Saturday 24 February, 10 am – 4 pm

The Open House Richmond experience
Following a visit through the ground floor areas of this beautiful beautiful house, gardens and cellar doors, wine may be purchased by the glass to enjoy while relaxing on the cellar door deck or in the beautiful gardens. Make sure you check out the original fire place and cottage.