There are only a few regions in the world that provide the ideal terroir for Pinot Noir. For us, Tasmania is the new frontier.

Having relocated with the family to Tasmania in late 2008 with desirable site prerequisites set in stone, the canvas of Domaine Dawnelle was discovered in less than two years. Be it ‘chance’ or ‘the right place at the right time’, a late evening prospect in the Granton Heights revealed a plethora of riches so perfectly suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Domaine Dawnelle is named in honour of Michael’s late grandmother and rice farm in country New South Wales where he spent much of his childhood.

Michael O’Brien

Having been born and raised in the Riverina, I’ve been immersed in the land, farming and wine for many years. My earliest memories of winemaking stretch back to the days of vintage festivities and the pungent grape marc aromas that filled the distillery where my grandfather once worked.

An inevitable progression from my grandparent’s farm led me to the study of viticulture and winemaking at university and into a world of vineyards and wine. Looking back, I still muse over how fortunate I have been to have worked and travelled in many of the great wine regions in Australia and abroad.

So Tasmania and Pinot – my family, my raison d’etre.