Tony Thompson and Bart the blue cattle dog checking the chardonnay vine with the Cellar Door in the background
Flame Hill Vineyard and cellar door will open in Western Avenue Montville on December 15. Range local Tony Thompson bought the property 12 months ago and the established 10 year old vineyard and cellar door will continue to showcase wine produced from grapes grown on site.
The property lies on one of the highest points in Montville at over 420 metres above sea level and it will operate as a day destination for tourists and locals with a focus on wine tourism, wine tasting and sales. The vineyard and cellar door will provide employment for seven local people.
The new owner is familiar with the Montville area having owned a small grazing property in Western Avenue for five years. “I am passionate about this area and preserving the natural and rural beauty of the landscape. We chose the wine label name Flame Hill because of the rich red volcanic soil and the Flame Trees that grow on the 13 hectare property”.
Tony and his family are mindful of the future. “We are here for the long term and therefore have a strong commitment to the success of the business, the local community and the health of the environment with an overall strategy to regenerate the waterway areas within this parcel of land now under our custodianship”.
The property is a catchment area for several permanent waterways including Skenes Creek. Plans are under way to revegetate significant sections of the property, to improve water quality, with native vegetation and enhance wildlife corridors in conjunction with regional council’s Land for Wildlife initiative.
Flame Hill vineyard
The Cellar Door is currently being renovated. A request has been lodged with council to upgrade the food preparation area to offer light lunches to patrons. “Liquor licensing encourages the serving of food as part of their strategy to encourage the responsible serving of alcohol”, Mr Thompson said.
The Thompsons hope to get the balance right between running a sustainable business and the maintenance and responsible care of the land which will ultimately benefit the whole community.
The existing Settlers Rise wine label will continue to trade at Western Avenue until they move to Maleny Manor in early December. Mr Thompson stated that “We want to continue to maintain positive connections with all of the wineries on the Sunshine Coast and wish to support the wine, food, walks and arts trail development here in the hinterland.”
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