The first Meadowbank grapes were planted in 1974, just 2 years before Gerald and Sue Ellis purchased "Meadowbank" at Glenora in 1976. There was less than a hectare of Shiraz, Cabernet and Riesling vines, and despite advice to the contrary, Gerald decided to pursue his new viticultural opportunity.

CLIMATE
Meadowbank enjoys a true cool climate. The number of degree days C [a measure of ripening capacity] ranges annually between 1000 and 1200 - this corresponds to the super premium wine growing regions of the world, such as Burgundy & Bordeaux. The two vineyards were planted to maximize the opportunities presented by Tasmania's significantly different microclimates:

• The Glenora vineyards experience a large diurnal variation in temperature (warm days and cool nights) and are prone to frost in early spring, which can damage young shoots. Frost protection systems (wind machines and irrigation through special "flippers") have been installed.
• The Cambridge vineyards enjoy a smaller diurnal variation (milder days and nights) - the moderating effect is from the proximity to the sea (Barilla Bay). The net effect of this appears to be that the Glenora vineyards provide fruit intensity and the Cambridge vineyards provide structure and density.

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