From the Lucky Country came Terra Felix*

*Latin for Lucky Country

Terra Felix was launched in 2001 as the second label to the highly respected Tallarook Wines. Using excess grapes from Tallarook and surrounding vineyards, Terra Felix immediately caught the attention of the wine writers.

The initial vintages concentrated on commercial varieties such as Shiraz, Merlot Cabernet and Chardonnay. The problem facing the fledging brand was that there were plenty of these wines available on the market and therefore distribution became a challenge.

In 2003 it was decided that Terra Felix should reposition its offering and concentrate largely on using Northern Rhone grape varieties. And why not? The growing conditions, soil and climate around Tallarook bear an uncanny resemblance to Northern Rhone.

In 2004 the Shiraz became a Shiraz Viognier, the Merlot Cabernet was replaced with a Mourvedre; a Marsanne Roussanne was introduced and only the Chardonnay remained from the initial offering. Those who know the Tallarook Chardonnay will understand why Chardonnay survived. Simple the fruit was too good to pass over.

About this time the owner of Tallarook (Luis Riebl) purchased a contract winery in the Yarra Valley which was named Master Winemakers. After a settling in period he hired Terry Barrett to run the facility. Terry came with an impressive pedigree. Most recently he had been chief winemaker at Brown Brothers. There his role required him to run the entire Operating Division which included internal and external grape supply, winemaking, and packaging. He was responsible for wine that had won over 50 trophies and 200 gold medals at national and international wine shows. He led innovation at Brown Brothers with the introduction of Italian and Spanish grape varieties as well as the flagship Patricia Range of wines.

With the release of the new varieties in 2004, Terra Felix started to gain momentum in its growth. More outlets were prepared to stock and promote this different range, Export Sales started with strong support from the UK and Holland.

By the end of 2005 Terra Felix was emerging as a strong business in its own right.

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