Featured photograph sourced from Pooley Wines.
Pooley Wines is a family story rooted in Tasmania's Coal River Valley. Since the first vines were planted in 1985, the Pooley family has explored what this distinctive part of southern Tasmania can express in wine. Anna Pooley, the family's third-generation winemaker, has helped translate that history into a modern focus on site, sustainability and precision.
Who Is Anna Pooley?
Anna Pooley grew up around the family vineyard at Cooinda Vale in the Coal River Valley. Her grandparents, Denis and Margaret Pooley, established the vineyard in 1985, and Anna's early experience of harvest helped shape her interest in winemaking.
She left Tasmania to study winemaking in South Australia, then developed her experience with major Australian producers, including Wolf Blass, Penfolds and other well-known brands. Work in Austria and Tuscany broadened her understanding of European wines and cool-climate winemaking. She also worked with Tasmanian labels Heemskerk and Abel's Tempest before returning to her family's business.
Returning to the Family Winery
Anna returned to Pooley Wines in 2013 to become its winemaker, working alongside her husband, fellow winemaker Justin Bubb. Her brother Matthew Pooley has also played an important role in the family wine business and its vineyards.
The return was significant. The family could bring more of its growing and winemaking decisions together, with vineyards managed for the qualities that mattered in the finished wines. Three generations of family involvement provide continuity, while Anna's experience elsewhere gives the winery another perspective on what Tasmanian wine can achieve.
Cooinda Vale and Butcher's Hill: Two Distinct Vineyards
One of the most interesting aspects of Pooley Wines is the contrast between its two Coal River Valley vineyards. The original Cooinda Vale vineyard was established in 1985 near Campania. It occupies a sheltered north-east-facing site with relatively shallow sandy clay soils, and produces varieties including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Syrah.
Butcher's Hill, established in 2003 near Richmond, is different. Its north-facing slopes, elevation and darker soils create their own growing conditions. Even within one wine region, soil, aspect and local climate can influence the personality of the fruit.
Pooley's single-vineyard wines are an invitation to explore those differences. Rather than assuming that every Tasmanian Pinot Noir or Chardonnay should taste alike, the winery encourages customers to consider the vineyard itself.
The Wines and Anna's Winemaking Philosophy
Pooley is particularly associated with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling, along with other cool-climate varieties. The estate range can bring together fruit from the family's vineyards, while the single-vineyard range highlights the separate identity of Cooinda Vale and Butcher's Hill. The heritage releases honour the family's founders.
Anna's approach puts vineyard character at the centre of winemaking. This doesn't mean that no decisions are made in the cellar. Rather, the aim is to use those decisions carefully so that the wine retains a clear connection to where its fruit was grown.
The winery's commitment to more sustainable and regenerative vineyard practices is part of the same story. Managing vine health, soil and biodiversity is a long-term investment in the family's land and the wines that will come from it.
The People Behind the Wines
Pooley's story extends beyond Anna alone. Her work with Justin Bubb and her family's vineyard team demonstrates how viticulture and winemaking depend on one another. Anna and Justin have also collaborated on their own Bubb + Pooley label, which offers a further expression of their interest in Tasmanian vineyards.
For Wine Simple readers, this is why a winemaker profile can be more useful than a list of tasting descriptors. Knowing the people, the sites and the decisions behind a wine helps explain why a bottle might be different from one produced only a short distance away.
Explore Cool-Climate Wine at Wine Simple
If you would like to understand the varieties associated with Pooley Wines, start with our Pinot Noir guide, Chardonnay guide and Riesling guide. You can also explore Wine Simple's personally selected range. Individual producer listings and vintages are subject to availability.
Matt's Opinion
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anna Pooley?
Anna Pooley is a third-generation winemaker at Pooley Wines, her family's winery in Tasmania's Coal River Valley.
When did Anna Pooley return to Pooley Wines?
Anna returned to the family winery in 2013 after working with several Australian and international wine producers.
Where are the Pooley vineyards?
The family farms Cooinda Vale near Campania and Butcher's Hill near Richmond, both in southern Tasmania's Coal River Valley.
What wines is Pooley known for?
Pooley is especially associated with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling, including regional, single-vineyard and limited heritage releases.
Who makes wine with Anna Pooley?
Anna works with fellow winemaker and husband Justin Bubb, alongside the wider Pooley family and vineyard team.
Sources and Further Reading
This article was researched using Pooley Wines' official website, official vineyard information, the estate and single-vineyard range descriptions, and Wine Australia's profile of Anna Pooley.
