Vignerons Schmolzer & Brown

The partnership of Tess Brown & Jeremy Schmolzer are making some of the most unique and satisfying expressions of Nebbiolo, Pinot, Syrah, Riesling and Chardonnay in Victoria at the moment. The wines all share a distinct sub-alpine line of freshness, careful attention to detail with the ability to develop complexity and nuance in the cellar. 

Excerpt below from Masters at Work - Beechworth article, written by Mitchell Milicich featured in the Oracle Newspaper 2025

Fifteen minutes up the slope from Beechworth is the tiny and charming
village of Stanley where you will find the off-grid home, winery and Thorley
vineyard of Tess and Jeremy, the partnership behind Vignerons Schmolzer &
Brown. They planted vines in 2014 in the marginal sub alpine conditions at
approximately 700m ASL.

Tess and Jeremy are both very affable and intelligent people with a keen focus,
producing cool climate wines of seemingly effortless elegance and aromatic
lift. Inspired by the balance of German Riesling and the poise of high altitude
Italian Nebbiolo the couple have an articulate vision for what they want to
create. Both have experience working vintages overseas, and have deep
knowledge of the world of wine. They are strong voices in the Australian wine
discourse especially around the changing climate and the ramifications for
growing grapes sustainably.

Nestled amongst apple and cherry orchards their Thorley home block and
neighbour’s Brunnen vineyard from which they source grapes, are notable
in the savoury and delicate flavours coaxed from the vines. Their Brunnen
Pinot Noir, planted to sparkling clonal material gives a sultry and intense
orange amaro infused note, their Thorley Syrah verging toward autumnal
connotations, twig, dark spice and a crisp alpine edge. The duo also make a
sensational Chardonnay and Nebbiolo that are chiselled, mineral and lithe, all
shaped by well draining, shale based soils and a guiding hand in the winery.
This is not hard to imagine as what Tess and Jeremy have created is at the
periphery of the Australian context. Their wines challenge preconceptions and
offer excitement to an adventurous palate. If you haven't had the pleasure of
tasting these wines, they should definitely be on your list.