Thirty years in the making: how House of Arras became one of Australia's top sparkling wine producers

Given the burgeoning reputation of Tasmanian wine today, it’s hard to believe that less than 40 years ago there were just 46 hectares of land under vine in the state. It was at that time, in 1988, that sparkling winemaker Ed Carr visited Tasmania and saw the state’s potential for producing cool-climate traditional method wines.

A few years later, in 1995, House of Arras was established, and Ed appointed Chief Sparkling Winemaker, crafting the first traditional method cuvées from Tasmanian chardonnay and pinot noir. “House of Arras evolved from an initial concept of crafting an Australian sparkling wine of world-class quality,” says Ed. “This led us to the unique maritime, cold climate and ancient soils of Tasmania.”

30 years on, Ed and the team at House of Arras have reached an important milestone. “We are so honoured here at House of Arras to be celebrating 30 wonderful years of our cherished Tasmanian sparkling wine,” says Ed.

Ed Carr, chief winemaker at House of Arras

Although the initial concept – to craft world-class sparkling wines – hasn’t changed over the years, the brand certainly has, expanding and evolving to encompass shifting tastes and increasing demand. “The source vineyards for House of Arras have diversified over the years and now include all the recognised premium viticultural regions throughout Tasmania,” Ed reflects. “With this multi, sub-regional approach as the basis for our blending, we are continually amazed by the quality and longevity of the wines and subsequently increased the maturation times to levels rarely seen in Australian sparkling wine.”

This unwavering pursuit of excellence has always been underpinned by what Ed describes as an unwavering policy of “no compromise.” From meticulous viticulture to diligent winemaking, every stage of the process is carefully managed to protect the innate quality of the fruit.

Ultimately, it is the blending stage that defines the House of Arras style. “All components must express the required standard to be considered for the cuvée,” Ed explains. “The blend proportions are decided on by style and quality rather than volume, such that in years where the conditions have been inclement, the blend volume will be reduced to ensure only the appropriate quality wines are included.”

The House of Arras vineyard and winery in Pipers River, Tasmania

Reflecting on the story of the Pipers River winery over the years, Ed says the journey has been remarkable and humbling. “It means so much to us – the recognition and respect both industry and consumers alike have for our wine.”

With vineyard plantings continuing to expand into cooler sites to hedge against climate change, and plans are already underway to release magnums of three hallmark wines – Brut Elite, Grand Vintage and E.J. Carr Late Disgorged – in 2027, the journey isn’t over yet. “We can’t wait to continue producing our Tasmanian sparkling for many years to come.”

To find out more and shop House of Arras wines, visit houseofarras.com.au. 

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