Chief executive Adam Torpy said since opening the new cellar door in December 2017, time had flown by.

“We just could not be happier,” he said.

“With tourism the way it is, there was an expectation of tourist numbers coming though. But let’s just say, we’ve exceeded all expectations in regards to numbers through the door.”

He said since opening, about 20,000 people had come to Clover Hill.

“And, we’ve evolved with that,” he said.

“We’ve had really good visitation when it comes to numbers, but also the people that are staying here and spending.

“The average spend per head is really high, so the return on investment – the payback is probably going to come a lot earlier than we thought, which is fantastic.

“It’s not just international tourists, it’s local as well. Tasmanians have been really supportive, whether they’re coming up from Hobart or Launceston or all over.”

Mr Torpy said Clover Hill was such an iconic brand as it was the first vineyard in Tasmania dedicated to sparkling varieties.

“People were really interested to come here and see it [the vineyard], and when they get here they stay for the day,” he said.

Alongside the wine, the views and architecture of the cellar door were also a drawcard.

On a clear day you can stand above the vineyard and look across to the Bass Strait, he said.

The cellar door itself is made of a striking combination of rammed earth walls, timbers, steel, and glass.

“We’ve really evolved with the food offering as well, we’ve kept it really simple,” he said.

“We try to focus on local produce and really high quality food.

“It’s quite interesting and diverse. It’s really paddock to plate, local and seasonal.

“We’ve done nearly 5000 plates, so we’re really really happy.”

Mr Torpy said there was room for growth going forward.

“It’s a unique location, I think we’ve tapped into something quite organic and through the national attrition of tourism we’ve been able to capitalise on it,” he said.

The “next natural step” is accommodation and glamping.

Many events will also be taking place among the vines in 2019.

“We have Opera in the Vines here in March, Ten Days on the Island and events like that,” he said.

“Australia Day weekend is very, very important to us, so that’s our first one for the year.

“It’s two days of celebrating our first opening, so we’ve got music and a different food offering.

“We’re just opening up our doors and getting people to come in and experience what we’re all about.”