There are places that exude natural beauty and elegance, where history stands tall, values endure, and a sense of wonder lingers. Bird in Hand is one such place.
Bird in Hand is a family-owned winery, where founders Andrew and Susie Nugent call the Woodside Estate home, along with their three adult children, Lalla, Edward (Ted) and Oscar. Andrew is the proud Executive Director of Bird in Hand, while Garden Designer Susie meticulously oversees the award-winning estate gardens. Lalla, Ted, and Oscar have also joined the team in varying roles over the years, continuing the family’s legacy.
Set upon some of the world’s oldest soils across the Adelaide Hills and Tasmania, Bird in Hand is an extraordinary destination rich in ancient charm. Over the past 25 years, it has become a sanctuary for passionate oenologists and lovers of life, art and culture.
Andrew and Susie have shaped Bird in Hand with a vision that honours the land, blending sustainability, innovation and artistry. As custodians of this delicate ecosystem, they see the vineyard as a living canvas, where the story of the soil inspires modern expressions of art and culture. Sustainability is not just a principle, it is woven into the brand’s identity, shaping a legacy that bridges the past, present and future.
Bird in Hand honours Australia’s rich Indigenous culture while respectfully creating new traditions. The business juxtaposes the historical with the contemporary, the ancient with the modern. Simplicity remains a guiding star, a portal to natural elegance and a deep connection to the land that we are privileged to call home.
Bird in Hand’s Woodside Estate spans 80 fertile acres in the Adelaide Hills, where the cooling influence of the Gulf of St. Vincent meets the clouded embrace of the Mount Lofty Ranges. The Woodside Estate is now home to sustainable vineyard plantings of Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It is also home to the Bird in Hand Cellar Door, LVN – a high-end planet-to-plate restaurant, the ‘O’ Quarters luxury private accommodation as well as breathtaking gardens – which were awarded South Australian ‘Garden of the Year’ in 2024.
Bird in Hand’s Finniss River Estate spans 160 acres and neighbours the southern boundary of the Adelaide Hills. The Finniss river links the Great Southern Ocean via the precious ecosystems of Australia’s lower lakes. The estate has been planted with Pinot Noir and Shiraz and was harvested for the first time in 2025.
Bird in Hand has recently expanded into Tasmania, acquiring a breathtaking stretch of coastline in Seymour on the east coast. Bordering the Douglas-Apsley National Park, this rugged landscape offers a unique microclimate perfect for growing exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The 400-acre property, rich in dolerite soils with scattered ironstone, enjoys minimal spring frost and slow ripening conditions in autumn, ensuring outstanding fruit quality.
Sustainability remains at the heart of the brand’s vision. Of the 400 acres, 150 will be planted with vines, while the remaining land will be restored with native vegetation to preserve biodiversity. A 37-acre dam was built to support the natural habitat, creating an ecological haven, while ambitious land art will traverse the ancient soils. More than just a vineyard, it is the future of Bird in Hand, a place where wine, art, and nature exist in perfect harmony.
Bird in Hand announced its long-term lease acquisition of a 10.1-hectare vineyard located in the Tamar Valley region of Tasmania in late 2024. The new property, situated in Rowella, offers an expanse of land under vine, featuring a diverse array of grape varieties including Shiraz, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Shiraz plantings at the vineyard are some of the oldest in Tasmania, with two of the existing clones among Bird in Hand’s preferred choices for the premium production of standalone Syrah.
From late 2025, Bird in Hand will provide its renowned hospitality to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart, with the introduction of a reimagined Tasting Room, Restaurant and Kiosk, each offering exclusive wine and food experiences. Bird in Hand will also manage weddings and bespoke events at the famed location. A fine dining experience akin to Bird in Hand’s LVN Restaurant in Woodside will feature among the offerings, showcasing the unique produce, art, flora and fauna of Tasmania.
Art is a great way to appreciate life from an altered perspective, and Bird in Hand adorns its grounds with original works from local and international artists who demonstrate a philosophical connection to the spirit of the winery. While the Bird in Hand sculpture collection is continually evolving as the Nugent family continue their love of collecting pieces from around the world, the Cellar Door and LVN Restaurant display a seasonal curation of artworks by Hugo Michell Gallery that provide a visual feast while overlooking the Estate gardens and vineyards.
“Hugo Michell Gallery have had a long-standing relationship with Bird in Hand winery, and collaborating with Susie and Andrew to develop their collection over the years has been an immense privilege. As a gallery director, I am continually inspired by Bird in Hand’s commitment to cultivating a dynamic contemporary art collection. Their unwavering support for artists, both emerging and established, resonates deeply with our gallery’s values. Their dedication to championing First Nations art speaks volumes about their forward-thinking ethos. Bird in Hand’s diverse and deeply personal collection is at the forefront of contemporary art practice. We are extremely fortunate to have this on our doorstep.”
Hugo Michell, Gallery Director