There’s a reason Natalie Fryar has been so admirably dubbed the ‘Sparkling Queen of Australia’. Wherever she goes, effervescent liquid gold follows. From Margaret River to the Victorian High Country, from Henty to the Barossa – her viticulture adventures have taken her all over the country since the mid-90’s.

 

 

In the early naughties, it was the cool climate and rich soils of Lutruwita/Tasmania that called Natalie to our shores. From the moment Natalie landed in Launceston, a city built around the banks of the Kanamaluka/Tamar River, she became infatuated with the beauty and potential of our island as a winemaker’s dream.

Taking up the position of Senior Sparkling Wine Maker and brand ambassador at Jansz Tasmania, Natalie’s keen ability and vision helped to establish it as one of Australia’s best sparkling wines. With a burgeoning wine industry across the state, Tassie wine soon began to rise on the global stage.

In 2015, Natalie’s passion for Lutruwita/Tasmania’s rich terroir led her to embark on a new journey of her own creation. Here, just outside of Launceston and west of the Kanamaluka/Tamar River, Bellebone was born.

 

 

“The tagline of Bellebonne is that it’s made by Tasmania. Not just made in Tasmania. Tasmania is more than just a little island off Melbourne. It is something unique and it informs me as much as it informs the terroir – the soil, the grapes and the air. It informs me and I try to capture it here in every glass. That’s the whole point of this project.”

 

Since its establishment, Bellebonne has received and continues to receive much acclaim. World-renowned wine writer, Tyson Stelzer, declared in 2021 that “there is no sparkling wine brand that’s been introduced on the Australian landscape in recent years that has been as exemplary as Bellebonne.”

In 2022, Bellebonne received the honours of Best Sparkling Rose in Australia at the Halliday Wine Awards, and Stelzer most recently awarded Sparkling White of the Year (2024) for Bellebonne’s 2017 ‘blanc de blancs’, giving it a 96 on the 100-point scale.

 

 

Today, Natalie continues to strive for perfection with Bellebonne on Tassie soil. Recently partnering with local winery and restaurant Evenfall, she has set up a cellar door to showcase her wonderful creations.

With sprawling laws surrounded by grape vines, a generous deck, a spectacular dining room and two intimate meeting rooms, Evenfall is a stunning location for an off-site, gala dinner or retreat. Serving Natalie’s outstanding wines, plus a selection of emerging local labels, delegates and visitors can drink in the sweeping valley views, assured of an exceptional experience that shares Natalie’s quiet pursuit of the extraordinary.

 

 

This article was taken from the Business Events Tasmania Magazine – March Edition. For more business event inspiration and news, be sure to check-out the full magazine, available to read for free today.

 

Image Credits: The Bakery Creative Agency, Chris Crear, Monica Winspear

What is a BET Visionary?

Business Events Tasmania’s Visionaries are local leaders in their field. Their work across Lutruwita/Tasmania’s key industries sets them apart, but a common goal unites them; to bring growth and opportunities to their industry, and to the shores of our island home. In their quiet pursuit of the extraordinary, our Visionaries are pioneers who’ve embraced Lutruwita/Tasmania’s strengths and used them to cut their own path.

In partnership with BET, Visionaries identify potential events whose values and work align with Lutruwita/Tasmania. They may also provide support to event organisers across their industry to create exceptional delegate experiences here in Lutruwita/Tasmania. Whether through practical elements, such as assisting with off site visits and tours, speaking appointments or behind the scenes, Visionaries can elevate your next event to the extraordinary.

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