Decades Wines

Decades Wines is the culmination of over 30 years of friendship and shared ambition between Steve Flamsteed and Brad Rogers. Meeting in 1991 at Roseworthy Wine School, the pair bonded over their mutual love of fermentation, creativity, and music—especially Joy Division—and dreamed of one day owning a vineyard together. In 2022, that dream became a reality when they purchased a small but remarkable site in Tasmania’s Coal River Valley.

The Coal River Valley was an obvious choice. Known for its cool-climate potential, the region’s maritime influence, intense sunlight, and dry growing conditions provide the perfect environment for crafting expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. “It’s a natural home for Pinot Noir,” says Steve, “but if we can nail Chardonnay, that is Nirvana.” Their vineyard, originally planted in 1990, is rooted in unique black cracking clay soils over a limestone sublayer filled with ancient shells and crustaceans. These soils lend stability to the vines and give the wines their distinct fruit profile—vibrant blue fruits in the Pinot Noir and a taut citrus line in the Chardonnay.

“It’s a natural home for Pinot Noir... but if we can nail Chardonnay, that is Nirvana.”
- Steve Flamsteed

With decades of experience—Steve as one of Australia’s most respected winemakers and Brad as a pioneer in craft brewing—the pair bring a light touch to their work. Their focus is on simplicity and restraint, letting the site take the lead. All fruit is hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed, and wild fermented in seasoned French oak to preserve the vineyard’s natural expression.

The debut 2023 releases, a Pinot Noir and a Chardonnay, showcase the purity and precision Decades Wines is all about. With tiny production volumes, this is a project built on patience, friendship, and a commitment to crafting wines that reflect the site and season in every bottle.

"So much fun, so much bloody fun, we are like a pair of young kids who snuck out to their first gig!  Its also it’s been gobsmacking how supportive all of our mates and family have been... Sometimes you just have to hope that time is on your side.. like hoping that an audience will like the kind of music you’re playing. Pinot, fortunately seems to be oblivious to fashion swings - I think once people discover Pinot they realize there is a whole world out there of beautiful things to explore.  Bit like there always seems to be a home for Indi music, right?"
- Steve Flamsteed