Stargazer is the vision of winemaker Samantha (Sam) Connew, whose journey from law and arts student in Christchurch to internationally experienced winemaker has taken her across Australia, Europe, and the U.S. before finding home in Tasmania. Inspired early by Riesling and Pinot Noir, she honed her craft through vintages abroad and a decade as Senior Winemaker at Wirra Wirra, later taking on leadership roles within the Australian wine industry, including Chair of Judges at the Sydney Royal Wine Show and board positions with Wine Tasmania and the Len Evans Tutorial.

Drawn by Tasmania’s pristine fruit and extraordinary beauty, Sam established Stargazer in the Coal River Valley, where she now crafts Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, and other varieties from her Palisander Vineyard. Originally planted in 2004, the vineyard has expanded under her stewardship to include a diverse mix of clones and varieties, farmed with a strong commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and regenerative practices. Sheep, chickens, bees, and native plantings contribute to the health of the vineyard, reflecting Sam’s philosophy of working in harmony with the land to produce wines that pay tribute to place, history, and the act of “always looking up.”