Today it’s my great pleasure to introduce a true pioneer inthe world of sparkling wine—Ed Carr, the Chief Winemaker behind the House of Arras, Tasmania’s most acclaimed traditional-method sparkling wine brand.

Ed’s journey into winemaking was anything but conventional.With a background in food chemistry and microbiology, he launched his life into the world of wine after solving a fermentation issue in McLaren Vale.

In 1995, while working with Hardy’s, Ed founded House ofArras with a bold vision: to prove that Tasmania could craft world class sparkling wines. His philosophy is rooted in patience, precision, and purity—championing long lees aging, meticulous blending by hand, and sourcing fruit from cool-climate vineyards across Tasmania’s diverse subregions.

Ed Carr became the second winemaker outside of Champagne to be named Winemaker of the Year at the International Sparkling Wine Competition in 2024. Over three decades, his wines have collected more than 370 gold medals, alongside lifetime achievement honours. And under his guidance, Handpicked Wines acquired the label in 2023—ensuring Ed’s legacy continues to inspire and flourish.

It's my pleasure to interview him on the occasion of Arras’ 30 year anniversary.