Dawson James
Dawson James Wines is a critically acclaimed partnership between Peter Dawson and Tim James, two respected Australian winemakers whose friendship began in 1976 during their early careers at Hardys Wines. Between them, they have over 80 vintages of combined experience.
A mutual passion for cool climate wines and the pursuit of quality prompted them to create Dawson James in 2010, focusing exclusively on Tasmanian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Their project centres on Meadowbank Vineyard, 60km upstream from Hobart on the Derwent River. The climate there is much more continental than most other wine-growing areas in the State, with the Ellis family property in particular benefitting from being established in a rain shadow. This is reliably one of the Tasmania's drier vineyard locations, with marked diurnal differences between daytime and night-time temperatures as the season draws to a close.
Dawson James purchases fruit exclusively from a single-site called The Horse Paddock. The block features sandy loams over structured clays and sandstone, with a northeasterly aspect. Pinot Noir was first planted there in 1989; Chardonnay in the following year.
Dawson James wines have consistently garnered national and international acclaim. Their 2018 wines won trophies for Best Tasmanian Chardonnay and Best Tasmanian Pinot Noir at the 2021 International Wine Challenge.
The 2020 Dawson James Chardonnay received a Platinum award at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards, a testament to the company's commitment to excellence and the potential quality of wines produced from Derwent Valley terroir.
Key principals:
Peter Dawson, owner/winemaker
Tim James, assistant winemaker
Vineyard/cellar door address:
652 Meadowbank Road, Meadowbank TAS 7140
No Dawson James tastings or sales.
Online sales at www.dawsonjames.com.au
Telephone:
+61 (0) 419 816 335
Email:
peter@dawsonjames.com.au
Website:
www.dawsonjames.com.au
Tasmanian viticulture takes place within a diverse mix of soil types and microclimates.
Climate data* for sites in the Derwent Valley highlight the wide diversity of growing conditions here. Consider: Bruny Island Premium Wines (MJT 15.4°C; 747 GDD) and Tinderbox Vineyard (MJT 17.3°C; 1088 GDD).
South Australia's Piccadilly Valley* (MJT 20.4°C; 1730 GDD) and Victoria's Macedon Ranges* (MJT 19.9°C; 1365 GDD) are regarded as the coolest GIs in their respective states.
Climate data* for Meadowbank Road, Glenora 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 583mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 297mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 119mm
- Mean January temperature: 17.1°C
- Growing degree-days: 954 GDD
- Average no of hot days (35°C or more) per year: 1
- Average no of cold days (minimum 4°C or less) Sept 1-April 30: 43
*Source: My Climate View, utilising past data from the Bureau of Meteorology and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Funded by the Australian Government.
Last page update: October 2025