Devils Gate

Ray and Debbie McGinty established Devils Gate Vineyard at Barrington after emigrating from Surrey, England, in 2012. The couple's 30ha property sits high on a ridge that forms part of an ancient volcanic plateau. Red soils here are free-draining and nutrient-rich, with excellent water-holding capacity.

Within a decade, the McGintys transformed what was once an overgrown block with broken fences and derelict stockyards into a small, well-managed vineyard estate. Its 280m elevation above sea level enables the site to benefit from long growing seasons characterised by cool nights, reliable rainfall, and airflows that help reduce potential disease pressures.

Timing is everything here. Strong winds can adversely affect vine flowering and fruit-set, while late spring frosts and unwelcome downpours pose ongoing seasonal challenges.

The first vines were first planted here in 2014, with productive harvests following from 2019. 

Today, Devils Gate produces award-winning sparkling and still table wines from its 2.8ha of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. 

Winemaking takes place at Eastford Creek under the watchful eyes of former Margaret River winemaker Andrew Gaman.

Few visitors would dispute Devils Gate enjoys some of the most dramatic mountain and lake views that can be experienced here on the edge of the Tasmanian wilderness. Little wonder plans for a vineyard cellar door and potential visitor accommodation are already under consideration.

Time to open the gate a little further.

Key details:

• Ray McGinty: owner/operator

• Debbie McGinty: owner/operator

• Andrew Gaman: consultant viticulturist and contract winemaker

Vineyard/cellar door address:

240 Barrington Road, Barrington, TAS 7306

Telephone:

+61 (0) 417 641 449

Email:

cheers@devilsgatevineyard.au

Website:

www.devilsgatevineyard.au

Tasmanian viticulture takes place within a diverse mix of soil types and microclimates.

Climate data* for sites in North West Tasmania highlight the wide diversity of growing conditions here. Consider: Leven Valley Vineyard (MJT 15.3°C; 701 GDD) and Scott's Mill Estate (MJT 17.5°C; 1149 GDD).

Vineyard sites on the Australian mainland are far warmer than those in Tasmania.

South Australia's Piccadilly Valley* (MJT 20.4°C; 1730 GDD) and Macedon Ranges* (MJT 19.9°C; 1365 GDD) in Victoria are regarded as the coolest GIs in their respective states.

Climate data* for Barrington 1995-2024:

• Total annual average rainfall: 1082mm
• Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 467mm
• Average autumn rainfall: 229mm
• Mean January temperature: 16.4°C
• Growing degree-days: 870 GDD
• Average no of hot days (35°C or more) per year: 0
• Average no of cold days (minimum 4°C or less) Sept 1-April 30: 27

*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