Ghost Rock
Ghost Rock founders Colin and Cate Arnold began their North West wine odyssey in 2001 with the purchase of Pat and Kay Walker's 1.4ha Patrick Creek Vineyard. However, viticultural challenges posed by the site – established in 1988 – soon prompted a move to a more suitable site on Port Sorell Rd.
The current Northdown location was established in 2004. Warm and somewhat sheltered with a north-easterly aspect, the vineyard produced its first vintage in 2007. Subsequent expansions – including land purchase in 2014 – have seen the venture grow to 30ha, the largest in North West Tasmania.
After joining the business in 2015, a second generation of ownership began with winemaker Justin Arnold and his wife Alicia Peardon in July 2017.
The vineyard today comprises Pinot Noir (12 clones), Chardonnay (8 clones), Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Meunier. These contribute to a three-tier wine portfolio made at the family's own modern, on-site winery: Ghost Rock Estate; Single Vineyard; Supernatural. Sparkling and still table wines.
If there's a weak spot here, it's that the Arnold family are not big on self-promotion. Grape and wine quality from the rapidly expanded vineyard basis is quite exceptional given all that's gone on here in recent years. The Arnolds are not in the habit of chasing media acclaim and show success but the Ghost Rock portfolio is full of treasure for those who know where to look.
Ghost Rock's gold medal 2023 Pinot Noir at the 2025 Tasmanian Wine Show was also named the event's Best Pinot Noir. Indeed, it was also awarded Champion Wine of Show, giving it pre-eminence over the 412 other Tasmanian wines put before the judging panel
At the same event, Ghost Rock's 2024 Sauvignon Blanc also won gold and took out the Moo Brew Trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc.
In 2026, the Arnolds added more Tasmanian Wine Show glitter to their trophy cabinet. The 2025 Riesling and 2025 Sauvignon Blanc both won gold in their respective classes.
Of course, a great day at a vineyard isn't all about wine.
Ghost Rock's on-site eatery features local/regional artisan produce. Vineyard accommodation is also available.
Periodic cultural events includes concerts, exhibitions. Refer to the Ghost Rock website for details.
Key principals:
- Justin Arnold (owner/director, head of winemaking and viticulture)
- Alicia Peardon (owner/director, marketing and functions/events manager)
- Sierra Blair (winemaker)
- Izaak Perkins (vineyard manager)
Vineyard/cellar door address:
1055 Port Sorell Rd, Northdown TAS 7307
Telephone:
(03) 6248 4005
Email:
mail@ghostrock.com.au
Website:
www.ghostrock.com.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: White Rock Vineyard (MJT 17.7°C; 1081 GDD) and Leven Valley Vineyard (MJT 15.3°C; 701 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 Victoria's Macedon Ranges* (MJT 19.9°C; 1365 GDD) are regarded as the coolest GIs in their respective states.
Climate data* for Northdown, 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 807mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 373mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 180mm
- Mean January temperature: 17.4°C
- Growing degree-days: 1083 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: 12 days
*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: August 2025