Marion's Vineyard
Marion's Vineyard – overlooking the Tamar River/kanamaluka near Deviot – was established by Mark and Marion Semmens in 1979 after they moved from California and purchased a neglected apple orchard to begin transforming it into one of Tasmania's earliest family-run vineyards.
At a time when the island's modern wine industry was in its infancy, the Semmenses were pioneers, planting a diverse selection of wine varieties and experimenting with sustainable practices long before they became mainstream. Mark's vision and optimism were matched in equal measure by Marion's tireless energy in the vineyard and her capacity to draw upon her Cypriot heritage and ensure that great food was always within reach of a glass of wine.
Industry trailblazers, the couple opened Tasmania's first vineyard cellar door in 1983, and played key roles in the establishment of early food and wine events in the Tamar Valley.
Their daughter, Cynthea Semmens, now manages both the vineyard and winemaking, continuing the family's 40-year legacy with renewed energy and a biodynamic focus.
The vineyard's steep, north-facing, sunlit slopes sit on free-draining basaltic and clay-loam soils, with the nearby river injecting a moderating influence into the vineyard microclimate. Initial plantings on the site in 1980-1981 spanned 4ha, with Chardonnay, Müller-Thurgau, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir holding sway.
Subsequent plantings in the 1990s and 2000s expanded the range, bringing the vineyard to 7.8ha under vine. Varieties now include Gewürztraminer, Mavrodaphne, Muscat, Cabernet Franc, Cascade, Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo and Zinfandel.
See also separate producer entry under Beautiful Isle.
Key principals:
- Marion Semmens, owner/operator
- Nick Semmens, owner/operator
- Cynthea Semmens, owner/vigneron
Vineyard/cellar door address:
335 Deviot Rd, Deviot Tasmania 7275
Telephone:
+ 61 (0) 491 376 177
Email:
N/A
Website:
www.marionsvineyard.com.au
Tasmanian viticulture takes place within a diverse mix of soil types and microclimates.
Climate data* for sites in the Tamar Valley highlight the wide diversity of growing conditions here. Consider: Grey Sands (MJT 17.3°C; 899 GDD) and Holm Oak Vineyards (MJT 18.1°C; 1234 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 Deviot Road, 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 806mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 373mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 184mm
- Mean January temperature: 18.3°C
- Growing degree-days: 1234GDD
- 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
*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