Bream Creek Vineyard
One of Tasmania's earliest wine-growing ventures, Bream Creek Vineyard was first planted in 1974 to add volume to the Moorilla Estate portfolio, then under development by the Alcorso family. However, the coastal site proved very challenging for Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon, the two late-ripening varieties that comprised much of the vineyard.
Rudimentary viticulture and a sequence of very cool seasons brought meagre yields during the 1980s. When its syndicate ownership resolved to auction the property in 1990, former State viticulturist Fred Peacock emerged as its new owner.
Born into a Tasmanian family with roots dating back to the 1850s – and subsequent creation of the renowned IXL food brand – Peacock set about an ambitious program of restructuring, replanting and revitalisation.
By the TwentyTeens, respected author, wine judge and critic James Halliday was frequently writing:
'Fred Peacock... is legendary for the care he bestows on the vines under his directions. Fred's skills have seen both an increase in production and also outstanding wine quality across the range, headed by Pinot Noir.'
Ensuing years have seen the self-effacing cool-climate specialist receive considerable regional and national acclaim for his skills and experience.
In 2020, Peacock was recognised locally as a Wine Tasmania Legend. Gourmet Traveller Wine named him its 2018 Viticulturist of the Year.
Today, Peacock's 6.2ha vineyard is an industry showpiece, featuring Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Its 0.5ha of Schönburger is believed to have been the first commercial planting of the aromatic German hybrid anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere when it was established in 1992.
Vineyard soils are deep, mostly brown to black clay loams. The region is primarily underlain by Permian and Triassic sedimentary rocks – including mudstone and sandstone – with periodic appearances of dolerite and basalt.
Like its owner, Bream Creek Pinot Noir is a celebrated over-achiever.
By way of example, the 2023 Pinot Noir and 2023 Reserve Pinot Noir accumulated a total of 17 trophies and 25 gold medals during 2024-2025. The early show successes of the 2024 wines – 8 trophies and 12 gold medals in 2025 alone – are likely to continue in 2026.
Visitors love the winning views and welcoming atmosphere of Bream Creek's stylish cellar door. Its earthy clay terracotta, natural stone, green glazed tiles, and diversity of warm-toned timbers enhance the vineyard's natural setting and distinctly Tasmanian landscape beyond.
Seeing is believing.
Key details:
- Fred Peacock: owner/viticulturist
- Rafe Nottage: general manager
- Aidan Cutlan: cellar door manager
Vineyard/cellar door address:
321 Marion Bay Rd, Bream Creek TAS 7175
Telephone:
+61 (0) 447 139 054
Email:
info@breamcreekvineyard.com.au
Website:
www.breamcreekvineyard.com.au
Tasmanian viticulture takes place within a diverse mix of soil types and microclimates.
Climate data* for sites on the East Coast highlight the wide range of growing conditions here. Consider: Saltwater River Wines (MJT 16.0°C; 859 GDD) and Sterling Heights (MJT 18.3°C; 1267 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 Marion Bay Road, 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 709mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 404mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 167mm
- Mean January temperature: 17.1°C
- Growing degree-days: 1045 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: 8
*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: March 2026