Eastford Creek
Before selling Nichols Poultry to TasFoods in 2016, Sassafras couple Sue and Rob Nichols spent almost 30 years transforming their small start-up in the North West into a Tasmanian market leader. The family's recent foray into cool-climate viticulture looks set to follow a similar trajectory.
Eastford Creek's 12ha vineyard on Chapel Road began in 2018. Less than a kilometre from Nichols's old stomping ground, the operation has been similarly well-planned, well-funded, and well-executed.
Vines flourish in the ferrosol soils on tertiary basalt. Dolerite outcrops make post-hole digging laborious but lend support to critical vineyard drainage while radiating welcome solar energy after seasonal rain.
Andrew Gaman put industry experience in WA to good use by helping the Nicholses propel Eastford Creek from an ambitious greenfield project to a significant tourism destination outside Devonport. Shortcuts in viticulture and winemaking are not part of Gaman's playbook.
Quality increments have come thick and fast, with Eastford Creek winning two trophies at the Australian Sparkling Awards Show in October 2025. The vineyard won Trophy for Best Sparkling under 24 Months and Best Young Sparkling of Show.
Estate-grown NV sparkling, vintage Pet Nat and vintage table wines are made from Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Gamay and Pinot Noir. The range includes a very smart vintage Late Harvest.
Weather-worn farm sheds have been re-purposed to creative an attractive new cellar environment, including a 120-seat function space. Weddings and related functions are complemented by periodic cultural and sports events including mountain bike racing.
March 2023 saw the property receive its first major event award. Eastford Creek was named Winner of the Best Winery Wedding Venue (Tasmania) in the 2023 Australian Wedding Industry Awards.
Cool-climate Tasmania is hot property at the moment.
The annual Regional Movers Index - which analyses population movements between Australia's capital cities and regional Australia - found two of the nation's top five 'hot spots' in 2025 included Latrobe and Devonport in North West Tasmania.
Like many other small businesses hereabouts, Eastford Creek is well set to give those newcomers a very warm coastal welcome.
Key details:
- Sue Nichols: owner/director
- Rob Nichols: owner/director
- Rachel Turner: cellar door/functions manager
- Andrew Gaman: viticulturist and winemaker
Vineyard/cellar door address:
269 Chapel Road, Sassafras TAS 7307
Telephone:
+61 (0) 400 915 704
Email:
- General enquiries: visit@eastfordcreek.com.au
- Sales: sales@eastfordcreek.com.au
- Winemaking: wine@eastfordcreek.com.au
Website:
www.eastfordcreek.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: 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 Chapel Road, Sassafras, 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 857mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 389mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 189mm
- Mean January temperature: 17.4°C
- Growing degree-days: 1079 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: 14
*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: January 2026