Glenelg Estate
Six generations of the Downie family have managed Glenelg Estate in the upper Derwent. The property dates back to 1828, when Governor William Sorell granted 1000 acres to Scottish immigrant Andrew Downie. Today, his original sandstone homestead is the centrepiece of a mixed farming enterprise that blends tradition with innovation.
Around 16,000 merino sheep and 150 Angus cattle graze the gently rolling Gretna landscape.
Charles Downie has managed the property since 2010. A Marcus Oldham College graduate, he was quick to recognise the value of diversifying on-farm operations.
It wasn't long before cool climate viticulture entered the picture.
In 2016, Absolute Viticulture's Marty Smith was contracted to establish a 20ha close-planted vineyard on the site. The busy East Coast contractor was just the man for the job. His late father – Chris Smith – was a former Clare Valley vineyard manager who moved with his family to Lebrina to establish Clover Hill Vineyard in 1986.
Young Marty grew up up around vines and wines.
Indeed, the broad expanse of parts of the upper Derwent also have a decided Clare Valley feel to them, albeit a little less parched and sunbaked.
Smith's planting selections included Chardonnay (6.aha), Pinot Gris (3.5ha), Pinot Noir (8.9ha), and a small trial plot of Syrah/Shiraz (1.ha). Like the Ellis family at Meadowbank Estate – further up the valley – Downie believed the latter variety would be well-suited to the district's warm, dry climate.
Experience to date has shown those early assumptions were correct. That noted, harvest in mid-May comes with the unwelcome pressure of having to ensure crop protection is totally effective in the face of large populations of marauding birds.
The vineyard is sits on well-managed, nutrient-rich volcanic soils. A mix of ancient sandstones and mudstones offers good drainage, while the site's close proximity to the River Derwent allows ready access to clean and reliable irrigation water when it's required.
Initial harvests were contracted to Tasmanian Vintners at Cambridge, as well as the Brown Family Wine Group based at Kayena in the Tamar Valley. More recent clients have included small batch winemakers such as Luke Andree (Sonnen Wines).
Life on the vineyard has been 'steady as she goes,' with management practices being carefully planned and integrated into other on-farm work schedules.
The Downie family have been on a steep learning curve. But with almost 200 years of farming behind them, they know that going up is the only way forward.
Key details:
Charles Downie: owner/farm manager
Marty Smith: consultant viticulturist, Absolute Viticulture
Vineyard/cellar door address:
'Glenelg,' 4281 Lyell Highway, Gretna TAS 7140
No current wine sales but a product launch is imminent
See website for details
Telephone:
+61 (0) 417 591 118
Email:
vineyard@glenelgestate.com.au
Website:
www.glenelgestate.com.au
Tasmanian viticulture takes place within a diverse mix of soil types and microclimates.
Climate data* for sites in the Derwent Valley highlight the wide diversity of growing conditions here. e.g. Mount Direction Estate (MJT 16.9°C; 967 GDD) and Invercarron (MJT 16.9°C; 934 GDD) figure among the coolest sites.
Those considered to be the warmest include Government House Tasmania (MJT 17.8°C; 1165 GDD), Lowestoft (MJT 17.8°C; 1148 GDD) and Moorilla (MJT 17.8°C; 1148 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 Meadowbank Road, Glenora 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 534mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 277mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 108mm
- Mean January temperature: 17.2°C
- Growing degree-days: 972 GDD
- Average no of hot days (35°C or more) per year: 1
- Average no of cold days (minimum 4°C or less) Sept 1-April 30: 41
*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