Government House Tasmania
The vineyard at Government House Tasmania is a unique feature of this historic estate. It's the only one located within a vice-regal residence anywhere in Australia. The 0.5ha project was first proposed by former Governor Peter Underwood (dec.) during his six-year term of office (2008-2014).
Unlike his predecessors Sir Phillip Bennett and William Cox, Underwood was not a golfing governor. He proposed the estate's driving range and putting green be re-developed, and viticulture was one of a number of potential options given consideration.
When the former Chief Justice died suddenly while still fulfilling his vice-regal duties, it was Professor Kate Warner – Underwood's successor – who brought the vineyard to life. In 2015, around 1500 vines of Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were established.
Riesling represents the largest planting (44%), with Cabernet Sauvignon (38%) and Merlot (18%) being vinified together to create a Cabernet Merlot blend.
The vineyard complements the estate's extensive ornamental gardens, which date back to the 1850s. Heavy loam/clay soil includes small-to-medium-sized ironstone rocks, with occasional sandstone outcrops. Free-draining and moderately fertile, the soil is also shallow in places.
With vines now moving into their second decade of management, viticulture is much more reliant on softer, more organic approaches than in the past. Biological control of pests and diseases is augmented by on-site composting and cover cropping, which naturally increase populations of beneficial insects and micro-organisms.
Vineyard harvests are hand-picked, the first of them taking place in 2018. The resulting wines are made under contract at Tasmanian Vintners.
Government House wines are poured at official functions and events, with additional sales to the public.
Periodic ticketed guided tours of the State Rooms are held during the year. Seasonal 'Lunch on the Lawns' events and free community open days take place out of doors. The very popular Family Day is held annually, during the Royal Hobart Regatta long weekend.
Key details:
Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania
David Hughes CSC: Official Secretary
Paula Duniam-Chatwood: Deputy Official Secretary
Tara Edmondson: Estate Gardens Manager
Vineyard/cellar door address:
7 Lower Domain Road, Hobart, TAS 7000
See the official website for online sales and tours of the gardens
Telephone:
+61 3 6234 2611
Email:
N/A
Website:
www.govhouse.tas.gov.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 Lower Domain Road, Hobart 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 538mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 229mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 115mm
- Mean January temperature: 17.8°C
- Growing degree-days: 1165 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: 9
*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