Rusty Roof

Tim and Evie Walker established the 2ha Rusty Roof Vineyard on their family farm at Spalford - near Ulverstone - in 2022. Formerly home to crops such as potatoes, pyrethrum and poppies, the site now hosts plantings of Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Merlot and Pinot Noir.

The high-quality Austrian white variety Grüner Veltliner is a new introduction to North West viticulture.

The couple's first commercial vintage in 2024 marked a welcome transition from mixed agriculture to cool-climate wine production on the old Berkshire Downs property. Skilled winemaking is carried out at Eastford Creek by contract winemaker, Andrew Gaman.

Spalford's elevated basalt soils and mild maritime climate offer favourable conditions for delicate, aromatic wines and elegant reds. Vigorous vine growth and significant disease and pest pressures - including foraging European wasps – require careful monitoring and management.

Tim Walker's agronomy background has been vital in overcoming these early challenges. Grape quality and vineyard yields have improved markedly in recent vintages.

A new cellar door that opened in January 2026 marked a welcome business milestone for the couple. Its construction included re-purposing the timber and roof of an old hay shed that occupied the site. An impressive 180-year-old English oak tree - where the couple married in 2007 - provides the venue with a unique focal point. 

Tasting flights paired with vineyard platters of local produce are just starting points for this small but ambitious family venture. Well-supported live music gigs and small regional events have already begun to add new threads to the growing patchwork quilt of food and wine experiences that are on offer in this wonderfully scenic part of North West Tasmania.

Key details:

• Tim Walker: owner/operator 

• Evie Walker: owner/operator

• Andrew Gaman: consultant viticulturist and contract winemaker

Vineyard/cellar door address:

870 Castra Road, Spalford TAS 7315

Telephone:

+61 (0) 439 333 811 

Email:

tim@walkerag.com.au

Website:

• www.facebook.com/rustyroofvineyard
• www.rustyroofvineyard.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 Spalford, 1995-2024:

• Total annual average rainfall: 1051mm
• Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 456mm
• Average autumn rainfall: 224mm
• Mean January temperature: 16.6°C
• Growing degree-days: 945 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: 7

*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