Swinging Gate Vineyard
Swinging Gate Vineyard – at Sidmouth in the West Tamar – was established in 1985 by winemaker Don Buchanan. One of the first professionally trained winemakers in the State, the former Australian Winemaker of the Year moved to Tasmania to set up Buchanan Wines and a wine consultancy business.
His career highlights along the way included winning the prestigious Jimmy Watson Trophy at the 1980 Royal Melbourne Wine Show.
Buchanan's 6ha Loira developments comprised various selections of Chardonnay, Frontignac, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. After a handful of successful vintages, the family moved back to the mainland in 1993, with property ownership passing to Josef Chromy, and subsequently to Pipers Brook Vineyard.
The old Sidmouth vineyard took on a new name and new identity in 2014 with the arrival of Doug and Corrie Cox. The couple's backgrounds in horticulture brought about a series of drastic transformations. It included the rejuvenation of 30-year-old vines, development of an on-site winery, and creation of a homely cellar door that exudes charm and rustic character.
Recent site additions include three well-appointed, self-contained glamping domes. These are being cleverly marketed by Domescapes Tasmania.
Viticulture across the Coxes' 9.3ha vineyard prioritises soil health and biodiversity. Carbon-rich amendments promote strong vines and expressive fruit. Soil types vary across the vineyard's north-east-facing slopes, but are generally characterised by Tertiary clays, gravels and alluvial deposits laid down over time by the Tamar River system.
Swinging Gate's wine range is vast. Currently, it's more than 20 wines.
Beyond the usual suspects Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Pinot Noir, the Coxes also produce Friulano; Frontignac; sparkling Sauvignon Blanc and Pet Nats; and an Amarone-style red blend. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are made as single varietals.
Friulano is especially interesting. The variety is native to Friuli-Venezia Giulia in North Eastern Italy. It was brought to Tasmania by the late Peter Taurian. Born in the alpine region, he made his first wine there with his father in 1944. Taurian eventually retired to Rosevears in the Tamar Valley, where his vineyard included the vines that reminded him of home.
Of course, visiting a vineyard is not all about wine. It's about having a good time as well.
In January 2025, Winetraveler.com named Swinging Gate among the 10 destinations it recommended in its online feature: Best Tasmania Wineries & Wine Tasting Tours for 2025.
Winetraveler.com is currently the largest wine tourism-focused website in the United States.
Quite an achievement from quiet achievers.
Key details:
Doug Cox: owner/vigneron
Corrie Cox: owner/viticulturist
Vineyard/cellar door address:
103 Glendale Rd, Sidmouth TAS 7270
Telephone:
+61 (0) 429 980 346
Email:
swinginggatewine@gmail.com
Website:
www.swinginggatewines.com.au
Tasmanian viticulture takes place within a diverse mix of soil types and microclimates.
Growing conditions in the Tamar Valley fall under the moderating influence of the river itself. Consider: Eversley Vines (MJT 17.7°C; 1065 GDD) and Evenfall (MJT 18.4°C; 1230 GDD). Coolest vs warmest sites.
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 Glendale Road, 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 856mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 392mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 196mm
- Mean January temperature: 18.0°C
- Growing degree-days: 1173 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