If you've spent any time exploring Tasmanian wine, you've probably heard plenty about the Tamar Valley. But head further west, towards the rugged coastline and rolling farmland of the Cradle Coast, and you'll find one of Tasmania's most exciting wine stories.
That story is Ghost Rock.
Perched near Port Sorell and looking out towards Bass Strait, Ghost Rock has become the benchmark producer of Tasmania's Cradle Coast wine region. In many ways, they didn't just help establish the region — they proved it could exist at all.
When Colin and Cate Arnold purchased a neglected vineyard site in 2001, there wasn't exactly a queue of winemakers rushing to plant vines on Tasmania's north-west coast. But through hard work, vision and more than a little stubbornness, they transformed the property into one of Australia's most respected cool-climate wine estates. Today, the winery is led by their son Justin and his wife Alicia, who continue to push the region forward while staying firmly connected to its farming roots.
The Arnold family has been farming this part of Tasmania since 1854, and that deep connection to place shows in every bottle. Their wines aren't made to fit a style or follow a trend — they're made to express a corner of Tasmania that remains one of Australia's most underrated wine regions.
Serious Wines, Without Taking Themselves Too Seriously
One of the things we've always loved about Ghost Rock is that they never lose sight of why wine exists in the first place.
Yes, they're meticulous growers and talented winemakers. Yes, their single-vineyard wines can comfortably stand alongside some of Australia's best cool-climate releases. But at the heart of it all is a belief that wine should be enjoyed, shared and remembered for the moments it creates.
That philosophy runs through everything they do.
The estate range showcases the classic varieties Tasmania does so well — Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and sparkling wines with freshness, elegance and precision. Then there's the Supernatural range, where Justin and Alicia get to have a little fun. These small-batch, experimental wines embrace a more lo-fi, contemporary approach to winemaking and have become favourites among adventurous drinkers looking for something a little different.
A Region Worth Discovering
While Tasmania has become synonymous with world-class Pinot Noir, Ghost Rock continues to demonstrate just how distinctive the Cradle Coast can be.
Their single-vineyard collection is perhaps the clearest expression of that. Wines like the Bonadale Vineyard Pinot Noir reveal the subtle differences that site, altitude and aspect can bring to a wine. These bottlings aren't just impressive examples of Tasmanian wine — they're compelling arguments for why the Cradle Coast deserves a place in every wine lover's conversation.
It's no surprise that Justin has often spoken about wanting to take the Cradle Coast wine region to the rest of Australia. After tasting these wines, it's hard to argue that he hasn't already started.
Why We Love Ghost Rock
At Market Wine Store, we're drawn to producers who combine authenticity, quality and a genuine sense of place. Ghost Rock ticks every box.
They've helped create an entire wine region, continue to push boundaries through innovation, and make wines that are both thoughtful and delicious. Whether you're discovering them through a vibrant Supernatural release or diving into one of their single-vineyard Pinots, Ghost Rock offers a glimpse into one of Australia's most exciting wine regions.
And if you haven't explored the Cradle Coast yet, there's no better place to start.