Dawson & James

Dawson & James is a Tasmanian winery built on 80 combined vintages of expertise. When Peter Dawson and Tim James met in 1976 at Hardy & Sons, their shared vision eventually led to founding a critically acclaimed producer focused entirely on cool-climate expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This is a single-vineyard operation centred on Meadowbank Vineyard, planted in 1989 near Hobart. Their wines have won International Wine Challenge trophies for Best Tasmanian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, most recently in 2024. If you want Australian cool-climate wines with the structure and subtlety of European Burgundy, this is your producer.

About Dawson & James

The winery is built around Meadowbank Vineyard, located 60 kilometres northwest of Hobart on the Derwent River. The vineyard sits 70 metres above the river with a north-easterly aspect, capturing optimal sunlight during the ripening season. What defines the wines, however, is the soil composition: sandstone bedrock underlies structured clay layers interspersed with sandy loam, naturally limiting vine vigour. This balance between fruit intensity and acidity is the foundation of Dawson & James' house style.

The Chardonnay captures minerality from the vineyard terroir combined with varietal fruit character. These wines undergo partial malolactic fermentation and are aged in carefully integrated oak, adding layers of complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The Pinot Noir displays a delicate profile with notes of red berries, a texture marked by supple tannins, and hints of sweet spice derived from French oak sourced from a Burgundian cooperage. The winemaking approach is precise and minimalist—the goal is to express the vineyard site, not to overwork the wine.

Dawson & James Wines in Our Collection

We stock four key releases from Dawson & James, all from Tasmania. The 2021 Tasmania Chardonnay (96pts, Decanter World Wine Awards) is the current expression of the house style—buttery, minerally and layered with oak complexity. The 2020 Tasmania Chardonnay (97pts, Decanter World Wine Awards) shows what this vineyard delivers in a riper vintage, with more weight but retained freshness. For Pinot Noir, the 2021 Tasmania Pinot Noir (91pts, Decanter World Wine Awards) is the latest release—light-bodied and perfumed, with finesse and silky tannins. The 2018 Tasmania Pinot Noir (95pts, Robert Parker The Wine Advocate) is a benchmark vintage that demonstrates ageing potential and the depth this vineyard achieves in the best years. All four wines are single-vineyard expressions from Meadowbank, so you are tasting terroir consistency across different vintages.

Food Pairing

The Chardonnay works well with roasted fish, particularly with brown butter or hazelnut dressing, shellfish bisque, poached chicken with cream sauce, and soft cheeses like brie or camembert. The Pinot Noir suits roasted duck, venison, wild mushroom risotto, beef cooked pink and herb-crusted lamb. Both wines have the acidity and structure to cut through rich sauces without needing heavy spicing.

Why are Dawson & James wines from Tasmania?

Tasmania's cool climate suits Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which need slow ripening. Meadowbank Vineyard, near Hobart, receives optimal sunlight yet maintains acidity—essential for elegant, age-worthy wines.

What makes the Meadowbank Vineyard special?

Sandy loams, structured clays and sandstone limit vine vigour, balancing fruit intensity with acidity. The north-easterly aspect and elevation above the Derwent River provide ideal growing conditions for both varieties.

Have these wines won awards?

Yes. The 2018 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir won International Wine Challenge trophies for Best Tasmanian wines in their categories. The 2021 Pinot Noir repeated the Pinot Noir trophy in 2024.

Who makes Dawson & James wines?

Peter Dawson and Tim James founded the winery in Tasmania, drawing on 80 combined vintages of expertise gained at Hardy & Sons. They operate a single-vineyard producer centred on Meadowbank Vineyard near Hobart, planted in 1989.

What style of wine does Dawson & James make?

Dawson & James specialises in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with European Burgundy structure. The Chardonnay is buttery and mineral-driven; the Pinot Noir is light and perfumed. A 2020 Chardonnay scored 97 points.

How much does Dawson & James wine cost?

Dawson & James wines range between £50 and £67. Chardonnays are around £50; Pinot Noirs sit between £64 and £67.