Tasmania (Australia)

Tasmania’s Wine Country: A Hidden Gem

Tasmania, Australia’s island state, offers a unique wine experience with its cool climate vineyards and stunning landscapes. This guide will help you explore the best of Tasmanian wine country, from charming towns to world-class producers.

Towns and Villages

Tasmania’s wine regions are dotted with picturesque towns and villages, each with its own character. Here are some must-visit locations:

  • Hobart: The capital city serves as an excellent base for exploring southern vineyards.
  • Launceston: Gateway to the Tamar Valley wine region.
  • Richmond: A historic town in the Coal River Valley, known for its Georgian architecture.
  • Coles Bay: Near the East Coast wine region, offering stunning coastal views.

Wine Producers

Tasmania boasts numerous exceptional wineries. Here are some standout producers:

  • Josef Chromy Wines: Located near Launceston, known for premium cool-climate wines.
  • Moorilla Estate: Part of the MONA complex, offering unique wine experiences.
  • Frogmore Creek: A family-owned winery in the Coal River Valley.
  • Bay of Fires Winery: Renowned for its sparkling wines in the Pipers River region.

Accommodations

From luxury resorts to cozy B&Bs, Tasmania offers diverse lodging options for wine travelers:

  • Saffire Freycinet: A luxury lodge near the East Coast wine region.
  • The Islington Hotel: A boutique hotel in Hobart with an extensive wine cellar.
  • Prospect House: A historic country house in Richmond, close to Coal River Valley wineries.
  • Peppers Silo Hotel: A unique hotel in Launceston, converted from grain silos.

Dining

Tasmanian cuisine pairs perfectly with local wines. Try these restaurants for a true taste of the region:

  • Franklin: A modern Australian restaurant in Hobart, focusing on local produce.
  • Stillwater: Fine dining in Launceston, featuring an extensive Tasmanian wine list.
  • The Source Restaurant: Located at MONA, offering innovative dishes paired with Moorilla wines.
  • Landscape Restaurant & Grill: A Hobart restaurant showcasing Tasmanian beef and seafood.

Wine Shops & Bars

Tasmania offers unique wine-tasting experiences beyond the cellar door. Explore these local gems:

  • Cool Wine: A boutique wine shop in Hobart specializing in Tasmanian wines
  • Pinot Shop: Located in Launceston, focusing on local and international Pinot Noir
  • The Glass House: A sophisticated bar in Hobart with panoramic waterfront views
  • Geronimo Aperitivo Bar: A trendy wine bar in Launceston featuring local wines and cocktails

Other Shops

Complement your wine journey with local produce and artisanal products:

  • Hill Street Grocer: Gourmet food stores across Tasmania, perfect for picnic supplies
  • The Wursthaus Kitchen: A Hobart institution for fine foods and kitchenware
  • Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company: Offers locally-made condiments in Richmond
  • Tassal Salmon Shop: Sample and purchase premium Tasmanian salmon in Salamanca

Attractions

Explore Tasmania’s natural beauty and cultural sites between wine tastings:

  • MONA: The Museum of Old and New Art, featuring a winery and unique exhibitions
  • Freycinet National Park: Home to the iconic Wineglass Bay, perfect for hiking and coastal views
  • Port Arthur Historic Site: A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Tasmania’s convict history
  • Tamar Island Wetlands: A nature reserve near Launceston, ideal for birdwatching

Events

Time your visit with these wine-focused events:

  • Taste of Tasmania: A food and wine festival held annually in Hobart (December-January)
  • Effervescence Tasmania: A sparkling wine festival in Launceston (November)
  • Tamar Valley Wine Route Weekend: Cellar door events and special tastings (May)
  • Farmgate Festival: Showcasing local produce and wines in the Tamar Valley (November)

Appellations

Tasmania’s wine regions are divided into seven distinct areas:

  • Tamar Valley: Known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines
  • Coal River Valley: Produces exceptional Pinot Noir and Riesling
  • East Coast: Home to boutique wineries with stunning coastal views
  • Derwent Valley: Renowned for cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir
  • North West: Emerging region with a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
  • Huon Valley: Southernmost wine region, known for aromatic whites
  • Pipers River: Specializes in sparkling wines and Pinot Noir

Grape Varieties

Tasmania’s cool climate is ideal for growing high-quality grapes. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay dominate, accounting for over 70% of the island’s plantings.

  • Pinot Noir
  • Chardonnay
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Riesling
  • Pinot Gris
  • Cabernet Sauvignon (in warmer areas)

Main Wine Styles

Tasmanian wines are known for their elegance and purity. The region excels in producing cool-climate styles.

  • Sparkling wines (traditional method)
  • Light to medium-bodied red wines
  • Crisp, aromatic white wines
  • Late harvest dessert wines

Food Specialties

Tasmania’s pristine environment yields exceptional produce. Local specialties pair beautifully with the island’s wines.

  • Fresh seafood (oysters, salmon, abalone)
  • Artisanal cheeses
  • Truffles
  • Leatherwood honey
  • Grass-fed beef and lamb

Drives & Walks

Wine Routes

Explore Tasmania’s wine regions through scenic drives. The Tamar Valley Wine Route offers over 30 cellar doors within a short distance.

Nature Walks

Combine wine tasting with outdoor adventures. The Freycinet Peninsula offers stunning coastal walks near several wineries.

Itineraries

Weekend Getaway

Start in Hobart, visiting MONA and nearby Coal Valley wineries. Head north to the Tamar Valley for cellar door experiences and gourmet dining.

Week-long Wine Explorer

Circle the island, starting in Hobart and visiting key wine regions: Coal Valley, East Coast, Tamar Valley, and North West. Include stops at national parks and local markets.

Getting There & Around

Tasmania is accessible by air or sea. Hobart International Airport is the main gateway, with flights from major Australian cities.

  • Fly to Hobart, Launceston, or Devonport
  • Take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne to Devonport
  • Rent a car for exploring wine regions
  • Use shuttle services between wineries in popular areas

Best Time to Visit

Tasmania’s wine regions offer year-round appeal. Autumn (March to May) is ideal for harvest activities and mild weather.

  • Spring (September to November): Blooming vineyards
  • Summer (December to February): Warm days, perfect for outdoor tastings
  • Winter (June to August): Cozy cellar door experiences, truffle hunting

Sustainability Efforts

Many Tasmanian wineries prioritize sustainable practices. Look for VinØ certification indicating organic viticulture.

  • Water conservation techniques
  • Biodiversity programs in vineyards
  • Solar-powered wineries
  • Minimal intervention winemaking

Language Tips

English is the primary language in Tasmania. Learn these wine-related terms to enhance your tasting experience:

  • Cellar door: Winery tasting room
  • Paddock to plate: Farm-to-table dining
  • Gris: Local term for Pinot Gris
  • Methode Tasmanoise: Traditional method sparkling wine

Further Resources

Enhance your Tasmanian wine journey with these helpful resources: