Are you a wine lover? Let’s explore the stunning wine-growing regions of Tasmania. Located on the southeast coast of Australia, Tasmania is the 26th largest island in the world. Named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, this beautiful part of the world is especially popular for nature lovers and hikers. But did you know that Tasmania also produces some of the best wines in the world?
The history of wine in Tasmania
In 1823, the first vine was planted near Hobart, but by 1860 wine production was abandoned. A local anti-alcohol movement introduced a law that ensured that the production of alcohol was banned.
Discover award-winning vineyards
This law was in force until 1950, however, wine production in Tasmania resumed in 1956. A French engineer started a vineyard in the north-eastern part of the island that year. A few years later, these became two vineyards and in 2017 they were even awarded the “Vineyard of the Year.” The relatively young Tasmanian wine production is now finally being taken seriously by the global wine trade.
The wine-growing areas of Tasmania
Most of Tasmania’s vineyards are located near the city of Launceston in the north and near the capital city of Hobart in the south. Most of the wineries here produce dry white wines, but the warmer areas such as the Coal River Valley and the Freycinet Peninsula are increasingly setting themselves apart by producing red wines. Sparkling wine is also gaining importance in this part of Australia.
Tamar Valley
Tamar Valley is the largest wine-growing region in Tasmania. The wine region north of Launceston is known for sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. The most famous wineries in the Tamar Valley are Tamar Ridge, Stoney Rise, and Holm Oak.
A local insider tip is the winery and restaurant of Josef Chromy, also known as Joe. Joe is an icon in the Tasmanian wine industry. He owns several wineries such as Tamar Ridge and Jansz. At the age of 76, the wine connoisseur founded Josef Chromy Wines. A culinary experience with the best wines of the Tamar Valley.
Pipers River
In the northeast of Launceston, the wine-growing region Pipers River awaits you. The climate here is almost the same as in the Champagne region of France, which is why Pipers River’s specialty is sparkling wine. The first winery was established here in 1974, founded by Andrew Pirie under the name Pipers Brook Vineyard. You can join wine tastings at Jansz Wines.
Coal River Valley
The Coal River Valley is home to smaller wine producers. Peter Althaus produces delicious Cabernet and Merlot under the name, Stoney Vineyard. You can also join a wine tasting at Frogmore Creek in the Coal River Valley or enjoy the great atmosphere at Pooley Wines in Pages Creek. Other wineries recommended by Tasmanian residents include Coal Valley Vineyard, Morningside Vineyard, and Third Child Vineyard.
The East Coast of Tasmania
The wine-growing region on the east coast of Tasmania stretches for approximately 200 kilometres from Bicheno to the Tasman Peninsula. One of the best Pinot Noirs can be found on the Freycinet Vineyard on the edge of the Freycinet National Park and half an hour’s drive from Wineglass Bay. The following wineries are recommended for wine tastings:
Spring Vale
Milton Vineyard (Gewinner Award Vineyard of the Year 2017)
Gala Estate
The Hazards
The North West of Tasmania
Tasmania’s newest wine-growing area is in the North West, with a handful of winemakers including Barringwood, Lake Barrington Vineyard, and Ghost Rock. One of the newest producers in this area is Blue Penguin. This is best known for its Shiraz, as well as its vineyard on the northwest coast, overlooking the Bass Strait.
The South of Tasmania
There are also several wineries in the south of Tasmania, southwest of Hobart. Here are some of the best ones to visit:
Panorama Vineyard in Glaziers Bay: This vineyard is known for its different grape varieties.
Home Hill just outside Huonville: This winery is known for its Pinot Noir and its good restaurant.
Hartzview offers panoramic views and produces both wines and liqueurs.
North of Hobart is the Derwent Estate vineyard and winery. The Derwent Estate land has been in the family since 1913. At that time, primarily as a farm and three generations later, as a winery.
Bruny Island
Bruny Island is a 362 square-kilometre island located off the south-eastern coast of Tasmania. Best known for its deliciously fresh oysters and spotting white wallabies. This special part of Tasmania also has the perfect climate for wine production.
Locals, Richard and Bernice are proud owners of the only vineyard on Bruny Island. Producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it is the southernmost vineyard in Australia. Located in the township of Lunawanna, this 120-acre estate also offers a restaurant and a 1900s farmhouse. The restaurant serves some of Tasmania’s best local produce. Including Bruny Island olives, oysters, and a Tasmanian cheese board. A great place to visit if you are looking for a local gourmet experience.
Conquer Tasmania’s wine trails
For the ultimate wine tasting experience, explore Tasmania’s wine trails. Along the way, meet the friendly locals and marvel at the beautiful scenery. Taste sparkling wine, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Syrah and Riesling, and many more.
Only five percent of Tasmanian wine is exported, which means many of these quality wines can only be found here. This makes it a truly unique wine tasting experience.
North West Wine Trail
Discover the untamed wilderness of Tasmania along the North West Wine Trail. Enjoy freshly caught crays, farm-fresh produce, and friendly locals. Be sure to stop by the Cradle Mountain National Park and soak up the incredible views. And be sure to try a ‘paddock to plate’ culinary experience.
Tamar Valley Wine Trail
Visit award-winning restaurants, cellar door tastings and enjoy superb views on the Tamar Valley Wine Trail. There are also plenty of charming towns to see and rich farmlands to admire. This means that the Tamar Valley region has become a popular holiday destination for foodies and wine lovers. Each vineyard is within easy driving distance from the next and offers gourmet experiences.
East Coast Wine Trail
Uncover the beauty of white sandy beaches, national parks, and more along the East Coast Wine Trail. Taste fresh berries, award-winning cheese, and unbelievably fresh seafood. Meet the locals at the seaside towns and venture into Freycinet National Park. Discover the treasures along the Great Eastern Drive, a food and wine lover’s haven.
Southern Wine Trail
With the perfect blend of history, wine, and world-class food, the Southern Wine Trail is a must-do. Taste locally made soft goat cheese, smoked salmon, freshly picked apples, and locally produced, sparkling wine. It’s the ultimate escape for travellers who would like to experience the local lifestyle of Tasmania.
Which Tasmanian wines would you like to sample?
Andrew Morten is Founder of A Journey DownUnder. A Journey DownUnder creates bespoke, tailored trips to Australia and New Zealand.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Andrew Morten is the founder of TravelEssence. Specialising in bespoke journeys to Australia and New Zealand, TravelEssence is a carbon-neutral and Travelife-certified company. Away from the mainstream, clients can travel Down Under in a uniquely local way. By staying with local hosts at unique locations in small-scale accommodations, and experiencing one-of-a-kind activities, clients can see the country through the eyes of the locals. It’s a chance to get off the beaten path and explore the lesser-known. From unique encounters with wildlife, and learning about Indigenous culture to enjoying a barbecue with your friendly hosts. Andrew is a born and bred New Zealander and has over 30 years of experience in the tourism industry.
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4 Comments
Really surprising, I can’t ever remember trying any Tasmanian wine. As Australian wine is so good no reason why Tasmanian shouldn’t be excellent too. I’ll have y try o find some to try.
The history of wine in Tasmania
In 1823, the first vine was planted near Hobart, but by 1860 wine production was abandoned. A local anti-alcohol movement introduced a law that ensured that the production of alcohol was banned.
Discover award-winning vineyards
This law was in force until 1950, however, wine production in Tasmania resumed in 1956. A French engineer started a vineyard in the north-eastern part of the island that year. A few years later, these became two vineyards and in 2017 they were even awarded the “Vineyard of the Year.” The relatively young Tasmanian wine production is now finally being taken seriously by the global wine trade.
The history of wine in Tasmania
In 1823, the first vine was planted near Hobart, but by 1860 wine production was abandoned. A local anti-alcohol movement introduced a law that ensured that the production of alcohol was banned.
Discover award-winning vineyards
This law was in force until 1950, however, wine production in Tasmania resumed in 1956. A French engineer started a vineyard in the north-eastern part of the island that year. A few years later, these became two vineyards and in 2017 they were even awarded the “Vineyard of the Year.” The relatively young Tasmanian wine production is now finally being taken seriously by the global wine trade.
The wine-growing areas of Tasmania
Most of Tasmania’s vineyards are located near the city of Launceston in the north and near the capital city of Hobart in the south. Most of the wineries here produce dry white wines, but the warmer areas such as the Coal River Valley and the Freycinet Peninsula are increasingly setting themselves apart by producing red wines. Sparkling wine is also gaining importance in this part of Australia.
Tamar Valley
Tamar Valley is the largest wine-growing region in Tasmania. The wine region north of Launceston is known for sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. The most famous wineries in the Tamar Valley are Tamar Ridge, Stoney Rise, and Holm Oak.
A local insider tip is the winery and restaurant of Josef Chromy, also known as Joe. Joe is an icon in the Tasmanian wine industry. He owns several wineries such as Tamar Ridge and Jansz. At the age of 76, the wine connoisseur founded Josef Chromy Wines. A culinary experience with the best wines of the Tamar Valley.
Pipers River
In the northeast of Launceston, the wine-growing region Pipers River awaits you. The climate here is almost the same as in the Champagne region of France, which is why Pipers River’s specialty is sparkling wine. The first winery was established here in 1974, founded by Andrew Pirie under the name Pipers Brook Vineyard. You can join wine tastings at Jansz Wines.
Coal River Valley
The Coal River Valley is home to smaller wine producers. Peter Althaus produces delicious Cabernet and Merlot under the name, Stoney Vineyard. You can also join a wine tasting at Frogmore Creek in the Coal River Valley or enjoy the great atmosphere at Pooley Wines in Pages Creek. Other wineries recommended by Tasmanian residents include Coal Valley Vineyard, Morningside Vineyard, and Third Child Vineyard.
The East Coast of Tasmania
The wine-growing region on the east coast of Tasmania stretches for approximately 200 kilometres from Bicheno to the Tasman Peninsula. One of the best Pinot Noirs can be found on the Freycinet Vineyard on the edge of the Freycinet National Park and half an hour’s drive from Wineglass Bay. The following wineries are recommended for wine tastings:
The South of Tasmania
There are also several wineries in the south of Tasmania, southwest of Hobart. Here are some of the best ones to visit:
Locals, Richard and Bernice are proud owners of the only vineyard on Bruny Island. Producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it is the southernmost vineyard in Australia. Located in the township of Lunawanna, this 120-acre estate also offers a restaurant and a 1900s farmhouse. The restaurant serves some of Tasmania’s best local produce. Including Bruny Island olives, oysters, and a Tasmanian cheese board. A great place to visit if you are looking for a local gourmet experience.
Conquer Tasmania’s wine trails
For the ultimate wine tasting experience, explore Tasmania’s wine trails. Along the way, meet the friendly locals and marvel at the beautiful scenery. Taste sparkling wine, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Syrah and Riesling, and many more.
Only five percent of Tasmanian wine is exported, which means many of these quality wines can only be found here. This makes it a truly unique wine tasting experience.
North West Wine Trail
Discover the untamed wilderness of Tasmania along the North West Wine Trail. Enjoy freshly caught crays, farm-fresh produce, and friendly locals. Be sure to stop by the Cradle Mountain National Park and soak up the incredible views. And be sure to try a ‘paddock to plate’ culinary experience.
Tamar Valley Wine Trail
Visit award-winning restaurants, cellar door tastings and enjoy superb views on the Tamar Valley Wine Trail. There are also plenty of charming towns to see and rich farmlands to admire. This means that the Tamar Valley region has become a popular holiday destination for foodies and wine lovers. Each vineyard is within easy driving distance from the next and offers gourmet experiences.
East Coast Wine Trail
Uncover the beauty of white sandy beaches, national parks, and more along the East Coast Wine Trail. Taste fresh berries, award-winning cheese, and unbelievably fresh seafood. Meet the locals at the seaside towns and venture into Freycinet National Park. Discover the treasures along the Great Eastern Drive, a food and wine lover’s haven.
Southern Wine Trail
With the perfect blend of history, wine, and world-class food, the Southern Wine Trail is a must-do. Taste locally made soft goat cheese, smoked salmon, freshly picked apples, and locally produced, sparkling wine. It’s the ultimate escape for travellers who would like to experience the local lifestyle of Tasmania.
Which Tasmanian wines would you like to sample?
Andrew Morten is Founder of A Journey DownUnder. A Journey DownUnder creates bespoke, tailored trips to Australia and New Zealand.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Really surprising, I can’t ever remember trying any Tasmanian wine. As Australian wine is so good no reason why Tasmanian shouldn’t be excellent too. I’ll have y try o find some to try.
It says that only 5% of wine is exported so it’s not that surprising that you haven’t come across Tasmanian wine.
Yes, this is why Tasmanian wine is unique, and many of the wines you can sample there, can only be found in Tasmania.
I was searching an amazing source for Tasmanian wine and I finally find that