23 November 2023
7 mins Read
While Tasmania is globally recognised as one single wine region, there’s significant diversity across its seven grape-growing areas. In fact, many Tassie winemakers attest the island is not one, but indeed seven, actual regions. Find out for yourself and plan a trip to these magnificent seven and the best wineries they each have to offer.
In the Huon Valley, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from a capital city, despite being only a 30-minute drive from Hobart. Rich in fresh produce and peppered with roadside food stalls, the area is a renowned culinary wonderland.
Nestled amongst the vines with spectacular views of the Huon Valley is Kate Hill Wines. As well as an intimate 1880’s heritage cottage tasting room, the winery also boasts a resident woodfired pizza van, cooking pizzas from 12 – 3pm most Saturdays. Check their socials for dates and organise to stay for lunch.
Nearby is Home Hill Winery, one of Tasmania’s most-awarded wineries. Their sophisticated cellar door offers tastings with views of the verdant pastures, livestock and mountains beyond; and their restaurant serves refined fare using quality local produce.
Just half an hour north-west of Hobart lies the Derwent Valley, known for its excellent grape-growing conditions. The mountains to the west offer protection from westerly winds, leaving the valley a calm, sunny area for vines to flourish.
Family-run Stefano Lubiana Wines is Tuscany in Tasmania – the rustic peach-coloured sandstone building is adorned with green shutters and heavy wooden doors that lead you into their terracotta osteria and family-run cellar door. The wines here are premium, and some of the best you’ll try in Tasmania.
The generous tasting experience at Derwent Estate includes more than 10 wines, with their adjacent The Shed restaurant worth a stop for lunch. If you’re short on time though, they can bring their platters to the cellar door for you to enjoy with your tasting. And in the true eco-friendly fashion we’ve come to expect from Tasmania, their cellar door is made from straw bales coated with render to provide optimum insulation and thermal efficiency.
Fifteen minutes east of Hobart is the Coal River Valley, which is home to some of Tasmania’s finest and most-awarded wines.
The jewel in this region’s crown is perhaps Pooley Wines. This award-winning winery has tastings that are personal, structured and in-depth, taking place in a heritage-listed cottage thoughtfully converted to an intimate cellar door. And just outside stands a canopy of emerald vines sheltering an alfresco dining area and woodfired pizza kitchen. Stay for lunch and a glass of your favourite.
Frogmore Creek has a grand and impressive cellar door, enveloped by lush lawns and endless rows of vines. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the adjoining restaurant offer sweeping views, with an excellent lunch menu matched with wines.
Two hours north of Hobart is the east coast grape-growing region, which spans across the famous Freycinet area – so you can meet growers and makers as you experience some of the most spectacular Tasmanian scenery.
About two hours north of Hobart, Freycinet Vineyard’s cellar door is an unassuming building next to a working winery. It’s a high-quality operation, known for its chardonnay and pinot noir. Beyond the cellar door is an outdoor deck with tables and chairs overlooking their vines.
And for something a little different, pop into Craigie Knowe Vineyard. While they offer traditional tastings, they also do wine and chocolate flights in partnership with a local Tasmanian chocolatier; and wine and pastry tastings with sweets made by their in-house pastry chef.
Pipers River – about 45 minutes from Launceston – is arguably where the magic happens. This region is responsible for some of Australia’s most regarded sparkling wines, with the cool climate likened to that of France’s Champagne region.
Bay of Fires Wines’ House of Arras sparkling is Australia’s most-awarded sparkling wine, with more than 100 trophies and almost 300 gold medals. Upon entering their cellar door, you’ll be taken to their ornate tasting room to enjoy a 45-minute seated tasting, including a history of Tasmanian wine.
Delamere Vineyards is 100 per cent family-owned and run, with everything grown, made and bottled at their Pipers River Estate. A tasting here involves a tasting flight as well as a ‘pick your own picnic’ option featuring seasonal picnic baskets from local growers that you can enjoy with your tasting.
The Tamar Valley is Tasmania’s oldest wine-growing area and a place where premium cool climate wines are a specialty. Base yourself in Launceston and take in this magnificent region, which has been likened to France’s Burgundy.
Kreglinger Estate and Pipers Brook Vineyard offer arguably the best experience in the area. Their terrain was specifically sought out for its similarity to the most premium wine regions in France, and they offer a self-guided tasting experience to pair with food at their on-site cafe, Nadine’s.
Clover Hill is one of Australia’s very few premium sparkling houses, solely producing it in the traditional French method of the Champagne region. The cellar door is almost palatial, with plush tasting tables overlooking verdant vines.
This region is the gateway to some of Tasmania’s most beautiful natural places, including Cradle Mountain, one of the island’s most-visited natural icons.
Ghost Rock’s cellar door and eatery overlook the rolling patchwork hills that surround the winery and Bass Strait. They’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh produce, so they’ve handpicked some of their favourite Tasmanian produce and featured it throughout their menu whilst bearing in mind what pairs well with their award-winning wines.
Note: Meander Valley Vineyard is currently doing some renovations on the cellar door, but will be back in action in 2024.
Meander Valley is quite literally on the edge of the wilderness in Tasmania’s north, not far from Cradle Mountain. They claim that the clean air in this region is what contributes to their outstanding wines. Once you’re done with your tasting, grab your favourite wine by the glass and a tasting platter, and head outside their laid-back patio or abundant green lawns.
Ok, planning a trip to Tasmania ASAP!