Coal River Valley Wine Region

The Coal River wine region is about 20 minutes drive northeast of Hobart. Richmond, Cambridge, Campania, and Tea Tree are all part of the neighborhood. The majority of vineyards in the valley are located on the valley's northeast slopes to take advantage of the sun. There are many different types of wine grapes cultivated in the region, but the most frequent varieties are Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon blanc. If you're considering visiting the Coal River wine region, we strongly advise you to do so. The wines described above taste different there, so take advantage of the opportunity to sample them!

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in the Coal River Valley Wine Region!

Where is the Coal River Valley wine region?

The Coal River Valley wine region is located in Clarence, Tasmania just east of Cambridge and Colebrook. Hobart, Tasmania's capital, is approximately 15 minutes away. The views from this location are spectacular and beautiful. The Coal River travels across the valley from the hills immediately north of Hobart to the coast. The wine region of Coal River Valley is located in Tasmania's southeast corner, close to the ocean to the south and east. Only 17 kilometers northeast of Hobart lies the place.

History of the Coal River Valley wine region

Richmond was one of the first towns outside of Hobart, and a bridge across the Coal River Valley was built around 1823. The valley got its name from the first village that discovered coal in the area. It was used as grazing grounds, pastureland, and cropland by British settlers. It is mostly a vineyard that produces high-quality grapes. Like the other vines, it grows slowly and requires cool weather. The Meehan Range protects the Coal River Valley from the city lights of Hobart, making it a suitable location for the university's Mount Pleasant radio telescope observatory.

The terroir and geography of the Coal River Valley wine region

The majority of grapes are grown on northern slopes since they receive the most sunlight. Vineyards in this area require less water so that grapes have more time to ripen and produce a deeper flavor. The chilly breezes from the Tasman Sea to the south assist to balance out the richness of this wine with lots of natural acidities. On the hillside, there are various vineyards. They have alluvial and sandy soils with a high concentration of clay sandstone, which is comparable in composition to similar hillside vineyards. This friable soil is often aided along the slope to give adequate drainage for the grapes, but the clay helps store enough water that irrigation is rarely required.

Popular grape varieties from the Coal River Valley wine region

The region grows several different types of wine grapes, but the most common varieties are Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon blanc. The most popular grape varieties in the Coal River Valley wine region are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Reisling, which pair well with the crisp, fresh characteristics of a cool-climate wine.

Food to pair with Coal River Valley wine 

Tasmanian Scallop Pie

A Tasmanian Scallop Pie is a baked dish that consists of fresh scallops mixed in curry sauce and wrapped up in puff pastry. It's best served to steam hot for that mouth-watering flavor. This pie is a staple at seaside bakeries across. The curry sauce is made of finely diced carrots, potatoes, onions, celery, and corn kernels. It also contains a spice mixture made with cumin and coriander with some fenugreek. It pairs well with Coal River Valley wines.

Tasmanian Apple Cake

Tassie apples are one of Tasmania's most important crops, and this traditional yellow cake dessert is a classic Tasmanian sweet created using Tassie (or sweet) apple varieties. Baking really is an art. The cake is made of flour, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and a baking powder mixture that had grated apples mixed in with cinnamon and lemon juice, and zest to give it the most flavourful taste. The combination is then baked until nicely colored and firm. It's very delicious and pairs well with Coal River Valley wines.

Tasmanian Oysters

Tasmanian oysters are grown in sustainable conditions, harvested, and eaten around the coast of Tasmania. They come in two different types, the Pacific oysters and the Australian flat oyster. The first ones are introduced, cupped oysters recognized for their firm flesh, large size, and unique sweet-and-savory flavor with herbal notes. Australia's Angasi oysters have a more unique herbaceous flavor. These oysters are known to have flat shells and firm meat. The flavor is reminiscent of Belon oysters and is the most flavorful right after their harvest. It pairs well with Coal River Valley wines.

Places to visit in the Coal River Valley wine region

Browse the antique stores

You're sure to find something of interest on Bridge Street. Warwick Oakman Antiques specializes in English 18th and 19th-century antiques. They are open to selling anything but mainly specialize in furniture and decorative arts. They've got something for everyone, with plenty of styles to choose from. Down the street, you'll find Walker and Walker who house antiques and rare collectible items along with Red Tree Design which offers an array of unique items. Third-generation antique dealers Walter and Co source beautiful antiques locally and around the world. Here, you will find Early Georgian and Regency pieces along with 20th-century design, art, and Australian colonial furniture.

Enjoy a wildlife encounter

Don’t miss any of the wildlife from near and far, as well as all the exhibits which showcase some of ZooDoo's more unique residents. There are lots of wonderful things to see at the ZooDoo and we encourage you to check our schedule so you don’t miss out on seeing your favorite animals. Get up close and personal with some of the wildlife by booking a wildlife encounter.

Visit the craft market

Taste the flavors of Coal River Valley and discover handmade art and craft at Richmond Village Market. There's a lot of fresh, locally-sourced produce available in the region and some crafty locals. This market runs every Sunday morning from 10 am to 3 pm on Bridge Street.

Frequently asked questions about Coal River Valley