Tasmania wine region

Travel Guide to Tasmania Wine Region

Of all of the wine regions in Australia, Tasmania wine region is one of the cooler climate regions, which means that it produces distinctly different and unique wines than from the rest of the country. Most of the Tasmanian vineyards are situated near the cities of Launceston in the north and Hobert in the south. Currently, 1500 hectares of land in Tasmania are under vine with the majority being white (56%) and the remainder red (44%). Tasmania is an island in Australia with a focus on quality wine production, much more so than quantity. Tasmania wine region produces less than 1% of Australia’s wine and just 0.1% of Tasmanian wines are exported worldwide.

Find out about Wine Tasting and Tours in Tasmania to enjoy your visit to the region.

Diversity of Tasmanian Wines

The wines of Tasmania wine region have been described as exciting as they match perfectly with modern-day tastes and gastronomic trends. The white wines produced in the region are delicate and refreshing and pair perfectly with fresh seafood from the seas surrounding the island. The most popular wines from the region are light-bodied Pinot Noirs, grapefruit-flavored Chardonnay, structured sparkling wines, as well as refined and aromatic Rieslings.

The biggest part of the Tasmanian wine region is perfect for the production of dry and aromatic white wines. There are also warmer areas such as the Coal River Valley and the Freycinet Peninsula that are starting to produce well-recognized wines and make their mark on the local Tasmanian and Australian wine industry.

Cooler Climate Australian Wines

Because of its more southerly location, Tasmania has a cooler climate than other Australian wine regions such as Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales. Therefore, Tasmania wine region produces wines that are distinctly different from those made in the rest of the country. The main varietals grown in the region are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Unlike many other regions, the impacts of global warming have been positive on the Tasmanian wine region, allowing most of the grapes to fully ripen and therefore produce a more vibrant tasting wine. Tasmania's wine region is further divided into smaller wine-producing areas of North West, Tamar Valley, Pipers River, the East Coast, Coal River Valley, Derwent Valley, and the Southern area.

Sparkles of Tasmania

The cool climate of Tasmania wine region has made it the perfect location for the production of sparkling wine. A number of Australia’s most recognizable sparkling wine producers have built their production facilities on the island to produce their Cuvée bases. These Cuvées are later transported to the Tasmanian wineries' main facility on the mainland. More recently even French Champagne producers such as Moet et Chandon have acknowledged the excellent quality sparkling wines produced in Tasmania wine region and have begun cultivating Tasmanian vineyards for the production of their own line of Australian sparkling wines.

And Much More

Another very popular wine produced in the area is Tasmanian Riesling, which has achieved high praise from wine critics across the globe. The Riesling of Tasmania wine region is uniquely different from that produced on the mainland with its dry and off-dry notes.

Tasmanian Chardonnay can be described as having a natural acidity with a crisp and lean style. The Pinot Noir is extremely fragrant while having a delicate palate. Tasmanian Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and citrusy while the local Pinot Gris is weighty and spicy with a lovely bouquet of aromatics and a high level of acidity.

Grape Varieties

Within the Tasmania wine region, the most commonly grown grapes are Pinot Noir, 44% for both table and sparkling wines, Chardonnay, 23%, for both table and sparkling wines, Sauvignon Blanc, 12%, Pinot Gris, 11%, Riesling, 5%, and other varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Red Varieties: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

White Varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris

Tasmania Wine Map

Places to Visit in Tasmania Wine Region

Hobart

Top-Ten World Destinations

In recent times Hobart has become increasingly popular because of its dynamic and vibrant food scene. The Incredible range of natural attractions have also contributed to the success of Hobart as a tourist destination. with big ideas. Visitors to Hobart are able to enjoy a wide range of experiences including mountain climbing, hiking, eating fish and chips at floating restaurants on the docks, browsing through bustling markets, and exploring the local history. The city is considered by many to be the hidden gem of Australia and Tasmania.

Launceston - A Vibrant Hub of Food and Wine Culture

The city of Launceston is the second biggest city in Tasmania and is popular for its food, wine, culture, and beautiful natural scenery. Visiting Launceston is like taking a step back in time with its charming and beautiful old towns, excellent cuisine, and breath-taking scenery. Launceston is one of Australia’s oldest cities and is one of the country’s best-preserved cityscapes with examples of Colonial and Victorian architecture blended amongst century old parks. One of the most popular attractions in Launceston is the Cataract Gorge, which is an incredible piece of the Australian wilderness in the heart of the town. Other popular attractions in Launceston are the many art galleries, museums, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, the UTAS Stadium, the Narawntapu National Park, and the surrounding wine-producing areas

Devonport - Spirit of Tasmania Wine Region

Devonport is situated on the coast of Tasmania and is home to the popular ferry, the Spirit of Tasmania, which transports locals and visitors to and from the mainland from Melbourne. This coastal city is considered to be the gateway to the northwest and is located on the Mersey River and the Bass Strait, meaning that it has spectacular mountain, river, and ocean views. Devonport is popular amongst visitors for its perfect beaches, which are ideal for swimming, surfing, rowing, kayaking, fishing, and sailing. The city also boasts an extensive network of walking and cycling trails through beautiful scenery including the Aboriginal rock carvings. The most popular attractions in Devonport are the Don River Railway, the Bass Strait Maritime Centre, and the range of beautiful city parks.

An Island Nature Paradise

The greatest draw to Tasmania is by far its astounding natural beauty and dramatic landscapes. The scenery found across the island range from steep and rugged mountain cliffs to ancient rainforests, roaring waterfalls, and long white sandy beaches.

Cradle Mountain- The Icon of Tasmania Wine Region

Cradle Mountain is considered by many to be the natural icon of Tasmania. This towering peak can be found in the center of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, which includes one and a half million hectares of national wonder. The landscapes of Cradle Mountain range from rainforests, gorges to snow-covered peaks, moorlands, and glacial lakes. There is something here to satisfy any visitor at any time of the year. The mountain is a treat for nature lovers, giving them the opportunity to see Tasmanian devils, platypus, quolls, wombats, echidna, and the black currawong. Visitors to the mountain can spend hours exploring the extensive network of walking paths and even embark on multi-day hikes through the alpine forests of Tasmania wine region.

Wineglass Bay - Relax in the Magical Beauty

Wineglass Bay is made up of Coles Bay and Freycinet and is considered one of the most relaxing and beautiful places in all of Australia. Accommodation in the area is available to suit the needs of any visitor from camping to ultimate luxury. This region is famous for its breath-taking sunsets, perfect weather, and range of activities from cruising, walking and hiking, quad biking, hot air balloon trips, and dining out. The Freycinet precinct is a must-see for all visitors because of its pink granite cliffs which rise dramatically from the ocean to form one of the top ten beaches in the world.

Tessellated Pavement - An Extraordinary Geological Site 

Tessellated Pavement is situated at Eaglehawk Neck along the Tasmanian peninsula. The pavement is made up of flat rocks that have broken into blocks resembling a Roman mosaic floor. This sort of geological formation is extremely rare and can be found only in a few places on earth. The Eaglehawk Neck Tessellated Pavement can be found at the northern end of Pirates Bay Beach.

What to Eat in Tasmania Wine Region

In recent years, Tasmania wine region has developed the reputation of being the leading culinary destination in the Southern Hemisphere. The incredible cuisine of the area is thanks to the rich soil, local farming traditions, and the abundance of high-quality seafood. Although excellent cuisine and restaurants can be found across Tasmania wine region, Hobart has emerged as the food capital of the state and specialties to be enjoyed here are Tasmanian Atlantic salmon, rye whiskey gravlax, shredded pork, Dover Cherries, wild abalone, cheese, leatherwood honey, black truffles, saffron, and wasabi.

Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon

Salmon with a Unique Tasmanian Flavour

Australians eat more salmon than any other fish, particularly because of its health benefits including high levels of protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon has its beautiful pink color thanks to Astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant with a range of health benefits. This antioxidant is found in algae, krill, crabs, and shrimp, which are eaten by salmon. The most popular salmon in Tasmania wine region is Huon Salmon which is 100% grown and harvested in salmon farms in the area.

Tasmanian Scallop Pie - A Taste of the History of Hobart  

During the 1800s the people of Hobart were searching for oysters in the Derwent River and instead came across a wealth of scallops. Meat pies were already a firm favorite amongst the people of Australia and so this traditional dish was adapted to include scallops. The scallops are mixed with curry powder and baked into savory pies which have become an iconic local food of Tasmania wine region. Tasmanian scallops are only in season from the end of April to the end of July making it the best time to try this style of pie. Pies bought outside of this time of year are most likely made with frozen scallops.

Wild Abalone - The Best Quality Abalone in The World  

Australian Wild Abalone is the highest quality wild-caught abalone in the world. After being harvested, the wild abalone is transported to the state of the art processing facilities in temperature-controlled trucks and carefully unloaded.  This wild abalone is used by some of the world’s top chefs to create a range of amazing dishes. The Abalone is popular not only for its incredible and unique flavor but also for its health benefits as it is an excellent course of Omega 3, protein, iodine, iron, and is low in saturated fat. A lot of cultures across the world view Abalone as a strong aphrodisiac, which puts these sea species in danger.