Tasmania, or lutruwita in palawa kani, the state’s official Aboriginal language, is not only one of Australia’s most respected wine regions – it’s fast earning international acclaim for its Champagne-quality sparkling wines, pinot noir and chardonnay.
With the majority of vineyards concentrated on the island’s northeast, east and south coasts, this cool-climate region is prime road trip territory, too. Whether you’re based in Hobart or Launceston, make a day of it and stop by some of these great producers.
Stoney Rise, Northern Tasmania
The Stoney Rise vineyard, winery and cellar door are located in Gravelly Beach, about 20 minutes north of Launceston. Opened in 2020, the striking architecturally designed cellar door is the perfect place from which to look out upon kanamaluka/Tamar River.Alongside seated self-guided wine flights of Stoney Rise and Holyman wines, an extensive drinks list ranges from Germany to the Jura, Champagne to Chablis. With over 70 options including local beers, non-alcoholic beverages, museum and imported wines, guests can settle in for a slow, relaxed day at one of the inside communal tables, or out in the courtyard by the open fire or on the lawns overlooking the vineyard. A well-executed snack menu offers local produce alongside imported sardines and cheeses.
Winemaker Joe Holyman says: The original vineyard, once the site of an apple and pear orchard, was planted in 1986, and a second parcel was added next door in 2014. We have a minimalist approach to vineyard management and were one of the first in Tasmania to use under vine weeding equipment rather than herbicides. We are lucky to have vine age and a cool climate to work with, and the gravelly soils help with drainage, giving our wines minerality and structure. It is a very special site, in a very special part of lutruwita/Tasmania.
Joe’s must-try wine: The Stoney Rise Pinot Noir is the best introduction to our wines. It is a fruit-forward pinot, but it has a depth and structure that makes it a perfect match with food. If you want to go a bit deeper, the Holyman Chardonnay is the go-to – it’s a complex and powerful old-vine chardonnay. A secret wine that we don’t always have available is the Tradition, an oak-aged savagnin. Ask for it at the cellar door.
Local favourite: Hands down, Timbre restaurant is a must.
Find out more | 119 Hendersons Lane, Gravelly Beach | 0499 786 634
Small Island Wines
Small Island Wines is a start-up wine brand from Tasmanian-born James Broinowski. There’s no cellar door (yet) and production is limited, so it pays to be on the mailing list – the last release of Small Island Wines Gamay sold out within seven hours of release. “I have always loved science and art,” says James. “Winemaking is one of the few things that bring these together in harmony.”In addition to sourcing fruit from East Coast Tasmanian vineyards, in 2019, James added Saltwater River vineyard on the Tasmania Peninsula to his roster. The site is very marginal; in cool or wet years it can break your heart, in warm years the vines cool off every night, slowing the development of sugars and allowing an incredible long ripening period.
Winemaker James Broinowsk says: I come from a hospitality background, and my wines are made with high-quality grapes and enjoyment in mind. We seek to capture the very essence of the site and season, preserving it until it is ready to be set free into the glass.
James’ must-try wine: The Saltwater River vineyard has such a defined character it is impossible to replicate yet highly identifiable. Each vintage of Saltwater River Pinot Noir is the product of a unique site during a unique season. Nothing comparable exists and that is what makes it so special. Sign up to the mailing list at the link below for release announcements.
Local favourite: The Tasman Peninsula is absolutely stunning and a great day trip from Hobart. Some of the best fine-dining can be enjoyed at Van Bone restaurant, some of the most low-key at Dunalley Seafood Market, both are exceptional, more so with a glass of local riesling or chardonnay. Striking views of ancient rock, wild ocean and rugged white beaches await. For the truly adventuress, the Three Capes Track is the hike of a lifetime.
Pooley Wines, Southern Tasmania
Pooley Wines, Halliday’s 2023 Winery of the Year, is located on the outskirts of historic Richmond, in the heart of the Coal River Valley. The cellar door is in heritage-listed building, the convict-built Coach House, making it the perfect setting for enjoying outstanding wines.Head inside for a structured tasting, including top-tier Cooinda Vale and Butcher’s Hill releases, or head out onto the lawns for by-the-glass selections. Cheese and charcuterie boards are on offer daily, with wood-fired pizzas available Friday to Sunday.
Winemaker Anna Pooley says: The view from our Butcher’s Hill vineyard, where our cellar door is located, is nothing short of breathtaking. We are lucky enough to have two unique vineyards that are both very well-suited to our flagship varieties, riesling and pinot noir. Tasmania’s cool climate and distinctive terroir are the perfect combination to produce our award-winning wines.
Anna’s must-try wine: Our Margaret Pooley Tribute Riesling is the perfect introduction to Pooley Wines. Named for my grandmother, this wine represents the best of Cooinda Vale fruit, showcasing the true characters of both the vineyard and Margaret herself. It’s a wine that encompasses both our sense of place and the history of the business, which drive each generation of the Pooley family. Also, it’s just delicious!
Local favourite: The Coal River Valley has so many great things to do. The Richmond Bridge is always a must see, with lunch in Richmond at one of the many great cafes. Finish with dinner at Prospect Country House, which was lovingly restored by my parents John and Libby Pooley in 2019 and now offers luxury accommodation and an exceptional restaurant.
Find out more | 1431 Richmond Road, Richmond| (03) 6260 2895
Nocton Vineyard, Southern Tasmania
Nocton Vineyard is in the heart of the Coal River Valley – just 15 minutes from Hobart – and boasts beautiful views over the vineyard and lake. Friendly, welcoming staff are on hand to guide you through the full list of wines, which includes releases from Nocton and Storm Bay.Winemaker Alain Rosseau says: Nocton is a single-vineyard winery, with all grapes sourced from our 34 hectares of vines on rich dolerite-based soils over Jurassic sandstone. We are a happy and friendly bunch who love what we do and where we work. We don’t just provide tastings, we like to give our guests a big Tasmanian welcome, not only to showcase the amazing wine we produce but also some good, old-fashioned hospitality.
Alain’s must-try wine: Our chenin blanc is an amazing drop that is ready to drink now, whilst still young in the bottle. The 2022 vintage has green apple flavours, bright citrus and fresh acid mouthfeel. Perfect with a good book and some sunshine; a must try on your list of Tasmanian wines!
Local favourite: The Iconic Richmond Bridge is a must visit on your trip to the Coal River Valley. Wicked Cheese makes beautiful handcrafted artisan cheese. Amaze Richmond and Old Hobart Town Model Village are great places to stop and stretch your legs, while Wattlebanks restaurant serves up fresh local produce and wine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Find out more | 373 Colebrook Road, Richmond | (03) 6260 2688
Mewstone Wines, Southern Tasmania
Situated in the tiny hamlet of Flowerpot, Mewstone’s cellar door melds stunning views that sweep from Bruny Island to kunyani/Mt Wellington with minimalist design – think wood-burning fireplace, floor-to-ceiling polished concrete and sleek timber stools.It’s an experience designed to capture the relaxed pace of life and friendly nature of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Brothers Matthew and Jonathan Hughes are hands-on operators; tasting experiences are tailored to personal preferences and guests are invited to linger with a glass of their (new) favourite wine.
Winemaker Jonathan Hughes says: Every day I get to drive the winding roads down to work and enjoy a coffee with the team as we gaze out across the channel – the support of a tight-knit community and world-class fruit certainly makes the days a little easier. Each bottle is a testament to our dedication to quality winemaking and a reflection of the region's viticultural richness.
Jonathan’s must-try wine: Anyone headed to our cellar door will be invited to try one of our pét nats, which makes for a playful introduction to our range. And as we move through the wines, we’ll almost certainly have a look at the Mewstone Pinot Noir. It's a wine that shows our terroir and dedication so clearly.
Local favourite: Discover the best of our region beyond the vineyards with a visit Peppermint Bay restaurant in Woodbridge and sheep’s milk specialist Grandvewe Cheese. These local gems complement the wine experience, adding a culinary dimension to your visit.
Find out more | 11 Flowerpot Jetty Road, Flowerpot | 0425 253 218
Holm Oak, Northern Tasmania
Just 40 minutes’ drive from Launceston, Holm Oak’s cellar door set in beautiful and tranquil surroundings. The winery boasts Tasmania’s only wine sensory garden – take a guided tour to taste, smell and feel the different plants and learn how their characteristics relate to wine. Visit the providore to design your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds, and don’t forget to say hello to Pinot d’Pig and his friends Pinot Junior and Mayonnaise.Alongside self-guided and structured wine flights, a tennis-themed tasting explores the unique history of the Holm Oak estate and its connection to a famous racquet.
Winemaker Bec Duffy says: We have a great community of winemakers in the Tamar Valley and everyone is always there to help each other out. As like-minded people who have taken big risks to make wine on this cool-climate island, we share a sense of adventure and determination.
Bec’s must-try wine: Our pinot noir is always my go-to. We make four different pinots, but our White Label Pinot is a great introduction. It’s approachable with lovely silky tannins, lifted strawberry and cherry aromatics backed up with a little bit of spice from maturation in oak. It’s a great wine to try by itself or matched to a range of different foods.
Local favourite: We love fishing on the banks of the Tamar at one of the many jetties dotted up the river, visiting Greens Beach for fish and chips, or a round of golf and a walk on the sand.
Find out more | 11 West Bay Road, Rowella | (03) 6394 7577
Bream Creek Vineyard, Southern Tasmania
Thirty years in the making, Bream Creek’s cellar door opened in July 2023. Constructed from local rock and Huon pine, it overlooks the estate vineyards, with spectacular views over Maria Island and Marion Bay. Taste through Breem Creek’s boutique wines, with cellar-door only releases and limited back vintages available.The deck is a great place to relax with a glass of wine and a cheese platter as you listen to ocean sounds as waves crash across the dunes. Located on the southern end of Tasmania’s East Coast, this once ‘off the beaten track’ destination is now a must-visit, and the neighbours include craft distilleries, historic sites and boutique artisan producers.
Vigneron Fred Peacock says: Being in a cooler, coastal region, the season unfolds slowly in Breem Creek. I believe time and patience are critical factors for flavour development and the retention of balancing acidity.
Fred’s must-try wine: We are, without doubt, best known for our powerful pinot noirs. Made in a fuller, dark-fruited style, they are always popular with wine judges and consumers alike. Our latest Estate Pinot Noir, the 2022 vintage, has won three trophies and 15 gold medals this year. This wine is drinking well now and will also reward thoughtful cellaring. I enjoy drinking it paired with wallaby fillets in a mushroom XO sauce.
Local favourite: Southeast Tasmania is littered with fabulous natural and man-made attractions. I love to walk south along Marion Bay beach to the end of the sand spit and watch the breakers in the Marion Bay narrows. Further south you’ll find Eaglehawk Neck and Pirates Bay – both steeped in history and augmented by spectacular geological features including a blowhole and Tasmans Arch.
Find out more | 321 Marion Bay Road, Bream Creek | 0419 363 714
Bangor Vineyard, Southern Tasmania
Bangor Vineyard is owned and operated by Matt and Vanessa Dunbabin, the fifth generation to live and work on this historic property. The award-winning winery is only part of the 5000 hectares of native forests, grasslands and wetlands managed by the Dunbabins, an area home to Tasmanian devils, wombats and wedge tailed eagles.The cellar door offers sweeping 360-degree views across Bangor’s vineyards and farmland towards the ocean. The onsite restaurant is dedicated to local produce, including Bangor-grown lamb, oysters farmed right next to the vineyard and local cheeses, venison and veggies. With a warm country welcome, you’ll want to stay a while.
Vigneron Matt Dunbabin says: We are in the far south of Tasmania and the cold climate makes viticulture challenging, but extremely rewarding. With a family history that goes back generations, we’d never want to live or work anywhere else! Surrounded by picturesque coastline and forests, this is a special part of the world, and it is a real privilege to be able to share our wine, food, farm and stories with you.
Matt’s must-try wine: Our current go-to is our 2021 Reserve Pinot Noir. We only make reserve wines in the most exceptional vintages, from the very best parcels of fruit. The 2021 vintage was cool, with low yields. This resulted in concentrated, intense pinot noir, with superb structure, fine acidity and delicate tannins. Due for release in early 2024, it is one to watch out for. For a heavenly dining experience, open a bottle alongside a well-seasoned grilled lamb backstrap.
Local favourite: The Tasman Peninsula is such a special place. You’ll want to stay a few days and visit some of our neighbouring cellar doors and distilleries. There are also some spectacular natural attractions and wildlife to explore on foot. Of course, the world heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site is a must.
Find out more | 20 Blackman Bay Road, Dunalley | (03) 6253 5558
