In Tasmania, known as lutruwita in palawa kani, the only Aboriginal language in Tasmania today, wines fall under one GI (geographical indication). But as its winemakers will tell you, there are vast differences between its many varied soil types, microclimates and wine styles.
One thing that doesn’t change is the quality. Whether you’re seeking a structured, nuanced single-vineyard pinot noir from the Coal River Valley or a crisp riesling that speaks of its coastal origins, a Tasmanian wine is sure to impress. You won’t go wrong with these top selections.
2020 Bangor Vintage Sparkling
A pale gold in the glass, with our signature fine, soft bead, Bangor's 2020 Vintage Sparkling is a méthode traditionelle sparkling, made from a traditional blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. On the palate a delightfully soft mousse of grapefruit and white peach are gently carried on a bed of lightly toasted brioche, finishing crisp, dry and clean.Vigneron Matt Dunbabin says: Bangor Vineyard is located on Tasmania’s southeast coast. We had over 6000 hectares to chose from when we established our vineyard in 2010. We chose the very best part of the property for cool climate wine grape growing! Every season is different, and our wines really tell the story of the vintage in which they were produced.
H. How would you describe your wines and how do they reflect the region?
MD. Our wines speak of the land on which they are grown. A true cool climate, we are surrounded by the sea, which moderates our temperatures. Bangor wines are aromatic and delicate, with a purity of fruit that allows a wonderful expression of each variety we produce.
Suggested food pairing: Our vintage sparkling is the perfect match for fresh Tasmanian seafood, particularly oysters or pan-fried flathead (our favourite!)
RRP $54 | Drink to 2028 | Shop this wine
2019 Bream Creek Vineyard Old Vine Reserve Riesling
A powerful wine with a fragrant nose of lime pith, river pebbles and white flowers flowing onto a rich palate of lemon, lime and grapefruit. This wine is simply delicious now and can be cellared with absolute confidence.Vigneron Fred Peacock says: Our Old Vine Riesling is sourced exclusively from the estate’s original 1974 riesling vines. These old vines produce wines of amazing texture and balance and have also been a climate change barometer. We now pick this block about three weeks earlier than in the early 1990s!
H. How would you describe your wines and how do they reflect the region?
FP. The combination of coastline, rocky bluffs, Maria Island, Marion Bay and a mixed rural landscape is such an amazing blend. I am very proud of the elegant wines we produce from this site, always aiming to balance our natural acidity with ripe fruit flavours and exceptional length.
Suggested food pairing: The power and intensity of this wine would lend itself to a wide range of foods, including roast pork or duck (try it and see!)
RRP $50 | Drink to 2035 | Shop this wine
2021 Holm Oak Wizard Pinot Noir
This is a beautiful, more structured style of pinot noir. The complex and fragrant nose shows dark cherry and plum fruit characters with some attractive spice and earthy characters. The palate is firm and savoury from whole-bunch fermentation and new oak but has lovely dark fruit characters which will continue to evolve over time.Winemaker Bec Duffy says: At Holm Oak, we make genuine and authentic wines (a bit like us!) without too much fancy winemaking. All our fruit is estate-grown and we get some very diverse styles of wine from our small property, which makes blending time lots of fun!
H. How would you describe your wines and how do they reflect the region?
BD. We’re located on a peninsula that sticks out into the Tamar River. As a result, our site is a little warmer and more humid than some other sites in Northern Tasmania. This makes it a place to growing aromatic whites and pinot noir with great fruit intensity and a pure acid line. They’re a great match for a variety of foods but also approachable and enjoyable by themselves.
Suggested food pairing: The lighter tannin structure and the earthy, spicy characters in our pinot noir make it a great match for the rich gamey flavours of venison.
RRP $65 | Drink to 2036 | Shop this wine
2022 Mewstone Pinot Noir
This wine comes from a cool, low-yielding season. Red fruit and spice drive the aromatics. It is an elegant expression of the Mewstone site and will have great longevity.Winemaker Jonothan Hughes says: We’re lucky enough to have found a special patch of dirt to grow grapes for Mewstone wines. Our cool, pristine site produces small yields, but every precious bunch is worth it. We also work with a handful of dedicated growers in the northwest and south of the island. This added diversity adds depth, complexity and reliability to our second label, Hughes & Hughes wines.
H. How would you describe your wines and how do they reflect the region?
JH. Our wines exemplify the region's essence, combining elegance and bold flavours. Personally, I cherish the nuanced profiles of our varieties, which showcase the region's unique terroir. Each bottle is a testament to our dedication to quality winemaking and a reflection of Southern Tasmania’s viticultural richness.
Suggested food pairing: Braised duck with fresh tagliatelle.
RRP $70 | Drink to 2032 | Shop this wine
2022 Nocton Vineyard Chenin Blanc
Vibrant green apple on both the nose and the palate, which is soft and rounded with fresh acidity and a well-balanced mouthfeel. Can be enjoyed young or can be cellared for 10 years or more.Winemaker Alain Rosseau says: Nocton’s microclimate creates the perfect growing conditions for chenin blanc, of which we are currently the only producers in Tasmania.
H. How would you describe your wines and how do they reflect the region?
AR. At Nocton we grow premium Tasmanian grapes, which are reflected in our range of estate and reserve cool climate wines.
Suggested food pairing: Enjoy with creamy pasta, cheese, seafood dishes, salads and steak.
RRP $50 | Drink to 2034 | Shop this wine
2022 Pooley Wines Cooinda Vale Pinot Noir
A wondrous display of fragrance with stewed fruits, licorice and charred wood, and subtle spice characters. The palate offers great intensity with redcurrants, sour raspberry and white pepper. The oak and tannin integrate seamlessly into a silky finish.Winemaker Anna Pooley says: Cooinda Vale vineyard was planted in 1985 by my grandparents, Margaret and Denis Pooley. As a child, I was part of our family’s first harvest, which sparked a passion that has never faded. The activity, excitement and sense of community are so unique, plus Tassie’s diverse microclimates make the winemaking process much more interesting. The ability to continue making wines from vines that I had a hand in while growing up is something truly special.
H. How would you describe your wines and how do they reflect the region?
AP. Our winemaking style has sense of place front of mind, which allows us to make great wines that always reflect the sites that they are from. Our single-vineyard wines focus on their individual sites, celebrating their unique characteristics.
Suggested food pairing: Roast duck.
RRP $90 | Drink to 2035 | Shop this wine
2023 Small Island Wines Riesling
White peach, flint, saline, grapefruit, lemon on the nose, very dry with electric acidity. The 2023 vintage was a cooler year, which has preserved freshness and purity. A wine that will complement any good cellar.Winemaker James Broinowski says: With the ever-increasing extremes in weather, I try to make wine as the season dictates. It’s important to be reactive and decisive in winemaking. You need to listen to the vineyard and let the grapes express what they should become. Sometimes that might be a fresh fun wine to drink without much thought and sometimes something very special to savour and cherish.
H. How would you describe your wines and how do they reflect the region?
JB. They are definitely quality over quantity and each vintage is uniquely its own. My wines are also premium yet accessible – after all, wine is to be enjoyed. Making wine in Tasmania can be marginal and sometimes heartbreaking, but when the stars align the grapes can rival the best in the world. Tasmania is the worst kept secret in the Australian wine industry and has attracted some of the best winemakers in the country. It’s a pretty special place.
Suggested food pairing: In its youth, this wine would be spectacular with seafood, oysters, prawns and crayfish. As it ages and develops it will pair well with jamon, fragrant melon or aged cheddar.
RRP $38 | Drink to 2035 | Shop this wine
2022 Holyman Pinot Noir
Red cherries and spicy oak on the nose with some cassis and forest floor showing on the palate. It’s quite plush and almost fruity at the front of the palate, but while the tannins are initially quite subtle, they build in the mouth. Our usual structure and mouthfeel back this up and give the wine its long finish. A wine to be put down if you can.Winemaker Joe Holyman says: The Tamar Valley has a fantastic temperate cool climate, which gives us a great opportunity to express the seasons, and our site every year in the wines we make. It has also given us the opportunity to be at the forefront of growing alternative varieties like grüner veltliner and trousseau, while concentrating on our love of pinot noir and chardonnay.
H. How would you describe your wines and how do they reflect the region?
JH. I grew up in a house where wine was only consumed with a meal, so part of our focus is to ensure that our wines are food friendly and approachable; like cooking, we believe that the wines are always tastes better if you use the best ingredients. This is why most of our attention is in the vineyard, to ensure that we end up with the best produce. Our wines have an amazing natural acidity and balance, and they are made to best show off the intricacies of the individual seasons and the environment the grapes are grown in.
Suggested food pairing: Braised duck tagliatelle.
RRP $60 | Drink to 2032 | Shop this wine
