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Tasmania is home to four wine trails, covering several wine growing regions. The Tamar Valley is the oldest, biggest and perhaps most-loved cool climate wine region in the state, with more than twenty cellar doors to drop into.
Within easy driving distance of Launceston, Tamar Valley is a quiet achiever on the Australian wine charts, with award-winning vineyards set in rolling countryside. Enjoy a sparkling outside on a summer’s day or cosy up by a fire in winter with a heavy red. Whatever your tipple, this is unmatched wine lover territory.
We handpicked four stand out Tamar Valley wineries and we’re keen to share them with you:
What to expect in Tamar Valley
Every wine-producing region in the world has its specialities that make it unique. France, for example, is known around the globe for its Champagne. In many circles, Tamar Valley’s sparkling wines are considered equal to those produced in Champagne.
It’s not just about sparkling wines, however. Tamar Valley has four varieties that it’s best known for: sparkling wines, pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. You’ll find these and many more taste sensations as you tour the local vineyards.
As well as the award-winning wines, Tamar Valley will give you so much more. You’ll come away from the experience feeling refreshed and enriched. And most likely with a tote bag full of wine.
The best vineyards in Tamar Valley
The valley starts south of Launceston and continues north to the coast. For those staying in Tasmania’s second largest city, it doesn’t take long to be in among some of the state’s best wineries.
With close to 30 vineyards in the region, all offering exceptional wines, it’s impossible to narrow it down to the best vineyards in Tamar Valley, so instead we picked a few not to be missed.
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Here are our selections:
Holm Oak
11 West Bay Road, Rowella
One of the most northerly vineyards in the region, Holm Oak is also one of the most loved. Each day there are at least nine wines available to set your taste buds a-tingling, as well as the option to pay a small fee to taste some old vintages.
There’s also the opportunity to meettwo characters of vital importance to the winery. On Sunday mornings you canmeet Bec Duffy, the head winemaker, for an in-depth talk about her creations or,on all days of the week, you can meet the winery’s mascot: Pinot d’ Pig, afriendly pig who loves those who feed him apples.
Whenever you go and whoever you meet,Holm Oak is the sort of place that stays long in the memory.
Tamar Ridge
1 Waldhorn Drive, Rosevears
Tamar Ridge is often touted as the place to drink pinot noir – which isquite a claim in a region known for this variety – and its Riesling is alsohighly thought of. Pair these wines with a spread of Tasmanian cheeses and you’renot far from having the perfect day out.
Just a 20-minute drive fromLaunceston, Tamar Ridge’s cellar door offers its full range of products,including a few specials that aren’t available elsewhere. As well as the wine,Tamar Ridge is popular because of its spectacular restaurant with river views,giving you that something a little bit extra.
Josef Chromy
370 Relbia Road, Relbia
Josef Chromy Wines is the predominantwinery in the southern section of Tamar Valley, owned by a man with vast experiencein this region. You can find out more about Joe in the documentary about hiscontributions to Tassie’s wine industry and marvel at just how much he’saccomplished.
He’s not done yet, though! Hiscurrent cellar door is housed in a 19th-century homestead with an open log firethat makes sipping a heavenly red on a winter’s day a dreamy experience. Likeothers in the area, Josef Chromy is also known for its sparkling wines and itschardonnays, but has much more to offer its guests.
As well as its cellar door, there are many options for tours and experiences in Relbia such as the opportunity to go behind the scenes and see how a sparkling wine is made (and then try it for yourself).
Leaning Church
76 Brooks Road, Lalla
Aimed at all wine lovers, both novice and expert, Leaning Church is a vineyard with attitude – their website suggests the pinot noir is ‘best enjoyed nude in front of a log fire’ and that its sauv blanc is “Startling! Like dipping your private bits in icy water”. If those descriptions don’t interest you, Leaning Church invites you to write your own. Come up with something cheeky enough for their award-winning bottles and your words too may appear on their website, kick-starting your career as a wine blogger.
To get started on this career path, Leaning Church is a 20-minute drive from Launceston, on the eastern side of River Tamar. Set in a stunning natural amphitheatre that will delight both wine growers and photographers alike, this unpretentious vineyard offers a unique take on the wine valley experience.
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