WHY SOUTHERN TASMANIA?
Tasmania stands out as one of the world’s most unique and celebrated cool‑climate wine regions. Nestled around Hobart, the Coal River Valley, Derwent Valley, Huon Valley, d’Entrecasteaux Channel and even Bruny Island offer fertile soils, maritime-cooled air, and dramatic landscapes that nurture distinctive wines like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and sparkling wines. Although covering only about 20% of Tasmania’s total wine production, Southern Tasmania consistently produces high-value, limited-release wines renowned nationally and internationally. Around 40% of Tasmania’s grapes are used for sparkling wine—the highest proportion of any Australian region—with 76% of Chardonnay and 45% of Pinot Noir going into sparkling styles, showcasing the region’s strength in méthode traditionnelle production.
Vineyards in these areas produce wines of exceptional finesse: zippy, textural Chardonnay; elegant, fruity Pinot Noir; and crisp Riesling—all defined by the region’s slow-ripening conditions and purity of flavour. With fewer than 1 % of Australia’s total wine output, Tasmania emphasises quality over quantity, showcasing boutique producers and alternative varieties like Gewurztraminer or Siegerrebe cultivated in micro‑climates across the south.
Complementing this viticultural richness is a thriving food and tourism scene. Visitors are drawn not only to cellar doors but also to farm-to-table restaurants, artisanal distilleries, and the freshest seafood, all framed by verdant farmlands and rugged mountain vistas just a short drive from Hobart.
Together, these factors help define Southern Tasmania as an enchanting and sophisticated wine region—where every sip reflects the island’s pristine environment, maritime influence and passion for refined flavour.
Pinot Noir
Southern Tasmania’s cool, maritime climate—marked by misty mornings and sunlit afternoons—creates ideal conditions for Pinot Noir, a grape that thrives on slow ripening. Regions like the Coal River, Derwent, and Huon Valleys boast fertile soils and protection from harsh winds, enabling vines to flourish. The result: elegant, intensely flavoured Pinot Noir with balanced acidity and complex aromas, drawing acclaim akin to Burgundy’s finest.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay in Southern Tasmania benefits from long, cool growing seasons, which preserve natural acidity while allowing nuanced flavour development. The region’s varietals are often crisp and citrus-tinged, with refined textures ideal for both still and sparkling styles. This makes Chardonnay a standout expression of the region’s terroir.
Sparkling Wine
Southern Tasmania is now recognised as Australia’s premier sparkling wine region, earning accolades for traditional-method bubblies. The combination of pristine air, cool climate, and classic varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay yields sparkling wines with fine bead, vibrant acidity, and elegant brioche nuances.
Riesling
Riesling thrives in Southern Tasmania’s cool conditions, developing bright citrus, floral notes, and crisp acidity. Its terroir-driven profile offers refreshing complexity and strong aging potential, making it a distinctive and valued variety in the region.