Southern Tasmania: Discover Australia’s Best Cool-Climate Wines
Discover Southern Tasmania, Australia’s emerging cool-climate wine paradise. Nestled at the southern tip of the island, this stunning region offers the perfect conditions for producing some of the country’s most exceptional wines. With its crisp maritime climate, long growing seasons, and breathtaking landscapes, Southern Tasmania is home to world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling varieties. Explore charming cellar doors, indulge in award-winning wines, and experience the warm hospitality of local winemakers. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply seeking a unique escape, Southern Tasmania invites you to savour the best of Australia’s cool-climate wine culture.
45+ VINEYARDS OPENING THEIR DOORS FOR SPRING IN THE VINES
A self-guided journey through Southern Tasmania’s iconic wine regions with exclusive access to vineyards not normally open to the public.
Meet the winemakers
Enjoy local food pairings
Taste new release wines and vintages
Experience live music performances
WINE VARIETIES IN southern TASMANIA
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.
Wine Regions Guide
COAL RIVER VALLEY
WINE
A premier source of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. Cool, dry conditions enable slow ripening that enhances purity and structure.
Landscape & History
With origins in early convict settlement, the region features historic villages like Richmond and is framed by the protective Meehan and Pontos Ranges. Rich soils and scenic vistas make it ideal for both viticulture and tourism.
SOUTH EAST
WINE
Produces diverse styles—including emerging Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—with wineries often paired with innovative experiences (e.g., distilleries, cellar‑door dining). The maritime climate ensures bright acidity and refinement.
Landscape & History
Rich in convict-era history (notably Port Arthur), cliff‑lined coastlines, and lush bushland. Wineries here are usually nestled in breathtaking natural settings, adding to their appeal.
DERWENT VALLEY
WINE
First-rate Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and small-batch spirits thrive here. Its cool, pure maritime conditions preserve acidity and finesse.
Landscape & History
Stretching from Lake St Clair through New Norfolk to Hobart, it’s steeped in early colonial history and Indigenous heritage before becoming a hub for vegetable farming, hydroelectricity, and now, viticulture.
HUON VALLEY / D’ENTRECASTEAUX CHANNEL
WINE
Known for elegant Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, plus high-quality ciders and craft spirits. The valley’s cool climate, long growing season, and fertile soils produce wines with notable complexity and purity.
Landscape & History
Once heralded as “Apple Valley,” this region is defined by rolling green hills, meandering waterways, and the Huon River that stretches to the stunning D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Historic apple orchards and heritage pickers’ huts add nostalgic charm.
Create Your Perfect Wine Trail
Using the on page filter, plan your wine journey:
Wine Region: Focus on a single region each day.
Wine Variety: Follow the best. Pinot/Chardonnay/Sparkling/Riesling trails
By Entertainment: Combine wine with food, music, art or ticketed events.
Family Friendly: Find the producers which are kid or pet friendly.
Uniquely Open: Explore the smaller producers which open once or twice a year for Wine South events.
Accessibility: Visit the producers which have accessible parking, wheelchair access and onsite toilets.
REGION
FAMILY FRIENDLY
WINE VARIETY
OPEN FOR THIS EVENT ONLY
ENTERTAINMENT
ACCESSIBILITY
Tasmania’s sparkling wines are globally renowned, and its pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling are highly regarded by restaurants and retailers. The only catch is that these wines are in limited supply, and not all of them make it across the strait. Add to that art, food and nature that people make the pilgrimage to experience, and Tasmania provides an inspiring backdrop to some of Australia’s most exciting wines
Bargain Car Rentals is an Tasmania Owned & Operated car rental company founded in Hobart, offering car rentals in most major cities in Australia.
Providing New Cars at Bargain Prices all year around, giving customers a cost effective alternative to travel while receiving the quality level of service they deserve.
For 15% off car rental hire for Open Vineyards 2026 attendees, use the discount code: TASWINES15.
The Southern Open Vineyards Weekend is brought to you by Wine South Tasmania.
Supporters
The Southern Open Vineyards Weekend is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania.
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Image Credits: Dearna Bond, Alastair Bett, Adam Gibson, Samuel Shelley, Mitch Osborne. (supplied courtesy of Tourism Tasmania). Southern Open Vineyards Weekend advocates for the responsible consumption of alcohol. Don’t drink and drive.
Meet the winemakers
Enjoy local food pairings
Taste new release wines and vintages
Experience live music performances
