By Cherie Julie
Welcome to Tasmania – Australia’s premier destination for gourmet food and wine. Situated south of the mainland, Tasmania is separated by the Bass Strait and boasts some of the world’s cleanest air and water.
It is these pristine conditions and the cooler climate that have led to the production of award-winning wines. With over 160 licensed wine producers calling this region home, the number of cellar doors just keeps growing.
So when it comes to finding the perfect wine to pair with your meal in Tasmania, you are spoilt for choice.
Not sure where to begin? We’ve curated a list of six incredible vineyards to help you plan your trip around northern Tasmania. You will be relaxing with a glass of sparkling and admiring the scenic views of the north in no time.
The Northern Coast Of Tasmania
If you search for things to do in Tasmania, the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail will show up as a must-see for foodies. This is a guided map of the northern region that helps visitors discover each of the town’s finest food and wine.
So why the northern region? While the island state only produces 1% of Australia’s wine, it truly is a case of quality over quantity.
The exceptional quality of Tasmanian wines has shown immense growth in domestic and international markets, with some of the best varieties produced in the northern part of the state.
The tasting trail recommends stopping by Eastford Creek Vineyard and Ghost Rock Wines, two of the best in the state.
Eastford Creek Vineyard
With vines planted as recently as 2018, Eastford Creek Vineyard creates award-winning handcrafted wine on-site. Located in the mountain region on the northwest coast of Tasmania, if you’re looking for a vineyard tour where you can sample the wines from the barrel, book a tour and enjoy the gourmet food and wine with a view.
Ghost Rock Wines
Nestled in the far north of Tasmania, surrounded by incredibly fresh, organic, local produce, the Ghost Rock Wines Cellar Door & Eatery is the place to stop on your Cradle Coast journey.
Just one hour’s drive from Cradle Mountain, the vineyard is a tranquil spot to try a selection of gourmet wines. With over 27 hectares of vineyards, you can enjoy Ghost Rock Chardonnay and Pinot Gris varieties paired with the restaurant’s seasonal menu.
The Tamar Valley
Home to over 30 different vineyards, there is no shortage of wine cellars and tastings to explore. Many of Tasmania’s award-winning sparkling wines are made here, including Tasmania’s exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The Tamar Valley Wine Route is considered one of the top 10 in the world, producing premium wine and local organic cider.
Stretching from Launceston to the Bass Strait, the Tamar River is surrounded by organic farms, vineyards, parks, and native forests. This scenic region is stunning to explore, and there is no shortage of places to taste some of the state’s finest wines.
This area is so special because a number of the vineyards and boutique wineries are still family-owned and operated. You won’t have time to visit them all, but if you get a chance, try to stop by either the Swinging Gate Wines or Loira Vines in Sidmouth.
Loira Vines
The selection of handmade gourmet products here is exceptional, from vintage wines to pale ale and apple cider. You are sure to be taking home a few bottles of their Pinot Noir.
Imagine a boutique vineyard where you can stay overnight; at Loira Vines Hideaway, you have precisely that. Accommodation at the vineyard is available in a charming studio apartment where you can truly relax.
Swinging Gate Wines
Swinging Gate Wines has reopened with a fresh start and is now producing wine again after 15 years of restoration. The vineyard offers visitors an experience not to be missed in Tasmania – the chance to sleep overnight in one of the bespoke glamping domes.
Each dome is fitted with all the luxury comforts; enjoy the wines and gourmet menu to the fullest without having to worry about a thing.
Pipers River
Leaving the Tamar Valley and travelling towards the Pipers River in the far northernmost region will lead you to some of Tasmania’s most renowned wines. In the state’s northeast, grapes are grown in healthy red ferrosol soil, an ancient Australian soil from basalt volcanic rock.
Thanks to the breeze from the Bass Strait and the additional hours of sunshine, this is the ideal location for producing single-grape varietal wines.
If you are visiting the Pipers River wineries, visit Delamere Vineyards in Pipers Brook and Bay of Fires Wines.
Delamere Vineyards
There is so much to say about Delamere Vineyards it’s hard to know where to begin. 100% family-owned and run plus 100% grown and bottled on-site at the estate, Delamere Vineyards exclusively produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Enjoy a wine tasting, book a tour, or stay for lunch and pair a glass of wine with the chef’s local produce platters of gourmet meat and cheese.
Bay of Fires Wines
The crystal clear blue waters and the picturesque scenic views of the Bay of Fires region are among the most popular tourist destinations in Tasmania. About 150 kilometres out of the bay, you will find Bay Of Fires Wines.
The Cellar Door offers unique tasting experiences designed to be enjoyable and educational. For the full experience, indulge in a bespoke flight over the vineyards with Tasmanian Air Tours.
When to Go
Tasmania experiences four seasons like the rest of Australia: Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. This means clear blue skies and relaxing summers yet contrasting winters with cold, cozy mornings and even snow on the mountains.
When to visit really depends on your preference for the season but for vineyards and wine tours, Autumn is perfect. It is also the time of the Devonport Food and Wine Festival.
How To Get Here
You can fly from the mainland from all major cities to Tasmania. The capital city is Hobart, located further south, so if you are planning to explore the northern region, fly directly to the city of Launceston.
Alternatively, you can take the ferry across the Bass Strait with the Spirit Of Tasmania departing from the port in Melbourne. This is a popular way to travel with the benefit of bringing your car or camper across with you. Raise a glass for us!
Cherie is the Founder of Travel For Change Collective, a freelance writing company that works exclusively with travel and lifestyle brands. Passionate about sustainable tourism, the environment, plant-based wellness, and soulful adventures, Cherie has called many places home. She has published ebooks on vegan travel and wellbeing and is a contributing writer at Southeast Asia Backpacker Network. Now based in Australia, her vision is to find unique eco-friendly accommodations surrounded by mother nature and provide business owners with the opportunity to share their stories. Connect with her at travelforchange.net.
