Pinot Noir is a notoriously fickle grape. With typically lower colour and tannin due to thinner skins than many other well known red grape varieties. 

The variety first emerged from the history books back in 1375 when not long after Philip the Bold the Duke of Burgundy banned the Gamay grape from Burgundy in favour of Pinot Noir. But it is said to have been growing in the region some 2000 years ago when the Romans arrived.

People have made it their noble quest in making great pinot noir having tasted it’s best self from a bottle of tasty burgundy in a good year.

It does not give generously when it comes to yield , has a tighter pine cone shaped like bunch that does not like wet weather so can rot easily. Can become flabby and boring if grown in too warm a climate and become just a soft red wine, or in too cooler a climate can be too aggressively bitter and tart due to the higher acidity and unripe tannins.

Ask 10 winemakers how to make Pinot Noir and they will give ten even 20 answers. So how does Tasmania stand up when it comes to Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir has three styles as far as I can see ,

1/ There is the dry red soft easy uninteresting style that tends to be grown in warmer to hot regions they have alcohol on their side but would not be considered varietal pinot as its more about quaff-ability. They look more dry red that lacks any distinguishable pinot character except perhaps the lack of tannin.

2/ The more delicate red fruits and perfumed spice style: these tend to come from cooler regions don’t tend to have much flesh are more about bright acidity lifted perfume and fresh vibrant flavours. The wines may get more perfume and structure from cab mac and more weight and texture from barrel fermentation and maturation and some lees contact, possibly MLF in barrel. But the fruit spectrum is somewhat more delicate that the last style.

3/ When in a cool to mild regions the Pinot Grape can move into red fruits with a percentage of darker fruits. They tend to have more flesh and palate weight and can have much more structure. The alcohol levels are typically a little higher than the delicate style and the acidity marginally lower. But just like the delicate style the amount of structure and the flesh may depend on the winemakers philosophy of extraction, carbonic maceration % and the type of oak treatment. The tannins tend to be riper than in the cooler regions.

Tasmania on the whole falls into camp no.2 . There are a few exceptions with more fuller styles being produced in parts of the Coal River being one of the dryer warmer day cooler night type climates further north away from Hobart. And parts of the upper Derwent seem to get more body as well. Clones may help with more body and flesh coming from the Pommard , MV6 and 777 even 667 and more aromatics coming from the 114 & 115. Once the winemakers get some runs on the board with clonal familiarity more and more great pinots will come out of Tassie. As they have only just scratched the surface.

My Top Ten of Tassie that I tasted. Try saying that ten times after a few drinks.

 Their are many more to explore.

Bay Of Fires- Fruit sourced mostly from the Coal River Valley but with Derwent Valley and East Coast fruit this wine has much more flesh than many other Tassie examples. Rich fleshy yet still beautifully varietal with dark cherry plum and raspberries and a hint of strawberry. A great balance between flesh and bright flavours.

https://www.bayoffireswines.com.au/

Pressing Matters- Beautiful aromatic and lifted pretty red fruits the palate shows some darker cherry and flesh not as full as the Bay of Fires but just as interesting. (Stargazer is also one of the wines made by the same winemaker). These guys also make Riesling to die for if that's your thing.

https://www.pressingmatters.com.au/

Sailor Seeks Horse- From a warmer north facing site in the Huon Valley. A much more delicate style that also has a remarkable structure. The slow ripening on the vine combined with a wonderful selection of clones gives this wine a complexity that few could match. The wine will no doubt get pretty interesting and savoury as it ages. These guys will in future probably make the most interesting Pinot in Tassie. Providing the weather cooperates.

https://sailorseekshorse.com.au/sailor

Chatto-  Also from the Huon on a ridge behind Sailor Seeks Horse. Jimbo has a world of experience and his hands off approach is how many of the Tassie winemakers are making their Pinots. Here the wines are a true expression of the vineyards (other regions as well) they come from but beautifully balanced with no winemaking trickery getting in the way. As I've said before like Miles Davis you have to learn all the notes to know what not to play. He also is lucky enough to travel to Burgundy to make some wine there in the second half of the year. Not sure how Daisy feels about that.

https://www.chattowines.com/

Dawson & James- From the upper Derwent off older vines of the MV6 and Pommard clones. The soils are lighter in the Upper Derwent so unlike other areas of Tasmania their is a delicacy to the fruit coming from the soil. The wine finds a balance between texture and prettiness the older vines garnering a complexity and fullness despite the soil profile. Maybe due in part to these more fleshy full clones being used. They get a suppleness to their Pinot which is hard to master and no doubt speaks of the years of experience that Smokey and Tim have. And with Pinot Noir experience counts.

https://dawsonjames.com.au/

Springvale- East Coast estate fruit on red soils with a mixture of Pinot Clones. The wine has full honest straight forward raspberry and dark cherry flesh with a easy drinkability. The velvety nature of the wine and the round shape in the mouth make it a pleasure to drink.

https://www.springvalewines.com/2016-pinot-noir

Glatzer-Dixon- Structured and complex. A fish out of water in this line up being very different in style but made for the long haul. The fruit is picked on tannin ripeness rather than acidity and this gives Nick options with extraction you would not attempt on fruit that is not tannin ripe. The wines are much more layered and complex and when he combines all the techniques you get a more vinous wine and less tuitty fruity. Having worked at Domaine Albert Morot no doubt he has a feel for what is possible.

https://www.gdfwinemakers.com/

Handpicked- Surprisingly aromatic and pretty but with that Hallmark Tamar profile of Raspberry and cherry. The palate has a plush honesty yet still retains a brightness, with the noticeable oak giving the wine an attractive round creaminess.

https://handpickedwines.com.au/en/2019-auburn-road-vineyard-tasmania-pinot-noir

Mt Amos- Wines from the Tamar Ridge/Devils Corner stable are in complete juxtaposition to the Glatzer-Dixon model. Here Tom picks with acidity constantly in mind. Looking for bright aromatic and expressively red fruited styles. The wines I can attest age remarkably well having sampled way to many at the vintage break up party. The honesty of the style with both red  and hints of dark fruits  but with noticeable acidity. The wine is probably going to be at its best in a few years.

Pooley wines in the Richmond area of the Coal River Valley. The Butchers Hill had layers of interest and darker fruits and a element of new oak that may not please purests but helped structure the wine into something interesting.

https://www.pooleywines.com.au/wine/butcher-s-hill-pinot-noir/22835/

Under The Radar Wines

Upper Derwent: Future Perfect a pinot that has texture and prettiness all with an alcohol of 12.2 %

https://www.futureperfect.vision/

Huon-  Elsewhere (not so under the radar ) a pretty delicate  style slightly cooler than Chatto and Sailor seeks horse although being directly behind Chatto wines.

https://www.elsewherevineyard.com.au/new-products/2016-pinot-noir

Tamar- Swinging Gate fuller style of Pinot 

https://swinginggatewines.com.au/

East Coast- Boomer Creek great views great riesling and pinot.

https://boomercreekvineyard.com.au/

Coal River- Craiggow has interesting pinot same clone different soils taste the difference.

https://www.craigow.com.au/

                   Merriworth had  fuller fleshier darker fruited style pinot with an attractive supple element

https://merriworth.com.au/product/2021-estate-pinot-noir-750ml/

Pipers- Sinapius has a pretty red fruited pinot with some rhubarb elements.

https://sinapius.com.au/product/2021-close-planted-pinot-noir/

             Apogee is also worth a detour

https://www.apogeetasmania.com/

WINES I DID NOT get to taste

Dr Edge

Tolpuddle

Stargazer

Giant Steps

When I first visited the Tamar valley on my way to Tamar Ridge in Kayena to start the vintage in 2022. I was struck by the majesty and beauty of the river winding it's way up from Launceston to the Bass Strait. Here along this estuary were vineyards, stone fruit orchards olive groves and fishing villages as well as nature reserves and national parks just a short journey away.

The region is the engine room of the Tasmanian wine industry with over a third of Tasmania Production coming from the broader region.

The climate 

Maritime 

The region is definitely a cooler climate but warmer than the rest of Tasmania with the exception of some parts of the east coast depending on the year,  particularly the Northern section of the Tamar which benefits from the estuaries influence. The southern part of the region south of Launceston is a little bit cooler due to it's distance from the Tamar river . The cooler season gives them time to pick the grapes when they want to rather than be forced to pick due to rising sugar levels and lowering acidity. Many Austrian and German grape varieties should be suitable in this climate. Chardonnay is well suited. And Pinot Noirs problem may be a lack of heat and fuller ripeness which may be an advantage if your making a more delicate style rather than a structural Pinot. 

Due to the more maritime influences they may have a lot more hang time on the vine than say Burgundy. Which may mean that some of these vines will still get to some semblance of ripeness although being numerically cooler.

The Rosevears sub region will probably be a bit warmer based on the aspect and proximity to a large body of water . This may also be the case in some of the vineyards further north.

                                         MID SUMMER TEMPERATURES        HDD                  RAINFALL 

                                         Minimum / Mean /  Maximum               7Months              (mm)

Dijon Burgundy                    15.0     /  20.8   /     27.0                       1324                  474

Auxerre                                14.4     /  20.2   /     28                          1266                  433

Northern Launceston           12.6     /  18.7   /     24.8                       1243                  294

Southern Launceston           11.0    /   18.1   /     25.1                       1074                  292

Reims                                  12.9     /  18.8   /     24.7                        1018                  385

Geisenheim                         13.4     /  18.7   /     23.9                        1001                  342

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_091237.shtml  ( Northern Tamar Probably Slightly warmer and possibly more maritime than this site?)

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_091311.shtml ( Southern Tamar a little more diurnal range due to the distance from the Tamar River)

The sub regions

Their are new vineyard plantings near the airport as well as older plantings in Reibia. Further south east on your way to Ben Lomond at White Hills their are also large vineyard holdings mainly owned by Penfolds.. The southern section can be ripening fruit up to two or three weeks later than the north depending on the year.

Wines to Try : Josef Chromy , Penfolds (straight Pinot Noir or the Yattarna Chardonnay which has a % of Tasmanian fruit.)

In the Northern section you have

Legana 

 In amongst the urban sprawl one vineyard on lighter soils is able to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon no small feat in Tasmania.

Wineries: Velo Wines

Rosevears 

A warmer site that has an north easterly aspect and basalt soils. Probably some of the first fruit to be harvested in Tasmania due to its advantageous aspect on the ridge in front of a large body of estuarine water of the Tamar river.

Lots of vineyards here and wines made from both larger and smaller producers.

Gravelly Beach

 Is further north it has a few vineyards just up from the river and has produced some very smart chardonnay.

Wineries to try: Holyman wines/ Stoney Rise the Holyman Chardonnay is particularly good up their with the best in Tasmania.

Deviot 

A smaller vineyard has had some success with Shiraz where due to the aspect and proximity to the river (within 10-20m) they have been able to ripen shiraz on their steep east facing vineyard.

Wineries to Try: Marion's Vineyard

Kayena & Rowella

Here there are several vineyards that are surrounded on three sides by the river helping to moderate the climate. Larger vineyard holdings and smaller sites co exist. The whole gamut of varieties that are grown in Tasmania seem to thrive here. With a special mention to Shiraz as three producers have all had some very interesting and tasty cool climate styles. But both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were also impressive.

Wineries to try: Tamar Ridge, Holm Oak , Waterton Hall

Beaconsfield to Exeter 

Further back from the river but still with some maritime influence a few smaller producers are making some interesting wines from mainly chardonnay, pinot noir and the odd pinot gris even a couple of rieslings. Swinging Gate had an amarone style cabernet Pinot noir blend that was pretty interesting, and a more fleshy fuller Pinot Noir.

The grape varieties

What does well chardonnay is hands down the most interesting and high quality dependable variety, even the amateurs in the region are making decent chardonnay. 

Pinot Noir in the right hands with a good understanding of their vineyards , clones and winemaking techniques makes great tasty raspberry and cherry styles with more flesh than many other parts of Tasmania but still quite light to medium bodied. There is an honesty to the styles. With producers that lack experience with the variety the wines tend to be light easy but lacking in character.

Of coarse the climate is ideally suited to Sparkling wine with the methode traditionalle technique, as the chardonnay and pinot noir keep their acidity. This is the case all over Tasmania but in the Tamar the southern area is particularly suitable.

Riesling can be interesting and delicate more minerally and less citrus like the Clare, but may have an excess of acidity when young. with age they tend to come into their own.

Pinot Gris is probably the most commercially viable variety with yields and growing conditions. And when done well can have a beautiful drinkability, but unfortunately as a style not many will set the world on fire.

What struggles

Cabernet Sauvignon will struggle in general and anyone persisting with this grape here you have to ask why?

Having said that the one exception I found was at Velo wines where the poorer soils and fastidious vineyard management produced a very nice varietal cabernet. I would suggest that maybe this is a much warmer site and combined with the poorer soils  may also assist in it's success.

Surprises

Shiraz in general does not lose enough acidity to be considered viable in most of the Tamar looking green and harsh. But the warmer sites close to water have all shown that great shiraz is indeed possible in Tasmania particularly in a warmer year (here and possibly in the upper Derwent and Lower Coal River Valley). with some having white to black pepper red to black fruits and a European like elegance to the wines.

Activities

 Penguin spotting:

 If you wander up to Low Head you can visit the nests and resting spots of the local Penguin Population. Their are also untouched sites that can be visited all along the Northern Tasmanian Coastline to see these fascinating critters.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/low-head-historic-site

Gorge Hiking: 

Cataract Gorge is a must visit. Hike up to the swimming pool or adventure along the winding path right through the Cataract Gorge Reserve and the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area, located nice and close to the city of Launceston in Tasmania.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/trevallyn-nature-recreation-area

Platypus : 

Platypus House at Beauty Point provides a great spot to check out these unique creatures . Great if you have kids on board. There is also a nice breakfast spot slightly further north where you can look out on the bay.

https://platypushouse.com.au/

Seahorse :

 Right next door to Platypus House Seahorse World gives you an up close experience with these tiny delicate marine animals.

https://seahorseworld.com.au/

Zoo:

Tasmania Zoo has a wild variety of animals to discover, probably the most interesting being the Tasmanian Devils and the Meercat population.

https://tasmaniazoo.com.au/

Hikes:

Ben Lomond:

Climbing up Jacobs ladder this landscape seems unique to this small part of Tasmania with its Dolerite Cliffs. Climbing up to 1500m the climate cools considerably as you move into a cloud covered alpine environment. In winter the top of the mountain has a skiing available. In summer its a playground for hikers and mountain climbers.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/ben-lomond-national-park

A serene  hike through magnificent old tree ferns that culminates in the waterfalls at the top of the hike. You wander through the rainforest and get glimpses of the creek and moutain ranges through small gaps in the undergrowth.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/liffey-falls-state-reserve

Narawntapu National Park:

A world away on a beautiful stretch of beach looking out over the Bass Strait in the Northern Part of the Tamar region.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/narawntapu-national-park

Food Options

Stillwater: 

Situated just off the Bridge in the entrance to Cataract Gorge. Some of the best food in Launceston. I had great coffee and some poached eggs for breakfast.

https://www.stillwater.com.au/

Smell

Fern Gullies near Launceston like a mini Liffey Falls at Notley Gorge

https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/things-to-do/nature-and-wildlife/notleyferngorge

See

Brady's Lookout in Tamar has gorgeous vistas looking north as the Tamar river snakes its way north towards the Bass Strait.

https://goo.gl/maps/JF4o6UfrQNS1wMET9

:Eddy flows of the Tamar River.

 If you get up before sunrise or in the early hours of the morning and sit around or near the Batman Bridge you can watch the whirlpool eddies and flow of the Tamar River. In the early morning light this becomes a peaceful yet visually breath taking experience.

https://goo.gl/maps/Aow49va7cG7UwN578

Padymelons around the Bonnie Beach Road and other parts of Kayena

VISIT

Taste 

Oysters from all over Tasmania

Raspberries and other delights from the berry farm in Hillwood.

https://www.hillwoodberries.com.au/

Wine bar

Havilah a cool spot amongst some other eateries across from Princes Square in Launceston.

https://havilahwine.com.au/

Other Options:

# James Boags Brewery Tours 

https://www.jamesboag.com.au/

# Local Macaques Population while strolling through the Botanic Gardens

# Rosvears Pub looking out on the Tamar

https://rosevearshotel.com.au/history

# Pinot Noir Heaven

https://www.pinotshop.com/

What makes a great cellar door?

Is it the views, the food , the wine , the people the design or architecture the history the sense of place, the fun experience, the company? Having spent ten weeks in Tasmania assisting during vintage at Tamar Ridge I was able to get to many of the Cellar Doors and Wineries in the Tamar, Pipers, East Coast, Huon Valley , Coal River Valley and the Derwent valley. Below are some of my favourites.

 1/ East Coast Tasmania -

 The east coast is a popular destination on the way to Freycinet National Park where the famous Wineglass Bay is on everyone's Instagram bucket list. From north to south a great spot for surfers when its working, a scenic drive with views across the water to Freycinet National Park and further north around St Helens lie some stunning bays, the wineries are an added bonus.   

                                Off The Beaten Track 

                                                                    a/ Boomer Creek (views/wine/chilled ambience)- 

With views looking out over south of Coles Bay across to Freycinet National Park , the wines are of good quality particularly the riesling and they have little outdoor day beds, food platters and chilled tunes to laze the day away. Off the beaten track being further south than many of the other wineries it is definitely worth the detour.

https://boomercreekvineyard.com.au/

                             BEST VIEWS

                                                      b/ Devils Corner (views/food/ many wine styles) 

Spectacular views across Coles bay , Pizza for the kids coffee for the adults or some seafood to go with the fresh rieslings on offer. You can try varying tasting panels of wine from entry level wines through to the Mt Amos a seriously good Pinot Noir.

https://www.devilscorner.com.au/                        

             BEST SMALL WINERY EXPERIENCE 

                                                                                            c/ Springvale (Historic/ Family Run/ Wines/ Ambience) -

 As you drive past the vineyards and the winery you come to the old historic stables built in 1842, that they have turned into a cellar door. Inside it has a warmth and cosy ambience with the wine quality being of an exceptional standard in all the styles particularly the Chardonnays.

https://www.springvalewines.com/               

         TOURIST  SITE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

                                                                                            d/ Iron House (Views/Food/Beer/Whisky /Wine) – 

This venue in the White sands resort is more about the views less about the wines. The restaurant was very busy when I was there. A tourist offering that has there own brewery / vineyard/ Cellar Door & Distillery. Sits on the southern point of McIntyres Beach with beautiful views across the water.

https://www.ironhouse.com.au/

            

2/ Pipers Region-

This region is further north and east of the Tamar Valley proper. Its a tad cooler and later in ripening than the northern Tamar.

                                 TOP CHOICE IN TASMANIA 

                                             a/ Clover Hill (views/wines/ambience/architecture) -

 Built on top of a ridge with views north towards the Bass Strait you look over the vineyards that scamper down the steep ridge. The sparkling wines that they specialise in are of a very high quality particularly the late discourged vintage 2006. With some of the packaged deals definitely a more luxurious experience. The design and architecture of the building a modern gem. A must visit!!!

https://cloverhillwines.com.au/

                                   Close second on best Small Winery Experience 

                                                                        b/ Sinapius (wines, cosy friendly, nice outlook) – 

Sinapius has a great eclectic range of wines that are all worthy of a mention I particularly liked the Gruner and the Esme Gamay but they also do Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and some unusual white blends. Sit out on the deck of the cellar door to take in views of the vineyard and the stray rooster.

https://sinapius.com.au/

                                  MOST INFORMATIVE 

                                                                      c/ Bay of Fires (wines/information/history)- 

A big expansive cellar door when you are taken through all facets of the wine making process (be prepared). The wine quality is exceptional particularly the Arras sparklings, I found their Pinot Noir from Coal River Valley Fruit to be fleshy and a pleasure to drink. The fruit is sourced from all over Tasmania to make the many wine styles available.

https://www.bayoffireswines.com.au/

3/ Tamar Valley

The engine room of the Tasmanian wine industry where reliable high quality wines are made due to the influence of the Tamar River. The closer the vineyards to the water the milder the day and night temperatures and the more reliable and earlier the ripening. With some sub regions highly suited to grapevines (ie: Rosevears).

                                                               a/ Tamar Ridge (views,wines,food) - 

I was working at the winery further north but the Cellar Door is on a ridge in the Rosevears sub region of Tamar just north of Launceston. This is a beautiful area with sloping vineyards leading down to the water. Probably one of the first places in Tasmania to ripen their fruit. The cellar door lies atop of the ridge with great views of the river. Wines available include Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparklings and of course Pinot Noir. I really enjoyed the Pirie Vintage Sparkling Rose. Food is available a great spot to eat before exploring the other parts of the Tamar.

https://www.tamarridge.com.au/cellardoor/

Drop next door to Turners Stillhouse for their Distillers Release Three Cuts gin.

https://turnerstillhouse.com/

                                  

                                     BEST NATURAL WINE 

                                                                   b/ Swinging Gate (food/natural wines/ homely feel) – 

The whole family is out helping serve people as they serve up woodfired pizza and take you through their wines both natural (pet Nat, Orange) and regular wines. I was a fan of their fuller style Pinot Noir and the Red amarone made from Cabernet and Pinot that will appeal to people who want something richer.

https://swinginggatewines.com.au/

                                                                     c/ Josef Chromy (gardens/restaurant/views/wines) – 

Situated in the southern Tamar south of Launceston the whole experience is professionally done. You can wander the picturesque gardens around the dam(lake), taste through some wines or eat next door in the agfg rated restaurant. The wines were all of good quality but the Josef Chromy Chardonnay was truly exceptional. They also have a Zweigelt (red grape) originally from Austria that has a bit more flesh than the Pinot Noirs, definitely worth tasting.

https://josefchromy.com.au/

4/ Coal River Valley

This tends to be one of the dryer parts of the Tasmanian Isle with varying exposures and soils. Closer to the estuary the vineyards can touch the water but as you go further north the vineyards start to climb to the slopes to no doubt avoid the frost risk and increase the sun exposure in the early morning facing generally easterly.

                                               No.2 Choice in Tasmania

                                                                                             a/ POOLEYS -

Pooley’s has their Winery in the built up area of Cambridge on your way to the airport. But the cellar door is a world away in the Richmond area where one of their vineyards is situated. Here an old Georgian built homestead creates a grand entrance where out the back in the Coach House you are treated to a selection of wines and pizza or other appetizers on the menu.

This is definitely in the top two or three must visit cellar doors in Tasmania.

https://www.pooleywines.com.au/

                                                           No.3 Choice 

                                                                          b/ GLAETZER-DIXON  -

Not Strictly in the Coal River Valley but in Hobart itself Glaetzer-Dixon gets a lot of their fruit from the Coal River and parts of the Upper Derwent & Tamar.

This is an immersive experience from a winemaker making his own path. More structural the wines are truly interesting coming from his bomb shelter like winery. His long ferment Pinot Noirs and Rieslings set him apart from many other wineries in the region. A must visit for wine interested types not really for tourist types. https://www.gdfwinemakers.com/

                             c/ On the southern end there are several little family operations that are worth a visit. 

From the historical Craigow ( https://www.craigow.com.au/) to the steep views from Coal Valley Vineyard (https://www.coalvalley.com.au/) even further north are the more relaxed expansive views of Nocton ( https://www.noctonwine.com.au/) with their riper chardonnay style . But the more unique of these was at Riversdale. What I can only describe as a time warp into the seventies the views towards the estuary where some oyster farms can be seen is beautiful as well as the nicely kept gardens and their Chardonnay and the Shiraz wines. The cellar door furnishings reminded me of some hybrid of Italian meets French meets timber complete with a cardboard cut out of Elvis. Most unusual.

https://riversdaleestate.com.au/

4/The Derwent Valley

Only two Cellar Doors in the lower Derwent Stefano Lubiana & Derwent Estate. If you don’t include Moorilla Estate. With Meadowbank having only a vineyard in the upper Derwent. As much as I liked the wines in Stefanos I much preferred the low key approach of Derwent Estate in the old Rathbone Cottage playing nice tunes and relaxed views. To be fair Stefano was setting up for a wedding when I visited.

https://www.slw.com.au/

https://www.derwentestate.com.au/

The Upper Derwent is truly magnificent passing through hop country to the expansive vineyards a shame that Meadowbank doesn’t have a cellar door and Kinvarra was also very picturesque but not open for a tasting.

https://www.kinvarraestate.com/

https://www.meadowbank.com.au/

5/The Huon Valley

Travelling further south the wines and winding roads of the Huon Valley along with the apples and ciders at Willie Smiths (https://www.williesmiths.com.au/apple-shed/) some great wines in a challenging evironment and beautiful views around every corner to the fun little village of Cygnet. I was lucky enough to visit a few small boutique producers (will cover elsewhere) but only several cellar doors were open to the public at the time

                         

                                A/ Kate Hill wines-

Kate Hill was a nice quaint little celler door on top of the hill surrounded by vineyards. They have had a few tough years with frost and fires but I still tried some nice wines. The cellar door host was Windsor Dobbin a local wine writer. A mate I worked with in California is now helping out in the winery. https://www.katehillwines.com.au/

                                                  2nd Best Views 

                                                                             B/ Mewstone Vineyards- 

 Mewstone has one of the most picturesque cellar door sitting on the ridge looking out at the water towards Bruny Island. The exposure must be challanging for ripening grapes but they also source fruit from other parts of Tasmania. Here they are trying many different styles and experiments with the wines. A beautiful spot.

https://www.mewstonewines.com.au/about-us

                                                                                    c/ Tinderbox Vineyards

Not Strictly in the Huon more in the d’Entrecasteaux Channel but a beautiful little spot nestle between two ridges right by the water just above the northern tip of Bruny Island. Open by appointment but truly off the radar of most travellers.

6/The North West

a/ Ghost Rock

A very professional setup with views out to the north. Wines from different techniques and good quality. Exposed to the cooler breezes it is very different to La Villa in style. 

https://www.ghostrock.com.au/

b/ La Villa Wines 

A beautifully Regal Building on the flats near the a large estuary from the Mersey River. The wines are surprisingly ripe considering Tasmanias climate but due no doubt from the protection from the ocean breezes and close proximity to a large body of warmer water and the lighter soils  of their vineyards. A delightful décor welcoming owner and well made wines topped off with the offer to take some fresh apples off the tree out front. When you arrive the bell tower sounds. Great Experience.

https://www.lavillawines.com.au/

c/ Lake Barrington Wines : 

A great selection of wines I was able to try at the Tasmanian Wine Festival. Did not get to visit but looks delightful. The owner was very knowledgable. Had wonderful Chardonnay and a tasty Dornfelder a red variety more resistant to the wet weather that can stifle the NW region in some years.

https://www.lakebarringtonestate.com.au/

With so many microclimates , great seafood/cheese/whiskey/wine and burgeoning regions. Their really is something for everyone.