While the rest of the world (except perhaps the President of the United States) is counting the cost of climate change, global warming has actually bestowed Tasmania vineyards with favour.
Rising temperatures in this small island off the coast of south Australia has prolonged growing seasons, allowing grapes to ripen fully and produce more vibrant wines that have been earning international acclaim – despite Tasmania only contributing 0.1% to the country’s exports. There are around 230 individual vineyards in Tasmania with 160 wine producers ranging from small boutiques to large commercials that have flocked to the island and invested millions to exploit the state’s unique cool climate characteristics.
Although Tasmania vineyards only account for 1% of Australia’s total, the island has become renowned for producing largely premium wines that are often attached to expensive price tags. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc among the most planted styles – while Tasmania also has a reputation for producing some of Australia’s finest Riesling and, with a climate similar to that of Champagne in France, its sparkling wines have also been critically applauded.
Tasmania vineyards are grown from the northern coastline all the way down to the lower Huon Valley region south of the capital Hobart, and from the east coast across to the central highlands. The densely forested west side of the island is inhospitable to humans and vines and is largely uninhabited by both.
At Wine Paths, our local experts in Australia can arrange opportunities to sample these wines at leading vineyards in Tasmania with exclusive tours that can include elaborate tastings, luxury stays, fine dining experiences and some unique activities. All of private tours can be customised to meet your specific requirements, ensuring every detail is taken care of so that you can relax and enjoy the matter at hand – sampling rare wines in a unique setting.
There are seven main wine growing districts on the island of which Tamar Valley, the East Coat and Pipers River are the most well established with the best vineyards Tasmania has for entertaining wine tours. Here you’ll find a collection of wineries veering from the rustic to sophisticated offering a range of still and sparkling vintages. Tasmania vineyards are grown from the northern coastline all the way down to the lower Huon Valley region south of the capital Hobart, and from the east coast across to the central highlands. The densely forested west side of the island is inhospitable to humans and vines and is largely uninhabited by both.
The wines of Tasmania are enjoying a renaissance since they appeal to the current market’s affection for cold climate styles – delicate, refreshing white wines have replaced full-bodied, oak aged vintages, while heavy red wines such as Australia’s signature Shiraz have been supplanted by light-bodied Pinot Noirs with less alcohol and tannins.
And, more and more people are seeking effervescent alternatives to Champagne – even some French houses such as Moet et Chandon and Louis Roederer have used grapes from Tasmania vineyards in their production of Australian sparkling wines.
The island itself is a paradise of natural beauty with heavily protected national parks and reserves rated as UNESCO World Heritage sites – and phenomenal organic sites such as the Cradle Mountain, Cataract George and the Kunyani/Mt Wellington experience, which passes from rainforest to glacial rock formations with panoramic views across the land.Tasmania also boasts some of the world’s most unusual wildlife with marsupials such as platypus, wombats and the infamous Tasmanian devil, whose disarming screeches and growls were the inspiration for the deranged cartoon character of the same name.
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