A small island off the south coast of Australia may not be where you would expect to find a collection of cool climate wines that have been winning international admirers, but Tasmania rarely fails to surprise.
Early European migrants saw similarities between Tasmania and the homelands they left behind in the 1800s and began challenging the notion that the island was too far south for wine growing grapes to fully ripen. Despite their efforts, it was global warming that eventually came to the rescue of Tasmania’s wine-growing industry, as rising average temperatures allowed most grapes to ripen fully to produce more vibrant wines. Although Tasmania still has a much cooler climate than mainland Australia, this has created the potential to produce completely different styles – leading to around 160 wine producers and 90 cellar doors becoming established, including some big-name brands who have spent millions investing in the area.
Most of the wine produced, which accounts for just 0.1% of Australia’s entire production, is sold on the island, but exported vintages have been well received on the global stage – winning high acclaim and international accolades from wine critics and enthusiasts alike. Tasmania wine tours offer you the opportunity to sample some of the island’s unique wines while exploring its colonial legacy and vast, rugged wilderness that has been beautifully preserved – a fifth of the island has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At Wine Paths, our local expert can organise the best wine tours Tasmania has to offer, which can include elaborate tastings, luxury stays, fine dining experiences and some incredible outdoor activities.
There are seven wine-growing sub-regions that can be visited as part of Tasmania wine tours, although by far the most important area is the Tamar Valley – where the island’s first vines were planted, leaving a legacy of impressive Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and sparkling varieties. Among our premier tours of the island is the Taste of Tamar; an intimate day in the heart of the valley where you can visit up to six highly respected Tasmania wineries and sample several premium vintages either side of a gourmet lunch. The wineries included as part of our Tasmania wine tours are Janz Tasmania, Delamare Vineyard, Holm Oak Vineyard, Rosevears Estate, Velo Vineyard and the Josef Chromy Winery.
At the Josef Chromy estate, which is set among English gardens lined by century-old oak trees overlooking a picturesque lake, you can indulge in fine food and wine – while also trying your hand at fly fishing under the tutelage of a professional guide, for a truly unique wine tasting experience. Appreciating the outdoors is a large part of the Tasmania experience, especially with so many national parks and breathtaking scenery seeming to appear around every corner. Despite being relatively small, Tasmania has an astonishingly diverse geography that includes dense rainforests, alpine waterfalls, sparkling glacial lakes, towering mountain ranges and white sand beaches.
The landscapes are as unusual as the native wildlife, which include animal oddities such as platypuses, wombats and pademelon as well as the infamous Tasmanian Devil – a carnivorous marsupial that is unique to the island and has since been immortalised as a deranged Looney Tunes cartoon character. The capital of Hobart, which is characterised by bustling riverside communities and fashionable art galleries is also a must travel destination for food enthusiasts – while the city also has a burgeoning craft beer scene.
If you are interested in Tasmania wine tours, visit our Australia destination page for more information and inspirational ideas before planning a bespoke trip. All of our private tours can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements, ensuring every detail is taken care of so that you can relax and enjoy some of the world’s most distinctive wines.