
The island state has been dubbed “the new Champagne” because of its outstanding sparkling wines and has emerged as a premium region over the past 20 years. Although there is only one appellation for the island's wine there are seven unofficial sub-regions ranging from the Tamar Valley and Pipers River in the north (home to sparkling brands such as Arras, Jansz and Clover Hill) to the Derwent, Coal River and Huon Valleys that encircle Hobart and are best known for fine chardonnays and pinot noirs. Josef Chromy has been instrumental in the development of the Tasmanian food and wine industry and is now a successful family owned winery. Other producers that are synonymous with Tasmania include Pipers Brook, Delamere, Holm Oak, Tamar Ridge, Holyman, Freycinet, Spring Vale, Stefano Lubiana, Derwent Estate, Pooley and Home Hill. Wine and food aficionados flock to Tasmania for the pure quality of its produce including seafood (particularly salmon) and cheese.
The largest city in the north region of Tasmania, Launceston, is a vibrant hub for food, wine and culture. The city is located on the banks of the Tamar River and is the gateway to the Tamar Valley, Tasmania’s oldest wine-growing area and a place where premium cool-climate wines, outstanding fresh produce and award-winning restaurants go hand in hand. The cellar doors, vineyard restaurants and farmers’ markets of Launceston and the north offer some of the best gourmet experiences in Australia.
The Tamar Valley Wine Route is Tasmania's leading wine tourism region, stretching from Relbia, south of Launceston, along both banks of the Tamar River and then north-east to Pipers River. The route stretches over 170km and includes Abel Gin and over 30 cellar doors ranging from big names such as Pipers Brook, Tamar Ridge, Jansz and Bay of Fires to tiny boutique operations such as Sinapius and Wines for Joanie. Tamar Valley varieties of note are chardonnay, riesling, sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, pinot noir and merlot.
The Josef Chromy Wines cellar door is located
in the estate's original 1880s homestead,
surrounded by landscaped gardens and views
of the vineyards and lakes, perfect to relax and
enjoy the variety of estate grown wines.
Abel Gin distillery has a tasting available in their
restaurant. The team focuses on quality and
produces gins that please the palate and senses
with freshly harvested Tasmanian botanicals at the
peak of their flavour.
Pooley Wines was established in 1985 and began
producing riesling and pinot noir. Today they have
a wide variety of award-winning premium quality
cool-climates wines which you can sample at their
celler door, housed in old sandstone stables.
The capital city of Tasmania is surrounded by three separate cool-climate wine sub-regions: the Derwent Valley to the north, Coal River Valley to the east and the sleepy Huon Valley to the south. All three are within a 30-40 minute drive of the city and all have two or three major producers. The Huon Valley is the coolest winemaking region in the state and is known for its intense pinot noirs and chardonnays.
Other than gamay and sylvaner many other varieties struggle to ripen here. Home Hill is a regular show award-winner, including the 2015 Jimmy Watson Trophy at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show. Other local standouts include Panorama (recently purchased by the Lubiana family), Kate Hill, Sailor Seeks Horse and Two Bud Spur. Stefano Lubiana Wines and Derwent Estate are the big names on the south bank of the Derwent River, while Frogmore Creek, Pooley, Puddleduck and Craigow are among the Coal Valley stars.
Important information:
* Ultimate Winery Experiences: Offer ends 11.59pm (AEDT) 28 February 2023 unless sold out prior. Qantas may withdraw or extend these offers at any time.
~ Pinot noir and chardonnay sale: Offer ends 20 February 2023 11:59pm (AEDT) unless sold out prior. Qantas may withdraw or extend these offers at any time. The % off is based on the average price per bottle in the mixed case when compared to the average price per bottle in a straight case for each individual bottle, which was available for sale on qantas.com/wine immediately prior to the sale
^ Halliday-rated wines sale: Offer ends 11.59pm (AEDT) 28 February 2023 unless sold out prior. Qantas may withdraw or extend these offers at any time.
To view the Qantas Wine T&Cs, please visit here.
Liquor Act 2007 (NSW): It is an offence to sell or supply to or to obtain liquor on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Licence Number: NSW LIQP770016736, NT IRL0201, SA 57900154