Tasmania

“Tasmania is an outstanding tourist destination, rich in history and with ever-changing natural beauty, all seemingly within a short drive of wherever you may be…when wine tourism is added, the mix is an intoxicating one.”
James Halliday

For a long time, Tasmania was considered too cold to grow grapes. Experts recommended apples, cherries and apricots as a suitable crop, and grape growing was actively discouraged. Fortunately, a few European contingents recognized that the climatic conditions were very similar to their wine-growing homelands, and went ahead and planted grapes anyway.

As it turns out, the cool climate is perfect for grape growing – and the conditions are almost identical to those of Burgundy, the spiritual home of Pinot Noir. If you’re a lover of fine Pinots, you’ve probably already discovered the sublime versions that Tasmania offers. Incredibly silky in texture and elegant in structure, the wines have a quiet power, with complex dark berry and cherry fruit flavours highlighted by truffle, mushroom, game and spice. Food match? Pinot and duck are a match made in heaven.

Vineyards to visit