Tasmanian wine isn’t for everybody, because they can’t make enough of it. - PINOT PALOOZA Skip to main content
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Tasmanian wine isn’t for everybody

because they can’t make enough of it.

TASMANIA

Tasmania’s winemakers have a penchant for challenging the status quo – conventional wisdom told Tassie’s producers that wine wasn’t going to be their thing (the climate was too cold, and too unforgiving).

Countless false starts and failed experiments went into refining the way its makers grow and craft wine on this tough little island – and they certainly punch above their weight.

The wine growing environment in Tassie is equal parts hostile and obliging. Rocky outcrops can challenge the hardiest of vine roots and the most committed of grape growers, while ancient soils can vary wildly from one side of a creek to another. But for those willing to work with it, this little island on the edge of the world offers rewards with a depth and diversity of characteristics unimaginable in other wine regions. There’s a mild chill in the clean, Southern-Ocean-fed air, allowing grapes to gently and slowly ripen – perfect for elegant, intensely flavoured and aromatic wines. Tassie’s wine producers are rebellious by both definition and necessity, and that spirit of having a go has earned them a whole lot of respect, not to mention a plethora of shiny stickers on bottles.

No conversation about Tassie is complete without a (generous) mention of the local produce. Tasmania’s winemaking folk have crafted an inimitable recipe for Pinot Noir well worthy of the local cheese, seafood (sparkling Pinot not to be forgotten), the beef, and the rest. For those intent on getting to know Tasmania a sense of adventure will help to guide your journey and an appetite is 100% essential – the island puts on a pretty decent spread and we know that everything tastes better with a great glass of vino in hand.

Tasmania’s wine growing areas aren’t far apart in distance (not by mainland standards anyway), but the surprising diversity in its wines tell a tale of contrast and intrigue. In the island’s bountiful North West – the gateway to Cradle Mountain – a handful of vineyards produce new world Pinot Noir grown in rich red soils. A little off the beaten track (the best things are) these vineyards are neighboured by seaside berry farms, truffle hunters and cheesemakers, all overlooked by often snow-capped mountains.

In the North East, the expansive Tamar River guides water from dramatic beginnings at Cataract Gorge all the way to the open ocean. On its banks, vineyards extend almost down to the gently sloping waters’ edge, the grapes ripened by summer sun and temperature moderated by the adjacent water. Across the river and further east, Pipers River’s vineyards extend from high up on hilltops down toward the valleys below, gently caressed by cool ocean breeze – fresh air worthy of a few slow, deep breaths.

On a map of Tasmania there are two ways to travel between the North and South of the state – the long(er) way and the short way. If white sand beaches, rolling blue waves and rugged coastline sound like your scene, then you’re going the long way. Here, vineyards are dotted all along the East Coast, famous for its beaches, national parks and local produce. Tassie Pinot is of course the perfect pairing for the last two, best enjoyed on island time. Although Tasmania is surrounded by ocean, nowhere feels more maritime than the South. In close proximity but all beguilingly different representations of their unique terroir, the Derwent, Coal River and Huon Valleys are all a short journey from Hobart, the island’s southernmost city, proudly perched on the edge of the world ¬– next stop Antarctica.

Despite the island’s diversity, Tasmanian Pinot Noir is a stamped with a recognisable character – whether that belongs to the wine, the people that make it or the island itself it’s hard to be sure. Whichever corner, ridge or sweeping valley you choose to explore, expect elegant cool climate wines with side of funk and a little bit of attitude. If reviews and accolades are your thing there are plenty of those too, but if you’re looking for the ordinary keep going – you won’t find it here.

GET THE HARD TO GET AT PINOT PALOOZA in 2022

In a first for the festival, we are very proud to announce Tasmania as our feature region for the 2022 Pinot Palooza tour.

It’s undeniable – the quality and character of Tasmanian wine just keep getting better, a fact that has placed the island state firmly on the map and created a world-class wine destination in the process.

This year, we are incredibly excited to have over 20 of the island’s best wine producers joining us in each city of the tour, including many rarely, if ever, seen on the mainland. And it’s not just about the Pinot, you’ll find incredible cheese, spirits and cider from some of Tasmania’s most talented producers, too.

So strap in for the journey; this is your chance to taste your way around Tasmania without having to pack your bags.

CHECK YOUR CITY FOR FINAL LINE UPS!

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE!

MEET THE ADVENTUROUS WINERIES

Apogee Wines

The search for the “terroir” of the famous French cool-climate areas of northern France in Australia led Andrew Pirie to buy land, in partnership with his brother David, in northern Tasmania in December 1973. Andrew’s contribution to the wines of Tasmania is prolific and this, his own personal project, is the accumulation of his viticultural life’s work.

Barringwood Tasmania

Barringwood operates 3 vineyards across Tasmania taking advantage of terroir differences to create distinctive wines.

Bay of Fires

Nestled in Tasmania’s Pipers River wine region, Bay of Fires represents the epitome of cool-climate viticulture and winemaking, with wines expressing the distinctive flavour attributes nurtured in our highly esteemed vineyards.

Charles Rueben Estate

Charles Reuben Estate is an award winning vineyard, distillery [and accommodation] in Tasmania’s Coal River Valley specialising on Pinot Noir and Brandy.

Devils Corner

Located on a rugged corner of East Coast Tasmania, Devil’s Corner is both extraordinary and wild in equal measure, with our vineyards uniquely positioned on the edge of the coast, where the vines meet the sea.

Tamar Ridge

At Tamar Ridge we see that there is beauty in art, there’s passion in science, and Pinot Noir winemaking is the skill of bringing these together. 

Ghost Rock Wines

As regional pioneer, Ghost Rock continues to set the standard in natural winemaking and estate-driven wines.

Haddow & Dineen

Haddow + Dineen is a collaborative winemaking project from cheesemaker, Nick Haddow, and winemaker, Jeremy Dineen with the aim to make small batches of intensely Tasmanian wines.

Ironhouse Brewery

A small, family owned Vineyard, Craft Brewery and Distillery by the Sea. All found on Tasmania’s gorgeous East Coast.

Marions Vineyard & Beautiful Wines

Organic and Biodynamic certified family estate overlooking the immense Kanamaluka River in Northern Tasmania. Growing, making and showcasing wines from the heart. 

Meadowbank Wines

Meadowbank is a Tasmanian pioneer and iconic grower of wine. Born of an intuitive defiance in the earliest of days with a legacy nurtured forward through stewardship, family, and fun.

Merriworth Wines

Merriworth Wines in the Coal River Valley is a family-owned winery where traditional methods are employed to produce premium cool-climate wines. 

Mewstone Wines

Mewstone Wines are grown on the banks of the D’Entrecasteax Channel and embrace the best of Tasmania in hughes & hughes.

Moorilla & Domaine A

Moorilla and Domaine A are two of Tasmania’s oldest, most storied wineries, with both producing particularly rich, complex Pinot Noirs.

Pipers Brook Vineyard

The modern pioneers of the Tamar Valley, Tasmanian owned Pipers Brook Vineyard crafts wines that are expressive of site and our story. Cool climate, rich history.

Pooley Wines

“Pooley Wines was established in 1985 when the late Jack ‘Denis’ and Margaret Pooley planted vines on the banks of the Coal River in southern Tasmania. Now, in the hands of their third generation, Pooley Wines seek to share exceptional, nurtured wines that express their uniqueness, ambassadorship, and dedication to renewing their environment for generations to come.”

Small Island Wines

The production of Small Island Wines is tiny, so blink and you could miss them, but their mix of exceptional quality, ageability, rarity and eye-catching design, including striking hand-painted labels, makes them veritable collector’s items.

Spring Vale Vineyards

Spring Vale has established a reputation for consistently producing intense varietal wines which reflect the pristine environment in which they are grown.

MEET THE LOCAL GOURMETS

Bruny Island Cheese

Founded by Nick Haddow in 2003, Bruny Island Cheese Co. was started after Nick spent 10 years working with specialist cheese makers in many different countries around the world.

Grandvewe

Grandvewe Cheeses 20 word grab…..Good for the sheep, good for the planet, good for you.  That’s the Grandvewe way.

Taylor & Smith

Taylor & Smith is an independent artisan distillery in Hobart owned and run by Natalie and Ben. We experiment with Tasmanian botanicals and carefully craft spirits to synthesise the Tasmanian landscape and write out stories of place.

Hartshorn

Hartshorn Distillery 20 word grab? Doing good things differently has and always will be the focus of anything that’s made on our farm.

Punch & Ladle

Punch & Ladle are focused on providing quality bottled cocktails and cocktail ingredients created using the best of local Tassie produce.

Pagan Cider

We’re a boutique beverage company bubbling over with fresh ideas. Our ciders are made from fresh Tasmanian fruits that capture the essence of our island home.

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