The Tamar Valley in northern Tasmania is one of the island's most historic and fertile agricultural regions. European exploration began here in 1804, when English naval officer William Collins charted the Kanamaluka/Tamar River and recommended the area for settlement. The valley became a centre of colonial agriculture, river trade and industry, its fertile soils supporting orchards, grazing, cropping and eventually cool climate viticulture from the latter half of the 20th century.
Today, it's home to Tasmania's most dynamic agricultural and tourism sectors.
Geologically, the valley itself is remarkably diverse. The upper reaches near Launceston are underlain by ancient dolerite and basalt, while the mid and lower sections of the valley feature Tertiary clays, gravels and alluvial deposits laid down by this substantial river system. In some locations, marine sediments and limestone occur, contributing to soil variability – from deep, well-drained loams to lighter sandy profiles on vineyard slopes.
This mix of soil types – along with the valley's favourable maritime climate – provide excellent growing conditions for stylish Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and aromatic whites including Pinot Gris and Riesling.
The Tamar Valley Wine Route takes visitors along a 170 kilometre journey of discovery, encompassing more than 30 vineyards and wineries.
"One of the top 10 wine routes in the world." Essential Travel Magazine (UK)
Often dubbed Australia's sparkling wine queen, South Australian-born Natalie Fryar put all of her winemaking chips on the table in 2015 to launch a solo career that has seen Bellebonne become one of the most admired and respected sparkling wine brands in the country.
When winemaker Cynthea Semmens returned to Marion's Vineyard after 15 years of study and work interstate and overseas, her homecoming brought with it the added joy of partner David Feldheim and young toddler Solomon. The 8ha Tamar Valley vineyard and winery established by Mark and Marion Semmens in 1980 was in need of a helping hand by 2010.
Eilin and John Hulme weren't quite ready for retirement – and in May 2020, they proved it. Long-time Relbia residents, the couple came out of retirement to take on the 2.0ha Bundaleera Vineyard and farm-stay accommodation venture they'd seen grow and prosper for more than 20 years.
Chartley Estate at Rowella – 45km north of Launceston – sits on fertile river terraces that were once home to grazing and apple-growing before cool climate vineyards first appeared there 40 years ago. Sandy/gravelly loams over siltstone and mudstone offer good drainage for vines and impart a certain minerality and finesse to the resulting wines.
Richard Winspear knows a thing or two about growing cool climate fruit. The managing director of Berried in Tasmania was making plans to expand the company's production base at Carrick when he discovered historic Elmslie at Legana listed for sale. He liked the property so much he contacted his business partner, Ben Gourlay.
Shelley and Matt Grant established Eversley Vines after buying a small secluded Legana property and later falling for its cool climate vineyard potential. The couple didn't know a thing about grapegrowing. Matt was a career firefighter, Shelley was a clinical nurse. What they did know was that they were up to the challenge.
Vineyards are like children. They need dedicated nurturing, active encouragement and a neat mix of careful guidance and restraint. For Chris and Cassie Payne, Glendale Estate at Sidmouth embodies the intersection of the two – adolescent vines and even younger children, all of them growing, part of a shared journey in a beautiful valley.
During the 1980s, Bob and Rita Richter spent three years travelling Europe's best-known vineyards in search of expressive, terroir-driven wines. Inspired by their experiences, they returned home to investigate potential cool climate vineyard sites.
It's often said that wine and cheese go well together. So what could be better than pairing one of the State's best winemakers with Tassie's best known and most successful artisan cheesemaker? Two great minds, one core value: maximum consideration over minimal intervention. That in a tiny morsel is the story of Haddow + Dineen.
Let's face it, buying land and planting vines is fraught with danger. What if the site or the region isn't suited to your selections? When William Dong began Handpicked Wines back in 2003, it traded as a virtual winery. What the French call a négociant.