As vast and varied as the state itself, Tasmania’s wineries and cellar doors are scattered around the entire island, with each sub-region boasting some of the most coveted wines in the country.
A great way to experience these top drops is take a road trip around the state – the East Coast Wine Trail is a must-do – and check out Tassie’s famous sparkling wines as well as its top-notch pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling selections.
But if you’re short on time, or are just looking to pop over to a vineyard or two, here are some of our top picks.
Best for: Pinot noir and chardonnay as well as its striking views.
Location: 1055 Port Sorell Rd, Northdown TAS 7307 (Cradle Coast)
Cellar door times: 11am-5pm, 7 days a week
If you’ve made your way over to the Apple Isle via the Spirit of Tasmania and want to kick off your winery tours almost as soon as the boat docks, perhaps Ghost Rock Wines is a good option. This winery is located just 15 minutes from Devonport, where the ship docks. Here, you’ll find views over the Cradle Coast region’s vineyards and out to the Bass Strait – all while you enjoy their impressive pinot noir and chardonnay.
Best for: Traditional method sparkling wines
Location: 370 Relbia Rd, Relbia TAS 7258
Cellar door times: 10am-5pm, 7 days a week
This well renowned winery, found 10 minutes south of Launceston, is well worth a visit for its signature sparkling wine alone. If you’re interested in learning more about how they make this impeccable wine, there is an “Art of Sparkling” experience twice a week. As well as sparkling, Josef Chromy Wines impresses with its pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris, riesling and sauvignon blanc. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the on-site restaurant – it’s been awarded one hat every year since 2017 for its fare.
Best for: First-class cool climate wines, including their riesling, pinot noir and chardonnay
Location: 1431 Richmond Rd, Richmond TAS 7025
Cellar door times: 10am-5pm, 7 days a week
A relatively new winery compared to some of the centuries-old vineyards on this list, Pooley Wines began in 1985 when Denis and Margaret Pooley planted pinot noir and riesling vines on their farm as a retirement plan. More than three decades on, this family-run vineyard has made a name for itself for producing premium cool climate wines. So much so that in 2023, The Halliday Wine Companion awarded Pooley Wines 2023 Winery of the Year .
Best for: Art lovers who also love wine
Location: 655 Main Rd, Berriedale TAS 7011
Cellar door times: 12pm-5pm, Friday to Monday
Art meets wine at Moorilla, which is located on the grounds of prestigious art museum MONA in Hobart. While you’d be forgiven for assuming Moorilla was created to take advantage of the visitors to the museum, it was actually Moorilla that laid claim to the location first. Using estate-grown cool-climate grapes, Moorilla offers red, white and sparkling wines in three different styles.
Best for: High quality pinot noir
Location: 15919 Tasman Hwy, Apslawn TAS 7190
Cellar door times: 10am-5pm, 7 days a week
Situated just a 30-minute drive from Freycinet National Park, Freycinet Vineyard was established as the first commercial vineyard on Tasmania’s east coast in 1979 by couple Geoff and Susan Bull. The pioneering vineyard became known for its award-winning wines that are 100% grown, produced and bottled on site. Particularly held in high regard is Freycinet Vineyard’s pinot noir offering, although other red, white and sparkling wine varieties are also produced.
Best for: Well-designed architecture of its cellar door and its trademark Resolution Pinot Noir
Location: 1 Sherbourne Rd, Apslawn TAS 7190
Cellar door times: 10am-4pm, 7 days a week
With its wine self-described as “bold yet humble” and “fearless yet considered” Devil’s Corner has become a well-loved wine stop on the east coast of Tasmania. Enjoy Devil Corner’s range of premium pinot noir, syrah, and cool-climate whites at the architecturally beautiful cellar door that overlooks breathtaking sea and mountain views. You can also indulge in an array of experiences, including premium hosted wine tasting, wine and chocolate tasting or oyster shucking in Moulting Lagoon.
Tasmania’s wine region, which is not geographically restricted to just one part of the state, is known for several wine varieties. Its sparkling wines are the most famous type and these are highly regarded across the world. Tasmania’s pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling are also considered to be of high quality.
Tasmania’s wine region encompasses the entire island, rather than being constrained to just one area. Regardless, the easiest way to get around to the wineries is to drive – just make sure you appoint a designated driver who won’t indulge too much in the tastings. Some areas may also offer shuttle buses to various wineries and vineyards and private transport as part of tours or holiday packages may be available.
While it’s definitely worth exploring the various wineries around Tasmania at your own pace, there are day tours available, too.