Northern Tasmanian Wine Region

The island state of Tasmania makes up a single Wine Zone, under the classification of Geographic Indicators. Unofficially however it is sensible to recognise Northern and Southern Tasmania as separate wine regions.

Although the latitude would suggest that the climate in Tasmania would be much cooler than Victoria in fact the viticultural environment as measured by heat summation is quite similar to the cooler Victorian regions. Site selection is all important for successful ripening of all but the earliest maturing varieties.

The Northern Tasmanian Wine region has its major concentration of vineyards in the Tamar Valley to the north of Launceston. Serious winemaking started in the late 1970s with the establishment of vineyards in the Pipers Brook region.

There are many boutique wineries in Tasmania, but a couple of the major players in the Australian industry have Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards for producing sparkling wines.

Among the smaller vineyards it is not surprising to see that cool climate varieties like Gewurztraminer and Pinot gris are chosen.

Some Vineyards in Northern Tasmania using alternative varieties

Barringwood Park Meunier, Pinot gris, Schonburger
Bass Fine Wines Pinot gris
Bay of Fires Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris
Chartley Estate Pinot gris
Frogmore Creek Vineyard Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris
Grey Sands Pinot gris
Hillwood Vineyard Pinot gris
Iron Pot Bay Wines Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris
Jinglers Creek Pinot gris
Pipers Brook Vineyard Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris
Rosevears Estate Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris
St Matthias Pinot blanc, Pinot gris
Tamar Ridge Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris, Viognier
Three Willows Vineyard Baco noir, Pinot gris
Wilmot Hills Vineyard Gamay, Muller Thurgau, Siegerrebe

Contact Vinodiversity if you know of other wineries using alternative varieties to make Northern Tasmanian wine

Use the search box below to search for more about Tasmanian wine