Tasmania’s naturally elegant wines are made from grapes grown in climates similar to those of the famous European wines – with mild summers and long autumn days that ripen the grapes providing elegance and intensity of flavour. This unique island state now produces elegant cool climate wines such as Pinot Noir, sparkling wines, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Gris. Tasmania enjoys a national and international reputation as a leading producer of some of Australia’s premium wines, with its Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, in particular, winning high praise and plenty of trophies from wine judges and critics alike.

The Southern wine trail

Using Hobart as your base, no matter which direction you choose to venture, there’s an array of world-class experiences and activities on offer for visitors to this stunning region.

Arts and culture, food and drink, wilderness, heritage, wildlife and waterways – all are ever present. But there’s a good reason well-known foodies and wine lovers have settled in in southern Tasmania. The soil is rich, the water and air are pure, and innovative locals serve up paddock to plate goodness. Makers, brewers and farmers deliver everything from soft goat’s cheese, smoked salmon and roadside apples to world-class wines. Pick your own fresh produce directly from the source, book in for a cooking master class or pull up at a seat at one of Hobart’s stylish eateries. Food and drink in Tasmania have personality and authenticity – do it your way.

Vineyards are closer to Hobart than any other capital city, including in the Derwent Valley, Coal River Valley and the Huon / Channel wine growing areas.

South of Hobart is the clear waters and stunning coastline of Bruny Island, the fertile soils of the Huon Valley where vineyards and orchards nestle side-by-side, and the picturesque beauty of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.

East of Hobart are the wineries and vineyards of the Coal River Valley and the Tasman National Park with its spectacular coastline and historic convict sites.

To the north-west is the Derwent Valley, where the road follows the beautiful Derwent River through rows of poplars and on to Tasmania’s central highlands and the grandeur of Lake St Clair and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

It is the experiences from one moment to the next that will ensure you never forget Tasmania’s south.