Photo: Maksym Kozlenko / CC BY-SA 3.0
Perched on the gentle slopes of the Pipers River wine region, Jansz Winery is Tasmania's celebrated house of méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine. Founded in 1985 by a collaboration between the Heemskerk and Louis Roederer houses, it brought Champagne techniques to the cool-climate island. The sleek cellar door, with its sweeping views over vine rows and distant Bass Strait, offers a polished yet relaxed introduction to Tasmanian bubbles. The tasting experience is both educational and indulgent, and the on-site café serves refined local produce that pairs beautifully with the wines.
Highlights & What to See
- Sparkling Wine Tasting – Sample the full range, from the crisp, citrusy Jansz Premium Cuvée to the more complex Vintage Rosé and the flagship Late Disgorged. The knowledgeable staff guide you through the nuances of each blend.
- Vineyard Views – Stand on the deck and take in the orderly rows of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines rolling toward the coast. It's a photographer's dream, especially in autumn when the leaves turn gold.
- Cellar Door Architecture – The modern building, with its glass walls and timber accents, feels both luxurious and of the land. The interior design allows natural light to flood the space, highlighting the bottles and the landscape.
- Cheese & Wine Pairing – The café offers a curated cheese plate featuring Tasmanian artisan cheeses, matched with a flight of Jansz wines. It's a perfect midday treat.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tour – For the curious, the daily tour (book ahead) takes you through the production area, explaining the riddling and disgorgement process that gives Jansz its fine bubbles.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for 1 to 1.5 hours at the cellar door for a relaxed tasting and a wander around the grounds. If you add the behind-the-scenes tour or a leisurely meal at the café, allow 2 to 2.5 hours. Jansz is an easy stop on a day trip from Launceston (just 25 minutes north), so you can combine it with other Pipers River wineries or a visit to the coast.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Pipers River Region – The surrounding valley is dotted with boutique wineries such as Delamere and Clover Hill, making for a delightful self-drive wine trail.
- Cataract Gorge – Back in Launceston, this dramatic natural gorge with its suspension bridge, peacocks, and swimming pool is a must-see contrast to the vineyards.
- Low Head Penguin Colony – Just a 15-minute drive north, you can watch little penguins come ashore at dusk (seasonal).
- Bridport & the Coast – The nearby coastal town of Bridport offers beaches, a golf course, and fresh seafood at the local pub.
- George Town – Australia's third-oldest settlement, with historic buildings and the Bass & Flinders Centre maritime museum.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Cataract Gorge — Peripitus / CC BY-SA 3.0