Photo: CC BY 4.0
Perched on the gentle slopes of the Tamar Valley wine region, Penny Smith Wine is a boutique producer that embodies the cool-climate elegance of Tasmanian viticulture. The cellar door, a rustic-chic shed overlooking vine-striped hills, offers an intimate tasting experience where the winemaker herself often pours the wines. This is a place to slow down, savour the nuanced pinot noirs and aromatic whites, and soak in the serene rural landscape that defines northern Tasmania’s wine country.
Highlights & What to See
- Cellar door tastings – Sample a focused portfolio of single-vineyard wines, with the winemaker’s stories adding depth to each sip.
- Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – These cool-climate stars are the heart of Penny Smith’s production; the pinots are silky and complex, the chardonnays minerally and precise.
- Vineyard views – Wander the gravel paths between rows of vines, with the Tamar River glinting in the distance – a perfect photo stop.
- Picnic by the vines – Grab a bottle and a cheese platter from the cellar door (pre-order recommended) and settle at one of the outdoor tables for a lazy afternoon.
- Meet the maker – Penny Smith is often on site, happy to chat about organic practices and her hands-on approach to winemaking.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allocate 45 minutes to an hour for a relaxed tasting and a wander around the property. If you plan to picnic, budget 1.5 to 2 hours. Pair this stop with two or three other Tamar Valley wineries for a half-day self-drive tour – the region’s compact layout makes it easy to visit multiple cellar doors without rushing.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Cataract Gorge – A dramatic natural chasm with walking trails, a chairlift, and swimming in the Tamar River, just a 15-minute drive from the winery.
- Launceston city centre – Explore the historic streets, Queen Victoria Museum, and the bustling Harvest Market (Saturdays) for local produce.
- Josef Chromy Wines – Another top-tier Tamar Valley cellar door with a stunning restaurant, only 10 minutes away.
- Tamar Valley Wine Route – String together visits to other boutique producers like Stoney Rise and Velo Wines for a full day of tasting.
- Low Head Penguin Tours – An hour north, watch little penguins return to their burrows at dusk – book ahead in summer.
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
- Launceston City Centre — File:Launie (cropped).JPG : User: (WT-shared) Plug at wts wikivoyage derivative work: Georgfotoart / Public domain
- Low Head Penguin Tours — Duncan Wright / CC BY-SA 3.0