Pipers River Wine Region
Just a 20-minute drive from Launceston, the Pipers River Wine Region unfurls across rolling hills and misty valleys, where cool-climate vineyards produce some of Tasmania's most celebrated sparkling wines and elegant Pinot Noirs. This is a place where the crisp air carries the scent of eucalyptus and fermenting grapes, and cellar doors offer intimate tastings with winemakers who are as passionate as they are knowledgeable. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious traveller, Pipers River rewards with world-class drops, stunning vistas, and a peaceful rhythm that feels a world away from the city.
Highlights & What to See
- Jansz Tasmania – The region's sparkling-wine pioneer, where you can taste méthode traditionnelle bubblies that rival Champagne, paired with sweeping views of the vineyard and the Tamar River estuary.
- Pipers Brook Vineyard – A benchmark producer known for its refined Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays; the sleek cellar door sits among manicured gardens with a backdrop of wooded hills.
- Clover Hill Wines – Specialising in sparkling wines, this boutique winery offers a tranquil tasting experience in a modern, glass-walled space overlooking the vines.
- Delamere Vineyard – A family-run estate where you can sample small-batch Pinot Noir and aromatic whites, often while chatting with the winemaker on the sunny terrace.
- Scenic drive along the Pipers River – The winding roads between vineyards are a joy in themselves, with glimpses of the river, pastoral scenes, and the occasional wallaby bounding across a paddock.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for a leisurely half-day (4–5 hours) to visit three or four cellar doors and soak up the landscape. If you're serious about wine, a full day allows for a more relaxed pace, including lunch at one of the vineyard restaurants – many offer platters of local cheese and oysters. The region is compact, so you can easily combine a morning here with an afternoon exploring Launceston's Cataract Gorge or the Tamar Valley wine trail.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Cataract Gorge – A dramatic natural chasm with walking trails, a chairlift, and a swimming basin, just a short drive from Launceston's centre.
- Tamar Valley Wine Route – Extend your wine tour south along the Tamar River, visiting other cool-climate producers like Tamar Ridge and Stoney Rise.
- Launceston City – Tasmania's second-largest city offers excellent dining, the Queen Victoria Museum, and a thriving craft-beer scene.
- Low Head Penguin Tours – At dusk, watch little penguins come ashore at Low Head, about 20 minutes north of Pipers River.
- Bridestowe Lavender Estate – A 25-minute drive east, this iconic lavender farm bursts into purple bloom from December to January, with a café and gift shop.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
Explore more
Image credits
- Cataract Gorge — Peripitus / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Launceston City — 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
- Bridestowe Lavender Estate — Adii229 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Pipers Brook Vineyard — PBVmedia / CC BY 2.0