Tamar Valley Wine Trail

Meandering alongside the broad Tamar River just north of Launceston, the Tamar Valley Wine Trail is Tasmania’s premier cool-climate wine region. With more than 30 cellar doors dotted among rolling hills, vineyards and historic farmsteads, this is a place where you can taste world-class pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling wines while soaking up river views and rural tranquillity. The trail is easily self-driven in a day, but the true pleasure lies in lingering over a long lunch at a vineyard restaurant and chatting with winemakers who are passionate about their craft.

Highlights & What to See

• Josef Chromy Wines – A standout estate with a stunning lakefront setting, award-winning wines and an excellent restaurant serving modern Tasmanian produce.
• Pipers Brook Vineyard – Founded by the legendary Dr. Andrew Pirie, this is one of the island’s most renowned producers; the cellar door offers tastings of their elegant, cool-climate wines.
• Clover Hill – Specialising in méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, this vineyard sits high on a ridge with sweeping views over the valley.
• Tamar Ridge – A popular stop with a modern cellar door, a great café and a range of wines from pinot gris to robust reds.
• Moores Hill Estate – A family-run boutique winery known for its riesling and warm hospitality; the vineyard overlooks the Tamar River.
• Bridestowe Lavender Estate – While not a winery, this famous lavender farm lies just east of the trail and makes a perfect scenic detour, especially in bloom (December–January).

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day to explore the trail properly. Most visitors spend 6–8 hours driving the loop, stopping at 4–6 cellar doors and enjoying a leisurely lunch at one of the vineyard restaurants. If you’re a keen wine enthusiast, consider two days – you can stay overnight in a vineyard accommodation or in the nearby town of Exeter. The trail is at its best from late spring to autumn (November–April) when the vines are lush and the weather is mild.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Cataract Gorge – A spectacular natural attraction just minutes from central Launceston, with walking trails, a chairlift and a swimming basin; perfect for a morning or afternoon visit before or after your wine tour.
• Launceston – Tasmania’s second city offers a vibrant food scene, historic architecture, and the excellent Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.
• Low Head – A coastal village at the mouth of the Tamar River, home to a historic pilot station and a colony of little penguins that come ashore at dusk.
• Beauty Point – Visit the Platypus House and Seahorse World for a quirky wildlife experience, ideal for families.
• George Town – One of Australia’s oldest towns, with well-preserved colonial buildings and the Bass and Flinders Maritime Museum.

Please check official sources for current details.