Photo: Mattinbgn / CC BY-SA 3.0
Perched on the gentle slopes of the Tamar Valley, Velo Wines is a boutique winery that marries a passion for cycling with a love of cool-climate wines. The cellar door, housed in a converted bicycle workshop, exudes rustic charm with exposed timber and vintage bike memorabilia. The real draw, however, is the wine: expect elegant Pinot Noir, crisp sparkling, and aromatic Riesling that reflect the region's terroir. The vineyard's bike-friendly ethos means you can pedal in from the nearby trails, then linger over a tasting platter on the sun-drenched deck while gazing at vine-striped hills.
Highlights & What to See
- Cellar Door Tastings: Sample a flight of small-batch wines, including the signature 'Grupetto' blend, while chatting with the knowledgeable staff about the winemaking process.
- Cycling & Wine Trail: Velo Wines sits along the Tamar Valley Wine Route, a scenic loop perfect for a self-guided bike ride past vineyards and river views. The winery even offers a bike repair station and lockers for cyclists.
- Local Produce Platters: Pair your wine with a cheeseboard featuring Tasmanian cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal fruits sourced from nearby farms.
- Art & Design: Check out the rotating exhibition of local artists' works displayed in the cellar door, often inspired by the landscape and cycling culture.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allocate 1–2 hours for a relaxed tasting and platter. If you're cycling the Tamar Valley Wine Route, plan for a half-day loop that includes Velo Wines as a mid-ride stop. The winery is compact but inviting; you won't need more than a couple of hours unless you're soaking up the views over a long lunch.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Cataract Gorge: A dramatic natural chasm with walking trails, a chairlift, and a swimming basin, just a 15-minute drive from the winery.
- Launceston: The gateway city offers excellent dining, the Queen Victoria Museum, and the historic Boag's Brewery.
- Batman Bridge & Tamar Island: A scenic drive along the Tamar River, with wetlands walks and birdwatching at the Tamar Island Wetlands Centre.
- Pipers River Wine Region: Just east, this sub-region is known for sparkling wines and boutique cellar doors like Jansz Tasmania and Delamere Vineyards.
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