Tamar Valley

The Tamar Valley is northern Tasmania’s classic cool-climate corridor along the Tamar/Kanamaluka River — long, cool ripening seasons, maritime influence and relatively low average temperatures make it ideal for delicate, high-acidity styles (especially sparkling and Pinot-led wines).

 

Key grape varieties include;

• Pinot Noir & Chardonnay — the twin pillars of the region and the backbone of most premium Tasmanian sparkling and many still wines. Pinot Noir provides the red fruit and texture; Chardonnay brings citrus, pastry and fine acidity. 

• Sparkling-focused plantings (Pinot Meunier + Pinot Noir & Chardonnay) — the valley is core to Tasmania’s reputation for world-class traditional-method sparkling wine; many producers concentrate on base wines for lees-aged sparklings. 

• Riesling & other cool-climate whites — Riesling performs well in select sites, offering high acidity and ageability; you’ll also find small parcels of Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and aromatic whites. 

• Pinot Noir as a still red — cooler-site Pinot Noir (Pipers River and higher ridges) produces fine, savoury expressions rather than big ripe reds. 

• Smaller plantings of alternative/experimental varieties — a number of boutique producers are experimenting with varieties (and single-site expressions), but the region’s signature remains its Pinot/Chardonnay/sparkling focus. 

 

Major wineries include;

Josef Chromy (Relbia / near Launceston) — one of the most visited cellar doors in the area; strong reputation for cool-climate Chardonnay, Pinot and premium sparkling as well as excellent hospitality and a hatted restaurant. Great “intro” stop for the valley.