Are you a Pinot lover? Or a sparkling wine enthusiast? Or perhaps you prefer a Pinot Gris, Riesling, or Chardy. No matter your preference, there are plenty of great Tamar Valley wineries and cellar doors that will suit your taste.
After multiple trips to Tasmania (it’s safe to say we’ve fallen in love with Australia’s most southern state), we’ve visited the Tamar Valley Wine Region several times and tasted some ahh-mazing wines! There are literally hundreds of Launceston wineries producing some of the most awarded wines in Australia. So how do you pick which ones to visit? Don’t worry, we’ve done all the research for you!
Some of the best wineries in Tamar Valley are only 30 minutes drive from Launceston!
The Tamar Valley Wine Route is home to some of the best wineries in Tasmania and makes for a great day trip from Launceston. The drive from Launceston to Tamar Valley takes you along the scenic Tamar Ridge route with beautiful views of the Tamar River.
You can opt for an independent self-drive winery tour by following this guide or choose the easy route and jump on an organized tour. There are so many great Tamar Valley wine tours to choose from, but we’ll give you some tips on which ones to book below.
Whether you’re planning a quick romantic weekend getaway, or a weeklong Tasmania road trip, a visit to the best wineries near Launceston is a must-do on any Tasmania visitors bucket list.
Here are 9 of the best Tamar Valley wineries & vineyards to visit on your next trip to Tasmania!
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In This Post:
The Best Tamar Valley Wineries – At A Glance
There are more than 30 Tamar Valley wineries and cellar doors that you can visit, ranging from rustic family-run vineyards to sophisticated architecturally designed cellar doors and estates. We’ve narrowed down our pick of the best ones here:
- Josef Chromy
- Velo Wines
- Tamar Ridge Cellar Door
- Moores Hill
- Goaty Hill Winery
- Holm Oak
- Bay of Fires Winery
- Delamere Vineyards
- Clover Hill Estate
Tamar Valley Wineries Map
How to Plan Your Launceston Wineries Visit
Best Time to Visit Tamar Valley
Australia’s summer (December through February) is the best time to visit Tasmania and the Tamar Valley Wine Region. Crowds will be at their peak during this time of year, but the weather is beautiful and perfect for outdoor activities. Summer also brings amazing sunsets.
Spring (September to November) is another great time for visiting wineries in the Tamar Valley as flowers and orchids are in full bloom and vineyards are at their greenest.
Autumn (March to May) is a little cooler, but still, a great time to visit. The crowds are thinner and autumn foliage colours are at their most spectacular. Autumn is the perfect time for sipping wine by the fire.
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How to Get from Launceston to Tamar Valley
To visit these beautiful Launceston vineyards, you’re best to follow the Tamar Valley Wine Route. You could opt for a self-drive route or join an organized tour. There are plenty of Tamar Valley wine tours starting in Launceston that will take you to selected wineries.
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Tamar Valley Wine Route – Self-Drive Option
From Launceston, head north along the West Tamar Highway towards Grindelwald. You’ll find yourself on the Tamar Valley Wine Trail within 20 minutes. All wineries along this route are well signed and hard to miss – keep an eye out for the blue and yellow “Tamar Valley Wine Route” road signs. Click here to download a map of the Tamar Valley Wine Route.
We recommend you pick a few wineries to visit on the western side of the Tamar River, then cross at Batman Bridge and visit some more wineries on the eastern side of the valley before finishing back in Launceston.
The recommendations in this guide are listed in order as you make your way along this recommended self-drive route.
You most likely won’t have time to stop at all the Tamar Valley wineries we’ve listed in one day, and some are a destination on their own, offering exclusive vineyard tours that take a few hours, so keep this in mind. I recommend picking 2 to 4 wineries (maximum) to visit in one day. Or plan a ‘wine weekend’ and visit them all over a 2 or 3 day trip!
Insider Tip: Some Tamar Valley wineries require pre-booked wine tastings. You might want to consider this when planning your visit.
Tamar Valley Wine Tours
Here is our recommendation for the best locally operated Tamar Valley wine tours: Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch and Cheese.
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Top 9 Wineries in the Tamar Valley
#1 | Josef Chromy
Nestled on an extremely picturesque property in the southern Tamar Valley, region, Josef Chromy is one of the most well-known wineries in Tasmania.
The ‘Behind the Label’ tour is a highly personalised experience. Sip on a glass of Josef Chromy’s signature sparkling wine as the knowledgeable tour guide takes you on a journey through Josef Chromy’s extraordinary life story and the history of his winery. Following an exclusive glimpse inside the wine-making facility and barrel hall, where the magic happens (not normally open to visitors), you’ll be treated to a wine-tasting flight plus two-course lunch in their beautiful restaurant. A must-do experience for any wine lover!
Location: 370 Relbia Rd, Relbia
How Much: A flight of four wine tastings costs $15. The Behind the Label Tour costs $150pp. Tour bookings are essential. Wine tasting bookings are also recommended.
Plan Your Visit: https://josefchromy.com.au/
#2 | Velo Wines (Legana Estate)
Heading north from Launceston city, one of the first Tamar Valley vineyards you’ll come across is Velo Wines. It’s hard to miss – a black modern structure popping out from behind the vines with a gigantic sign saying “Velo Wines”.
Opting for a contemporary image, this small family-owned boutique winery is buzzing with energy. The staff are fun, friendly, and knowledgeable, which makes for an all-around great wine tasting experience. Velo wines still use traditional winemaking methods and have won numerous awards across their range.
Timbre Kitchen is a must-do for lunch. The $55pp tasting menu offers an excellent selection from local producers cooked over an open fire. From tasting plates with smoked goats’ cheese, a ‘dirty’ potato salad, and one of the best cheese toasties I’ve ever tasted! Wash it down with a glass of the Velo Rosè.
Location: 755 West Tamar Highway, Legana
Recommended Tour: This Tamar Valley private wine tour includes lunch and wine tasting at Timbre Kitchen and Velo Wines.
Plan Your Visit: https://velowines.com.au
#3 | Tamar Ridge Cellar Door
As the name suggests, Tamar Ridge Wines sits high on a ridge on the western side of the Tamar Valley and has a gorgeous vantage point over the River Tamar. This winery has been around for 20-odd years and is well known for producing some award-winning wines, including Tamar Ridge wines, as well as the PIRIE range – known for its sparkling.
Tamar Ridge Cellar Door is only 20 minutes drive from Launceston and is one of the most popular Tamar Valley vineyards to visit, so it does get busy on the weekends. They hold regular events such as a pop-up restaurant, live music on Fridays, weekend Sparking + Seafood lunches, and seasonal masterclasses. Bookings are essential.
However, if you’re simply after a wine tasting, you can sit indoors or out in the sun and order one of their signature grazing platters to enjoy while wine-tasting.
Location: 1A Waldhorn Drive, Rosevears
How Much: $15 will get you a tasting of your choice of 4 wines plus you get $5 off any bottle purchase.
Recommended Tour: This Pipers Brook private wine tasting tour includes a visit to Tamar Ridge Winery.
Plan Your Visit: https://www.tamarridge.com.au/cellardoor/
#4 | Moores Hill Estate
Moories Hill winery is a boutique family-operated winery that produces some of the best wines in the Tamar Valley.
But their major drawcard and the reason I love to support them is their awareness of their environmental impact. Moores Hill is the only winery in the Tamar Valley that is completely off the grid and the first of its kind in Tasmania! They make all their wines using 100% solar energy directly from the sun.
Moores Hill offers daily tasting with a spectacular view over the Tamar Valley. In the wintertime, order one of their gourmet grazing platters and enjoy a tasting around the fire.
Location: 3343 West Tamar Highway, Sidmouth
How Much: A seated Wine Flight of your choice of any 4 wines is $10 per person.
Plan Your Visit: https://www.mooreshill.com.au
#5 | Goaty Hill Wines
Funny name, great wines. Goaty Hill is owned and run by two local families who are very community-focused.
Goaty Hill cellar door offers relaxed and informal style tastings in a rustic purpose-built ‘tin shed’. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable and will take you on a journey through the history of their little slice of Tasmanian wine heaven.
After your tasting, head on out onto the lawn, order a platter of Tasmania local produce, and enjoy a picnic overlooking the vines. Goaty Hill offers a more relaxed and very family-friendly wine tasting environment.
Location: 530 Auburn Road, Kayena
How Much: $5 per person. Bookings are recommended during peak season.
Plan Your Visit: https://goatyhill.com
#6 | Holm Oak
Holm Oak was recommended to us by the Sommelier at Stillwater (one of Launceston’s fanciest restaurants) who pitched it as one of the best wineries in Tamar Valley (in his opinion)! I wasn’t going to argue with him. And after visiting, we (somehow) walked away with two cases of wine?!
The passionate winemakers at Holm Oak apparently love to dabble in experimental winemaking and as such, they offer a much more diversified selection of wines than most Tamar Valley wineries. It’s safe to say, they cater to all tastes.
At the Cellar Door, you’ll find several options of Wine Flights on offer ranging from standard wines to premium wines, exclusive vintages, and experimental drops. The experience they offer is ideal for both novices and wine connoisseurs alike.
Location: 11 West Bay Rd, Rowella
How Much: Wine Flights start at $10 per person.
Plan Your Visit: https://www.holmoakvineyards.com.au/cellar-door/
#7 | Bay of Fires Winery
As you cross the Batman Bridge towards the Pipers River region of the Tamar Valley Wine Route, you’re heading into a ‘sparkling region’. This area is famous for its sparkling wines, most of which are produced using the Méthode Traditionnelle (a.k.a. the original winemaking method used by the prestigious French champagne houses for hundreds of years).
The first cellar door you’ll come to is the Bay of Fires Winery. The experience here is unlike any other winery in Tasmania. Their winery tastings and tours must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Unfortunately, you can’t just show up for a tasting.
The tours at Bay of Fires winery are educational masterclasses run by the Cellar Door Manager himself. The tour was one of the most interesting and informative wine experiences I’ve ever had, and we got to taste each of the wines throughout the class. In my opinion, it is one of the best wineries in Tasmania, if not Australia!
Don’t be fooled by the name. While their vineyards are located all over Tasmania (including the Bay of Fires), the cellar door is actually located in the Pipers River region. Bay of Fires Winery is home to three different wine brands including Bay of Fires, Eddystone Point, and the prestigious and highly-awarded House of Arras.
Location: 40 Baxters Road, Pipers River
How Much: Winery Tours and Masterclasses range from $15 to $95 per person.
Plan Your Visit: https://www.bayoffireswines.com.au
#8 | Delamere Vineyards
Delamere is one of those quaint hidden vineyards in Tasmania that you don’t know about until someone recommends it. Well, here’s that recommendation. Located in one of the most beautiful little pockets near Launceston, this winery is a true gem.
Delamere is a small family-owned and run vineyard that is 100% grown, hand-picked, made, and bottled at their Pipers River Estate. The owners Fran and Shane are originally from Kalgoorlie and the Adelaide Hills and have worked in the Yarra Valley, Burgundy, and Oregon before settling in Tasmania.
Come and taste some wines over an intimate and informal chat with the Cellar Door Manager about the history of Delamere and its family journey.
Location: 4238 Bridport Road, Pipers Brook
How Much: Tasting Flights start at $15 including 4 pours. Wine tours from $65. By appointment only.
Recommended Tour: This Pipers Brook private wine tasting tour includes a visit to Delamere.
Plan Your Visit: https://www.delamerevineyards.com.au
#9 | Clover Hill Estate
Established over 30 years ago, Clover Hill is one of the most well-known sparkling wine labels on the Australian wine market. Having received many awards and accolades, Clover Hill is one of the few premium sparkling houses in Australia that solely produces sparkling wines using the French Méthode Traditionnelle.
Clover Hill Estate is one of the most iconic Tasmanian wineries you’ll come across and their Pipers River Cellar Door is a must-visit spot on the Tamar Valley Wine Route. A beautiful modern architecturally designed building overlooking the vineyard. They also offer an array of winery experiences including tastings, masterclasses, and private workshops.
Clover Hill Estate is also the main stage for one of Tasmania’s premier wine events – The Effervescence Tasmania, held annually in November.
Location: 60 Clover Hill Road, Lebrina
How Much: $10 for a tasting of 6 Clover Hill sparkling wines. Bookings essential.
Recommended Tour: This private wine tour includes tastings and a vineyard tour at Clover Hill Winery.
Plan Your Visit: https://cloverhillwines.com.au/
Tamar Valley Accommodation
With so many Tamar Valley and Launceston wineries to visit, why not make a weekend of it? Here is our pick of the best Launceston and Tamar Valley accommodation options from glamping to luxury hotels and cabins. All are located within 20 minutes drive from the Tamar Valley Wine Route:
- Peppers Silo Launceston
- Hotel Verge Launceston
- Domescapes in the Vines
- Tamar River Apartments
- Deviot Boat House
Other Things to Do in the Tamar Valley
If spending an entire day hopping around wineries is not your cup of tea, here are some other things to do around the Tamar Valley. You could combine a morning sightseeing activity with an afternoon of wine tasting.
- Explore the hiking trails, chair lift, and bridges at Cataract gorge
- Visit the Harvest Farmers Markets in Launceston (Saturday only)
- Frolic amongst the lavender at Bridestowe Lavender Farm
- Visit Low Head Lighthouse
- Have lunch at The Cormorant Café on the Pier
- Explore the Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre
- Pick your own berries at Hillwood Berry Farm
Looking to explore further afield? Check out some of Tasmania’s best spots to visit, such as the Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park, on this list of the most famous Landmarks in Australia!
Tamar Valley Wineries Wrap Up
The Tamar Valley is home to some of the best wineries in Tasmania and is a great place to visit on a Tasmania Road Trip or a romantic weekend getaway with your significant other. Looking for a place to stay? For a unique experience, try glamping in the Tamar Valley or stay at a design hotel in Launceston.
With over 30 wineries to choose from, we hope this guide to the Tamar Valley Wine Region has helped you to decide which Launceston wineries to visit first! To help plan your trip, be sure to check out what’s on by visiting the Discover Tasmania website.
If you’re planning to do a self-drive holiday in Tasmania (the best way to see this beautiful state), check out our 6 Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary.
Last, but not least… have a great time exploring the Tamar Valley vineyards!
Do you know any great Launceston wineries that we’ve missed? Let our readers know in the comments below.
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Planning a trip soon? Here’s a list of the websites we use for booking our trips:
- Skyscanner for the best flight deals
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- HomeAway for the best price on apartment and home rentals
- Rentalcars.com for quick and easy car rentals
- Luxury Escapes | Expedia for luxury package holiday deals and tours
- Get Your Guide | Klook | Viator for booking day tours and attraction tickets
- Tourradar for a wide selection of multi-day tours
- Safety Wing for the most comprehensive worldwide travel insurance
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About the Author:
Amanda Twine is the founder and creator of Bucket List Seekers – a luxury travel blog sharing informative travel guides, food guides, hotel reviews, itineraries, and tips about how to make luxury travel more affordable.
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