Few people today think of Hobart as one of Australia’s greatest wine centres, but we predict that will change in the coming year as more Australians discover the gems hidden right within our own borders. There are over a dozen wineries within 30 minutes’ drive of Hobart, and they are brewing up some exceptional wines and incredible tasting experiences.
Tasmania has long enjoyed a strong reputation for sparkling wines, and over the years, the island’s reputation has extended to encompass other varietals – most notably Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. But most of those accolades, until recently, have come from the Tamar and Pipers Brook regions in Tasmania’s North. But times are changing, and the regions right around Hobart (the Coal River and Derwent Valleys) in increasingly gobbling up its share of the awards.
We strongly encourage wine hunters to add this city to your shortlist! You won’t believe how easy and rewarding it is. In Part one of our two part story, we highlight 4 of the regions best!
When it comes to the singular quality of wines they produce, Stefano Lubiana is easily one of Tasmania’s top ten wineries. Mr. Lubiana pays extreme attention to every detail (including hiring only the most committed staff for his vineyard and winemaking operations), and the results shine brightly in his glorious wines. His 2018 Pinot that throws a little bit of everything you want in a Pinot at you in just the right balance will show you why TAS may be Australia’s top Pinot state, but don’t miss the jaw-dropping 2018 Syrah with its beautifully smooth notes of mocha and lavender.
Nearby Derwent Estate, with its commanding views over the River Derwent is a bright and jolly affair, but don’t let the jovial staff make you doubt Derwent’s commitment to producing fine wines. Their 2016 Calcaire Pinot Noir is a masterpiece – wickedly smooth and beguilingly complex. Really, a wicked, wicked wine that demands your full attention. But perhaps it was the 2019 Sauv Blanc that impressed us the most. When was the last time we loved a Sauv Blanc? Such an engaging drop and not what you’d expect in the best of ways.
Pressing Matters is a focused Riesling specialist, and considering Riesling is one of TAS’ signature varietals, you won’t want to miss the incredible variety of Riesling expressions on offer here. Pressing Matters is a small, family-run operation, which means you will get the most intimate wine experience possible, which really brings the nuance and finesse in their wines alive as you are trying them. Their 2017 R9 Riesling is a stunner with a perfectly balanced bouquet of flavours floating atop a focused line of acidity. And although (or perhaps excatly because) they only produce one Pinot Noir, it is not to be missed if Pinot is your thing.
Every Man & His Dog must be Tasmania’s cutest winery. It’s a tiny family-run affair centred right around Loretta and Andrew’s house, and every corner of the property seems to be in use for some part of the wine-making operation or another. As for Loretta and Andrew, they’re two of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and they will excitedly show you around, explaining things in great detail. Pinot Noir and Sauv Blanc are the focus varietals here, but gosh we just loved their vibrantly alive Cab Sauv that literally glows in your mouth. Oh, and we can’t end this post without mentioning poster-dog Archie! One of the cutesst (and these days most rotund) you’ll ever see.
Hopefully you can see, Hobart is the place to be for wine in 2021. Wineries like the ones above are #WhyWeLoveWine.
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