Less than half an hour from Hobart’s city centre lies the cool climate Coal River Valley wine region. Although the biggies are increasingly buying up vineyards here and across TAS (to hedge against global warming), the Coal River Valley experience remains intimate (and delicious). Most of the wineries with cellar doors are family-owned and run, and the tastings are generous (with usually a modest fee attached).
The Coal River Valley shines best with its Pinot Noir and a handful of white varieties including Riesling, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc (yes, we said Sauvignon Blanc! The Coal RIver is probably AUS’ only region where we regularly find SBs we enjoy!) The Pinots here are exquisite – finely balanced and jammed full of subtle complexity. As for the whites, the Coal River Valley can coax flavours out of the aforementioned varieties that you didn’t realise were possible.
When you visit, here are a few our favourites. They’ll give you a true flavour of the region’s awesome potential.
Truly a boutique winery. Coal Valley Vineyard offers some superb Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in a beautifully picturesque setting overlooking the gleaming river. The service is reliably geat, so all up, you’re pretty much guaranteed a good time here. And it’s only 15 minutes out of Hobart.
Riversdale Estate is clearly the region’s most opulent winery with its ornate interiors and mind-boggling views of the river and hills. Most importantly, they also offer up some great wines. Try the 2021 Centaurus Pinot Noir – this lethally serious drop will knock your socks off. A beautiful spot to enjoy such a drop
Family-owned and run Puddleduck Vineyard is clearly the region’s cutest (and always one of its busiest) affairs. It’s just such a fun and friendly place without any pretention. But don’t mistake that for carefree winemaking. Puddleduck crafts superb wines. Viz their shockingly expressive 2024 Fume Blanc or their rich, juicy, yum, yum, yum Rose.
Pooley Wines is probably the region’s most famous and acclaimed winery in recent years, and with good reason. The place crafts lethally serious Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. You’ll find several expressions of each available for tasting, so if you’re into Pinot and Chardy, this stop will be heaven for you.
A newer (but really long-term re-entrant) player in the region, Brinktop Vineyard is a true can’t miss. The story of the place, its idyllic setting in the hills, Todd’s passion & determination, the glorious wines … we absolutely loved it. Be sure to try the dark and brooding 2021 Blanc de Noir, the bright 2023 Killara Chardonnay, and the seductive 2024 Pinot Noir – all mindblowing!
Bright, cheerful regions like the Coal River Valley are #WhyWeLoveWine
