Tamar Valley Wine Route

The Tamar Valley Wine Route in Tasmania is one of Australia’s oldest and most well-loved wine regions. It’s home to a grand selection of wines, from the deepest of red to the most sparkling white and everything imaginable in between. Connecting the cellar doors of around 30 wineries, the picturesque route is at the pinnacle of picturesque escapes, elegant cool-climate wines and delicious fresh produce.

Beginning in Launceston in Northern Tasmania, the Tamar Valley Wine Route winds along the 65 kilometre Tamar River, right up to the Bass Strait. It includes the districts of Relbia, home to stunning mountain views and fertile farmland, and Pipers River, which hugs the rugged shoreline of the Bass Strait. The self-drive route was established in 1992, however the first vineyards in the region were reportedly planted in the early 1800s. The region is noted for its powerful pinot noirs and aromatic Rieslings. The number of awards given to wines and wineries in the region shows that the bottles produced are unquestionably first-class.

If you need a break from the grapes, pack a picnic and have an alfresco lunch at one of the many parks or lookouts along the route – but be sure to include some of the region’s exquisite cheeses in your basket. It is always worth a visit to Hillwood Strawberry Farm, an old favourite where visitors can handpick their own juicy strawberries. There’s tearooms, art galleries and nature walks galore, or alternatively you could take the option to head off the Tamar trail and explore some nearby towns: Beaconsfield has deep heritage in the gold mining industry in Tasmania, while Georgetown has hundred-year-old lighthouses and restored sailing ships to entertain the sailor within.

The route’s usual start point is in Launceston, where yellow and blue signs guide you out of the city and into the majestic countryside. Each interaction with the route is unique; some visitors spend a day jumping from winery to winery, while other like to take a couple of weeks to lazily drive along the route – it’s easy to create an itinerary to suit your needs. If you don’t have your own transport, there is everything from bus trips to limousines to get you around. The options for exploring the Tamar Valley are countless – prepare to be delighted as you savour the Tamar Valley Wine Route.