Tasmania is Australia's coolest wine island and the most misunderstood, because it is not one region. The vineyards are split across roughly 150 kilometres: the Tamar Valley in the north, the Coal River and Derwent near Hobart in the south, and the east coast between them.
The climate is marginal and getting more fashionable every year. Sparkling wine made by the traditional method is the island's strongest suit, along with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling with an acidity mainland Australia cannot match.
Pick an end rather than trying to do all of it. The Tamar Valley north of Launceston is the densest run of cellar doors; the south around Richmond suits a Hobart base. Allow a full day for either. Many are small family operations with limited hours, so check before driving.
